2013 Begins

Are you a reader? Are you a bibliophile?

Here are some trivia:

The oldest book is the RigVeda which pre-date 4000 BC. The collection of hymn and texts included a description of astronomical  occurrences which provides an approximate dating.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/

The second oldest surviving book is the Epic of Gilgamesh. Written in 2100 - 2000 BC in Mesopotamia, the current version dates from approximately 1600 BC. http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/

Project Gutenberg offers one of the largest collections of books on the internet. http://www.gutenberg.org/ 

 Bertrand, a book store located in Portugal, founded in 1732 is the oldest bookstore in the world. http://www.panoramio.com/photo/25180769

The largest Atlas in the world is on display in the British Library. It measures 5'10" x 3'5" and takes several people to lift it. The Klencke Atlas was made in 1660 by a Dutch mapmaker for the King of England, Charles II. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0K8FKZkSr4

Which books do you intend to read in 2013??

My Half Century Birthday

If you're a regular reader of When Kate Blogs, you know that this isn't much of a personal blog as it is a location for writing samples and tidbits of information that I think are interesting enough to share.

This December has been a bit different in that while traditions and history have been mentioned, I've included more about my personal life than usual, and I've wondered why?

I just celebrated fiftieth birthday this month. As a child, a 50th birthday didn't occur to me. As a teen, my lifestyle and bad choices did give very good odds on making 25, forget 50. But things profoundly changed for me in 1984.

The more days that pass, the more amazed I am that I'm still here. All things considered, I am beating some serious odds. But then aren't we all.

I'm grateful that you have taken some time to read When Kate Blogs. I do so appreciate the clicks and comments. Some comments have become conversations which have turned into long-distance friendships via the internet. I consider myself blessed.

If you like what you read here, and you'd like to connect, here's how:

https://www.facebook.com/kathleenomara

https://www.facebook.com/kathleenomarawrites

https://twitter.com/SolidHappiness

I'm looking forward to it. ;)

May you have an excellent 2013!

Porridge in the morning, M-M- Good!

Oatmeal in the morning isn’t just for athletes. We can get all the same benefits weight lifters and other exercise fanatics get from their morning bowl of porridge. Health benefits include a leveling of metabolism, lower blood cholesterol and a stabilizing of blood glucose levels.

Oats grow on an Oat plant, also called Avena sativa. The top three producers of Oat are Russia (5.1 metric tons), Canada (3.3 metric tons) and the US (1.7 metric tons). Oats grow in temperate climates and require less heat and thrive with more rain.
Oats grow inside the hull of the plant. The plant is processed and the oats are rolled or ground for human consumption, while horses and cattle will eat the entire plant. Truly oats are an eco-friendly life cycle with every part of the plant being useful.

Health Benefits

The beta-glucan in oats is responsible for reducing the risk of heart disease, especially if combined with a low-fat diet. The fiber of rolled oat keeps digestion moving while providing maximum energy from the complex carbohydrates. Oatmeal is also high in B vitamins which are important for energy and overall good health and especially important for non-meat eaters.

Traditional Cooking Methods

Scotland: Oats have been a staple in the Scottish diet for centuries. Often cooks will soak the oats with some salt overnight then in the morning cook over a low heat until the mixture thickens.

Switzerland: Oats are soaked in milk, honey & cinnamon overnight then in the morning, add fruit & nuts, serve cold.

Vermont: An American version via Scottish settlers of the 19th Century, oatmeal is soaked overnight with a pinch of salt and maple syrup. In the morning, the mixture is cooked with nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. This must be the best recipe because Vermont leads the US per capita for oatmeal consumption.

Clearly, oatmeal is a breakfast food of champions!

When Kate Blogs

When Kate Blogs was not my idea. I have friends to thank for pushing the issue to the point I've acquiesced.

So, welcome to what we all hope will be the first installment of entertaining reading and perhaps a little education or wisdom thrown into the mix for all to enjoy.