Today we travel to Götaland, Sweden so we can cruise down the Göta Canal. It was constructed in the early 19th Century to create a 382 mile waterway connecting lakes and rivers. While it used to be used for shipping cargo, today it’s primarily a tourist and recreational attraction. For better pictures and more information, check out the official site.
Today in history:
- 1896 – The city of Miami, Florida was incorporated. (Wonder how long it took for the snowbirds to show up?)
- 1896 – Actress Barbara La Marr was born.
- 1898 – Actor Lawrence Gray was born.
- 1900 – Actress Catherine Dale Owen was born.
- 1901 – Entertainer Rudy Vallee was born.
- 1932 – U.S. President Herbert Hoover ordered the United States Army to forcibly evict the “Bonus Army” of World War I veterans gathered in Washington, D.C. (Shameful!)
TV tonight: baseball, Wipeout, Burn Notice and the season premiere of Ancient Aliens with a nod to the upcoming movie Cowboys and Aliens.
Reading: Finished up Cyclops and I’m back to my Trixie Belden marathon. I’m in the final stretch now. 
So did we have fun on our ski trip? Now we’re off to the beaches of Virginia! Specifically, to attend the annual roundup of wild ponies on Assateague Island. When I was growing up, Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry was one of my favorite books. Also its sequel Stormy, Misty’s Foal. And in case you didn’t know it, the story about Misty was a true story. The Beebe Ranch is now a museum.
Today in history:
- 1921 – Researchers at the University of Toronto led by biochemist Frederick Banting proved that the hormone insulin regulates blood sugar. (For which I an eternally grateful!)
- 1940 – The animated short A Wild Hare was released, introducing the character of Bugs Bunny.
Tonight we have new episodes of Deadliest Warrior and Legend Quest.
Reading: Still reading Cyclops by Clive Cussler. His books are long.
Since it’s so hot this summer, let’s head to the Southern Hemisphere where it’s winter! Today we’ll hit the slopes of Portillo, Chile. Construction on the ski resort at Portillo began in the 1940s and it opened in 1949. There are three luxurious lodges where we can stay.
Today in history:
- 1895 – Actress/comedian Gracie Allen was born. She was married to the legendary George Burns. I used to watch reruns of their TV series and would frequently laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe. Can’t say that about current sitcoms.
- 1909 – Actress Vivian Vance was born. She’s best known as Lucy Ricardo’s best friend and cohort Ethel Mertz on I Love Lucy.
- 1951 – Walt Disney’s 13th animated film, Alice in Wonderland, premiered in London, United Kingdom.
Tonight we have new episodes of Memphis Beat and White Collar.
Reading: Still reading Cyclops.
