02/16/2026
Happy Presidents’ Day! 🇺🇸💙
George Washington; our fearless, steady, heavy drinking, loved to dance, married a widow, first president’s, birthday is the 22nd of February.
He also almost died near my hometown of Pittsburgh during the French and Indian War, and definitely almost died falling in our freezing Pittsburgh rivers later on. Hence Washington’s “Landing”….We love our history tied with him here.
Another incredible president, Lincoln; stalwart and idealistic and persevering, led us through our most difficult war, is the 12th of February.
Both incredible men that children still know the names of today.
So, today is President’s Day. A day of remembrance and looking back into history. A day of rest and reflection. A day of wonder and questions.
Today’s cooking really dove into what I had in the pantry that was really only available because I’m American, but became quick staples thought our history and into the world.
Potatoes are from the New World.
Salmon from our northern streams.
And spices for gingerbread , the items that oceans were crossed to find in the first place.
All of these become staples in our households quickly. Especially in Appalachia, where what you had becomes a way to show love and care. Even in simplicity and poverty.
So, I hope you read a line or two from a president you never heard before.
I hope you have warm food, simple but filling, on the table.
I hope you give thanks for the men, flawed and difficult, that have from its conception, moved and changed this country.
Happy President’s Day.
