Considering new traditions

Plus, celebrating Independence Day and Canada Day while avoiding poison ivy [From The Old Farmer's Almanac]( [Almanac] Thank you, Obert Johnson in northeast Iowa, for [this week’s photo](! There are lots of ways to measure time. Of course, there’s the obvious passing of seconds and minutes, but there’s also noticing the length of our days. There are other, less immediately tangible ways, too: the weather outside; our growing gardens; our growing children. We also measure time by important events: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. This Saturday is one of these annual milestones. If Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, then Independence Day is the year’s midpoint, when so many people are reveling in the heat of summer, enjoying time barbecuing, hanging out with family and friends, and marveling at fireworks under a starlit sky. While our responsibility to keep ourselves and each other healthy and safe will likely make this year’s festivities look a bit different, this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make time to celebrate. In fact, now is the perfect time to rethink and stretch yourself beyond how things have always been done. Who knows? You might find yourself looking forward to spending time with the new traditions that you form along the way. No matter how you choose to spend the Fourth of July, we encourage you to include one of these [delicious Independence Day–inspired recipes](. From [Star-Spangled Chicken With Fireworks Salsa]( to [Chocolate Sandwich Cookies With Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles](, they all taste like the best of summer. This is also a great time to learn more about [Independence Day](. For example, did you know that the Declaration of Independence was not actually signed on July 4? As our Canadian friends know, [Canada Day]( is July 1. Read all about this holiday’s origins with lots of trivia and more than a few traditional recipes, including [Maple Walnut Layer Cake]( and [Canadian Butter Tart Squares](. Finally, spending time out in the sun is always a good way to celebrate any summer holiday. While outdoors, take care to [avoid poison ivy](. If you accidentally come in contact with it, follow these [tips for relief](. Also, be sure to [keep it out of your own yard and garden](! As sure as the Sun will rise and set each day, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is here for you, now and always. Your Friends from The Old Farmer’s Almanac “You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once. But don’t ever underestimate the importance that you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” –Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, lawyer, author FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM [@THEOLDFARMERSALMANAC]( [Independence Day]( Q. Why is the name “John Hancock” synonymous with “your signature”? A. Hancock’s bold signature on the Declaration of Independence dwarfed the signatures of the other signers. Legend says that Hancock wanted the king of England to see the rebellious signature without having to wear his spectacles! For more Fourth of July trivia, visit [Almanac.com/independence-day]( WHAT WE'RE DOING THIS WEEK [Planning a Picnic for the Fourth]( [PLANNING A PICNIC FOR THE FOURTH]( [Celebrating Canada Day]( [CELEBRATING CANADA DAY]( [Learning About Independence Day]( [LEARNING ABOUT INDEPENDENCE DAY]( [Keeping Poison Ivy Out of the Garden]( [KEEPING POISIN IVY OUT OF THE GARDEN]( [Almanacs]( [Calendars]( [Digital]( [Cooking]( [Garden]( [Home Goods]( [Weather]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [YouTube]( [Visit Almanac.com]( [Shop Our Store]( The Old Farmer's Almanac P.O. Box 520 1121 Main Street Dublin, NH 03444 You are receiving this e-mail message because you subscribed at our Web site: [Almanac.com]( If you do not wish to receive our regular e-mail newsletter in the future, please [click here to unsubscribe]( *Please do not reply to this e-mail* To report corrections or inquire about your account, products, editorial, technical issues, [visit our Help Page]( © 2020 Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. [View in Browser](