History of Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold." But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, l883. In l884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in l885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 2l, l887. During the year four more states -- Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York -- created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday -- a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.

Whatever way you choose to celebrate Labor day may you be safe and have fun with your family and friends.

It's a story no one on earth could have made up. Four young men experiment with internal combustion in a tiny wooden shed. Not only does the shed not burn down, but the motorcycle they build goes on to serve for 100,000 miles, under five owneres. And that is just the beginning.

Thousands of riders will converge on Milwaukee this weekend to join in the celebration. A celebration of quality, reputation, history and corporate success. Truly an american product.

Riders run the gamut from "Hell's Angels" to entertainers, to CEOs of major industries.

Happy birthday Harley, may the roar of the rolling thunder continue for many years to come.

When did people stop looking both ways before they cross the street?

People seem to just step off the curb and cross. Forget crosswalks people think they are invincible, they just cross the street where they are.

Try driving through a Super Walmart parking lot and you will find yourself in an obstacle course. People walking without caution. They don't expect you to just stop at the numerous stop signs, they expect that you see the stop signs that are invisibly tataooed on their persons or embroidered on their clothes.

Please look before you step. The next person who drives in your path may be too busy talking on their cell phone, while settling the kids fight in the backseat, as they drink their big gulp and change the radio station to see you.

The life you save, may be your own.

Omigosh, the sticky love bugs have returned. I was out on my walk today and despite the clouds, I had to keep my sunglasses on to keep the bugs from dive bombing me in the face.

By the time I got back to the car, I discovered that my socks, my tank top and even my nylon track shorts had bugs hitch hiking on them.

Life offers surprises - they can even be found during a simple daily walk.

Good thing I remembered to take my sense of humor with me (smile).

May your life be filled with love minus the bugs!

I think each of us have known people who have experienced a near death experience and survived. Maybe a car accident where in looking at the car afterwards totally destroyed it is hard to imagine that anyone survived much less without a scratch. Or people who have had operations that have saved their lives despite the odds. Even people who were diagnosed with terminal diseases and miraculously there was no longer a trace.

A friend shared such a story with me this morning. He was traveling from Toronto to Lisbon on Air Transat flight 236, September 4, 2001. The details of the flight are frightening, http://www.cbc.ca/national/news/airtransat/
yet all survived. A miracle, a true miracle and Dan and his family, forever changed by the experience, now celebrate this anniversary. A reminder that each day is precious. Each day is a new day for celebration.

May you celebrate each day of you life and never have to wait for a life threatening experience to appreciate the miracle you are. As they say, this is not a dress rehearsal live your life.

Be Happy!

I have discovered a wonderful soap, Lever 2000 with aloe vera. Whether a bar soap or liquid it gets super sudsy, rinses clean and makes your skin feel refreshed and smell wonderful.

Do you wake up saying, "Good God its morning." Or do you say, "Good morning God."

There is never a day in my life that I don't experience the presence of God. Any accomplishments, concerns, accumulations diminish in importance.

It is freeing, when you keep in perspective that in the large scheme of things you are as tiny as a grain of sand on the beach I walk and yet you have the power to make such a difference in lives. More often than not you don't even know you are making a difference. You can change a mood with your smile or a kind word. You can help someone as simply as holding a door open, etc. etc.

Have a mind that is open to everything. Dwell on possibilities. Don't become attached to what has been. Remember the impossible is just something that hasn't happened yet.

Listen and be curious. Release your attachment to needing to be right.

True love is loving a person for what they are, not for what you think they should be. The same is true in life....don't make your happiness attached to any thing, any place or outcome. Choose to be happy this very moment. The feeling is contagious.

"Good morning God." (smile)

Yes, wonderfully, not to be taken for granted....a new day has arrived. Wow, a brand new opportunity.

I hope you have a fantastic time creating yours. Dare to try something new.

Notice everyday things that normally don't register on your radar. Feel your breathing - our bodies are amazing machines. Savor tastes and smells.

You don't need to pack a bag or go on vacation to relish the wonders of today. Enjoy.

I was frustrated this morning because I realized I have slipped back into some old habits.

Old habits - whether they are good or bad become familiar behaviors, comfortable.

Duh! It hit me, of course my old habits returned. When you eliminate a habit there is a void. Unless you fill that void you will return to the familiar behavior.

I have realized I need to fill the void with a new habit, hopefully a more productive habit. A new habit is a behavior that is performed repeatedly. You can't do it once or twice it, takes about 2 weeks of consistent action for a new habit to be formed.

Rather than slip back any further into my old and less than terrific habits, today I shall begin "replacement therapy."

I am a work in progress. I want to be the best me I can be (smile). Enjoy your day. Good luck with your own "replacement therapy."

How Do I Love Thee?

My love is like the sun.
Feel its warmth.
Let its radiance envelop you while its by-product develops beyond us two.
My deepest passions exposed to the light for all to see.
Every ray of hope is meant for thee.
My thoughts and intentions are always sublime.
My love for you will never cease to shine.
So whenever you see the sun rise or set you must never forget:
My love is like the sun.
Written by Patrick Johnson Doktorpj@aol.com

Take the first step. Visit www.MeadowSuite.com. This is where you will be able to order my brother-in-law's image provoking, stress releasing CD entitled "One."

Never before has something that was created with the help of a computer, resulted in anything that so simply quiets the mind and eases the tensions of our hectic lives.

You are worth it! Whether you listen to it while you are doing yoga or pilates, sitting in a warm tub of bubbles or as you go through the chaos of your day.

You have rushed to pick up the children at school - play it and soothe your nerves while you wait for them to come out.

You are on a flight for business or pleasure and your nerves are running rampid - slip on your headset and listen to "One" as your heart stops racing and you relax.

Hiking, working in the garden, setting a romantic mood - the title is "One" but the uses are many.

Enjoy.

Tonight I am working the American Idol Concert starring Rueben and Clay. It should be a less rowdy crowd than the last concert where I was a host.

Music certainly comes in all styles and tastes.

My brother-in-law, Lamont, creates beautiful, image inducing music utilizing a keyboard and computer.

For those of you who may have watched the movie, "Swimming Pool", the music used in the intro and credits mirrors the sounds Lamont has created. Thank goodness for the music in this flick it was the only redeeming moments.

No matter how it may be created. Whether it be discovered in a church choir, reality show or developed in some new technical fashion, may music always fill the air. A flavor for each taste.

When I awoke this morning, there were no sounds of rumbling, no flashes of light.

I opened the blinds and there it was...sunshine.

The sun rising over the Bay, sending beautiful colors out over the sky.

It is a beautiful day and I am eager to recharge my solar batteries. If the storms stay away, I hope to watch the sunset tonight over the Gulf.

It is a blessing to live in a wonderful location where I have the opportunity to view both sunrises and sunsets, god's masterpieces.

Wishing all that take the time to read my Blog - a day filled with happy surprises.

Monday and it is raining again or is it still?!?

Fortunately, my home is safe from the flooding but sink holes and over flowing river banks and retaining ponds are causing havoc for many. Several areas in neighboring counties have been told to evacuate.

Even though my solar batteries are running low, this is a day to count my blessings that I am safe and so are my belongings.

It would be wonderful if you could teleport yourself to be with the people you love. You could share their adventures, their good times and be supportive in bad times.

I miss the people I love. Most live far away.

This weekend I was treated to that special feeling - that next best thing to being there.

My dear friend had invited me to a festival in Wheeling. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons I couldn't take advantage of this wonderful invitation.

Today as he was driving from Cleveland to Wheeling, West Virginia he called and said I was missed. Me - I was missed. He was enroute to a fun day and he thought of me and called. It made me smile. Later I discovered a voicemail message that had been left while I was busy doing errands. It was my friend. He left me a message with the music from the festival playing in the background, it was the next best thing to being there.

This weekend I also got an e-mail from my brother saying his son Josh was in town and they were enjoying each other. My sister Wendy wrote and told me what was happening in her world. I enjoyed hearing that she went to see "Kiss Me Kate" with her daughters, it was the next best thing to being there.

Sometimes my sons share what they are doing in their hectic worlds. Sometimes friends share what is happening in there life. Whether it is great news that they have a wonderful job opportunity, whether it is fun news about where they ate, what movie they saw or what they did on vacation it makes me feel special and happy. If they share private information about a struggle or fear or information that is confidential, it is a sublime compliment of trust.

Time is the most precious resource any of us has. When someone takes the time to share what is happening in their world I treasure it.

It is a special gift. It is the next best thing to being there.

Are you happy?

Can you name 5 situations that make you laugh?

Do you laugh often?

When was the last time you laughed?

If it is true that laughter is the best medicine, I prescribe a dose of laughter and a happy heart for everyone.

Sink holes, flooding, torrential rains, and severe storm warnings with dangerous lightning are the news of the day.

It is rare to have it rain all day and night here in St. Petersburg. Summer is usually synonymous with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

Fortunately, I didn't have to go out and brave the risky conditions. It has been a relaxing day taking care of some "have tos," watching videos and now rooting for the Bucs as they play the Dolphins in preseason.

Unfortunately, I have no voice.

It fled last night while I was hosting at a concert featuring "Fifty Cent."

Lots of graphic violence and sex on the large screens, lyrics that require the use of obscenities in every line and verse. Needless to say the audience (not a very good descriptive word of what this unruly crowd was) became wild and violent. Sex was happening everywhere, fights were very violent. Tampa General made a record number of ambulance runs. Extra emergency staff had to be called in.

Long night, lots of incident reports to write up 4 suites totally trashed by these “responsible guests” – telephone ripped off the walls, cigarettes put out in the carpet, holes punched in walls, blood on walls, trash tipped over, broken glass and smashed furniture. I am glad all I lost was my voice from yelling over the “music.”

Sometimes when you are in perpetual motion, when you are solar powered, it is nice to have a rainy day to slow you down. A "quiet" rainy day (smile).

In an effort to eat healthier I am exploring preparing some food that I am not very acquainted with in a little bit of a quirky way.

I found a recipe for Zany Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a magazine and decided to give them a try.

The zany ingredient was zucchini.

I confess I have never purchased a zucchini and have only eaten it when being polite at a friends home. It was definitely as small a portion as I could get away with as the texture wasn't enjoyable.

There I was standing in the produce section, recipe in hand, trying to figure out which was a zucchini and how do you know if it is ripe or good to eat?

Thank goodness for labeling (smile). Now that I found them, how would I know how many to buy to get 2 cups grated? I called a friend. Two would be good and I was advised to get firm ones, not hard and to find 2 that are about medium in size when I looked at the ones to choose from.

The recipe follows:
1/4 cup (4tbs) butter, softened
1/2 cup each brown and granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. each baking soda and salt
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups grated zucchini
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup raisins


Heat oven to 350 degrees. beat first 3 ingredients together until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; beat 1 min. Add next 4 ingredients; beat 1 min. more. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop dough rounds onto greased cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes.

I used to know when my cookies were done because the smoke alarm went off. Last Thanksgiving I discovered unbleached parchment paper. Lining the cookie sheet keeps them for burning. It works terrific and makes cleaning, easy. The only caution is that you need to keep the oven temperature under 400 degrees.

As for taste, "zany." I like them. They certainly won't replace the traditional oatmeal cookies or the ones that include chunks of chocolate but they are good - you don't have to coax anyone to eat them by telling them they are nutritious.

It is one more example of how sometimes the most unusual combinations can make a wonderful blend.

5. Your Mom asks you to send a JPEG of your baby for her screen saver.

4. You consider second-day delivery for any online purchase too slow.

3. Your kids fire up the computer when you tell them to look up something in the encyclopedia.

2. You can't remember what cash looks like.

1. You tilt your head sideways to smile. : )

From FIRST Magazine 7/21/03

School started here yesterday, August 5th. As I drove slowly through the school zones I thought about how much things had changed since I was going to school.

Labor Day signaled the end of summer and school started the Tuesday after Labor Day.

We were excited about wearing our new clothes, seeing our new classroom, meeting our new teacher and classmates.

Now even many of our public schools require students to wear uniforms and dress alike.

For a wide variety of reasons, more and more students are being home schooled.

Students are rolling backpacks and have laptops while we had pencils, 3 ring binders and books.

I am a member of that community that says, "I remember when..." I guess I will take advantage of my senior discount and enjoy a movie (smile).

Of course as always, I seem to be a contradiction because my movie of choice is...."American Wedding." I will happily join a crowd younger than me and laugh at the unorthadox silliness."

Enjoy your day. May you remember how things were back in the day while you embrace the fun activities and beauty that you can choose from today.

You have to appreciate what you've got, while you've still got it.

Pretend for a moment, you can hear what other people are thinking. You can feel what they are feeling.

What if whenever you spoke about someone when they weren't there, they could hear and know everything.

Would you say and act the same way? Or do you think you might behave differently?

Would you change?

The first Monday of August has arrived with a beautiful sunrise here in St. Petersburg. The day is filled with possibilities.

May you have a most excellent day.

Curious, searching...

A pregame victory for the Bucs

I am not one to say, "I love you" casually. I am not very comfortable talking about feelings and emotions.

Today I was asked how I would define Love. I have been thinking about it. There are so many flavors of love. There is the love you feel for your family, your friends, the love you feel for certain tastes, places, even experiences.

There is that rare, treasured love between two people who are each more and better because of the other, they are more complete. A love that is eternal, forever after.

I know that love can't be planned or scheduled. It can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Love isn't always reciprocated. Love is a blessing to be cherished and handled responsibly.

I imagine there are as many different definitions as there are people and circumstances.

Although I can't put a definition into words I know that love is not a noun. Loving and caring is about doing, enjoying, giving, sharing, communicating, trusting - all verbs.

I guess for ME, love is actions. Love is a verb.

At its best you feel passion, ecstasy and happiness almost a euphoria. At its worst your heart hurts.

Whether the best or the worst or somewhere in between, I believe love is extraordinary.

The opposite of love isn't hate it is apathy. Life without love would be merely existing.

I hope everyone enjoys some delicious, precious flavor of the indefinable delicacy love.

The day arrives: Forrest Gump dies and goes to heaven. He is met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter himself. The gates are closed, however, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.

St. Peter says, "Well Forrest, it's certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must inform you that the place is filling up fast, and we've been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The tests are fairly short, but you need to pass before you can get into Heaven."

Forrest responds, "It shore is good to be here St. Peter. I was looking forward to this. Nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. Sure hope the test ain't too hard; life was a big enough test as it was."


St. Peter goes on, "Yes, I know Forrest but the test I have for you is only three questions. Here is the first: What days of the week begin with the letter T? Second: How many seconds are there in a year? Third: What is God's first name?"

Forrest goes away to think the questions over.

He returns the next day and goes up to St. Peter to try to answer the exam questions. St. Peter waves him up and says, "Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers."


Forrest says, "Well, the first one how many days of the week begin with the letter "T"? "Shucks, that one's easy. That'd be Today and Tomorrow."

The Saint's eyes open wide and he exclaims, "Forrest! That's not what I was thinking, but ..... you do have a point though, and I guess I didn't specify, so I will give you credit for that answer." "How about
the next one?" asks St. Peter. "How many seconds in a year?"

"Now that one's harder," says Forrest, "but I thunk and thunk about that and I guess the only answer can be twelve."

Astounded St. Peter says, "Twelve! Twelve! Forrest! How in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?"

Forest says, "Shucks, there's gotta be twelve: January second, February second, March second, April second, May second ....."

"Hold it," interrupts St. Peter, "I see where you're going with this. And I guess I see your point, though that wasn't quite what I had in mind, but I'll give you credit for that one too. Let's go on with the
next and final question. Can you tell me God's first name?"

Without hesitation Forrest replied, "Andy."

"OK, OK," said a frustrated St. Peter, "I guess I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you came up with the name 'Andy' as the first name of God?"

"That was the easiest one of all," Forrest replied. "I learned it from the hymn ..... "ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN....."

Even when you are certain you know the answer, remember there may be another one you never considered. Keep an open mind.