My niece Kirsten (Huizenga) Caminiti celebrates her birthday every 5 June. This time she asked me to wear my woodland birds tie, to "represent my and Joseph’s love of birds and the soundscape they offer us—so much more interesting than it would be without that. We’ve been geeked out about having a few incessantly serenading Swainson’s Thrushes just a few yards from our home this year!"
The birds on my tie include a European waxwing, song thrush, bullfinch, European goldfinch and European robin.
As requested by (nephew) Nolan Huizenga and Aimee Moiso, the colors on my tie and shirt recall the wonderful celebration of their wedding ten years ago today! Nolan pastors Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY, and Aimee is the manager for Social Policy Witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA). I've known Nolan his whole life!
Closing out the month of May with a floral tie that I haven't worn since 2022. And I'm including a video of some baby tree swallows that just hatched in our Birdfy nest.
Wearing my red paisley tie today for Pentecost! It was a gift from a student at the end of the last class I taught at EKU, in December 2023. Today is special for our family -- we celebrate Soup Sunday on 24 May to honor the birthday of Beth's dad, Robert Wollenweber (1925-2016). We made cheesy corn chowder and Ben made loaded baked potato soup.
Today is the International Day for Biodiversity, created by the United Nations. My tie shows diverse animals amid rose window medallions. Our family recognizes biodiversity in part by sponsoring Bob, a vervet monkey living at the Primate Rescue Center near Nicholasville, KY. Today is special for Bob because it marks the 17th anniversary of his rescue from "pet" ownership and relocation to PRC.
I have no special occasion today, except to note that Rhode Island became the first state to outlaw slavery, on 18 May 1652. Beth recently joined a local knitting group called Slow Stitch, needlecrafting together on Monday afternoons. She knitted this tie for me in 2013. I've worn it mostly around Christmas but I think it's worth showing any time.
"Take Your Parents to the Playground Day" is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in May. I sent this information to my sons so they could inspire their kids to follow the idea. My tie shows children in all sorts of playground activities; it was given to me by my EKU comrade Dr. Richard Day, who celebrated his birthday yesterday.
The McDonald brothers opened their first restaurant on 15 May 1940, in San Bernardino, CA. It was originally a barbecue drive-in, then switched to hamburgers. My tie shows flags and McDonald's food.
Lewis and Clark started on their exploration of the "Louisiana Purchase" on 14 May 1804. My tie (from Mystic Seaport, CT) shows several compasses, and my large tie tack is a working compass! Although Lewis and Clark are usually pictured as pioneering into the great unknown West, they had several earlier maps and drawings to guide them.
In 1893 the Supreme Court rendered a judgment in a case involving tariffs on fruits and vegetables. The central issue was the classification of tomatoes, and on 10 May, the Court decided that the tomato counted as a vegetable, not a fruit! My tie celebrates Bob the Tomato, from Veggie Tales.
Vincent Van Gogh entered the hospital at Saint-Remy on 8 May 1889. This was during the last two years of his life, when he produced many of his most famous works. Four years ago Beth and I visited the fantastic event called Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, where you can walk right into and through wonderful displays of his paintings. I especially enjoyed sitting in the recreation of his famous Bedroom in Arles (wearing the tie!).
While working at Eastern Kentucky University, I served many years on the ADA Awareness & Accessibility Committee. One of our major duties was to help the administration identify and deal with all of the physical barriers for mobility around the campus. National Barrier Awareness Day, observed annually on May 7, aims to eliminate physical, social, and economic obstacles preventing people with disabilities from fully participating in society. My tie's design features the official tartan for EKU.
The first Wednesday in May is always the Great American Grump Out, or National Grump-Out Day. It means "no grumpiness for 24 hours"! If you missed celebrating this time, you can certainly use tomorrow. Remember, no complaints or frowns! I brightened the day for several people today(including my dentist and dental hygienist) with my smiley faces tie.
May the Fourth Be With You, on Star Wars Day! My tie shows the plan for the Millennium Falcon. It first appeared in Episode III, Revenge of the Sith, where it was named the Stellar Envoy. Following the end of the Clone Wars and the formation of the Galactic Empire, the Envoy was refurbished and passed between multiple owners until it ended up in Lando Calrissian's possession, where it was renamed the Millennium Falcon. Lando Calrissian lost it to Han Solo in payment of a gambling debt. In Episode IV, A New Hope, its awesome speed and maneuverability proved quintessential for the survival of the Republic. And further Falcon adventures are recorded in the later episodes.
On this date in 1830: First regular steam train passenger service in the U.S. starts in South Carolina, with U.S.-built locomotive “The Best Friend of Charleston." My tie shows steam locomotives, circa ??
