Christmas in July 2026

Christmas in July 2026

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

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Image: Christmas Notepad

Christmas in July 2026 by Gail K. Kachnycz on 16 July 2026

     Christmas in July has become a tradition with holiday themed parties and movies. The idea of planning for Christmas well ahead of December is a good one. I am not much of an online shopper, but with all the hype, I became aware that Amazon Prime Days occur in June and can offer some great prices. Many other types of sales, such as "Memorial Day" may extend through the entire month of May. Back to School bargains have already begun in July, and prices for summer items will be slashed soon. "Black Friday" deals will probably start November 1. By taking advantage of these offers, preparing for Christmas can be less expensive and less hectic than waiting until the holiday season arrives. For me, the priority is to allow Advent and Christmas to be more Christ-centered.

     Here is a link to a previous post to explain more about how to allow Christmas in July to make life easier for a busy care-giver. Before inserting the link, I read through the post and was actually surprised at all the helpful suggestions it contained. It is a great reminder and I will be using some of the tips & tricks since Christmas 2026 will be the first one with our new grandchild!

Christmas in July 7/24/24

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Work Ethic Scholarships Info

Work Ethic Scholarships Info

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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Image: mikeroweworks.org accessed 15 July 2026

Scholarship Information Time Sensitive 

     At first, it may not seem that scholarships for "hands on" type jobs relate to caregivers. A direct connection might not be apparent. However, those in a "Sandwich Generation" situation may be using funds to provide care for elderly parents and therefore not have the ability to provide financial aid to their children for career education. Chronic illness or disability often diminish income. Perhaps having a better paying job would allow for hiring assistant caregivers or pay for a time of respite care. 

     Mike Rowe, probably most famous for hosting the TV show "Dirty Jobs," has a foundation that is providing scholarships for learning skilled trades and other hands on jobs. The link to the website is inserted below. However, this opportunity is time sensitive and will close in October. Even if this information is not immediately helpful for you, please share it in your sphere of influence.

     As mentioned above, care giving and chronic illness do impact finances. Links to previous blog posts related to money are also inserted below.

Mike Rowe Works Foundation

Finances and Chronic Illness

Finances for Special Needs 4/9/25 

More on Money 4/23/25

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Royal Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Royal Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Thursday, July 9, 2026

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Image: Kate Middleton Watermelon Salad from Better Homes and Gardens online July 4, 2026

ROYAL RECIPE: Watermelon Salad

     We are in the midst of watermelon season. As a kid growing up, watermelon was consumed in half-moon slices with salt. Now, the crunchy melon lends itself to a cool salad that is both sweet and savory. The connection to a Royal is just a bonus. Here are the sections of the article in Better Homes and Gardens that give the recipe for this salad.

 

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HOT WEATHER SAFETY

HOT WEATHER SAFETY

Friday, July 3, 2026

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Image: Weather App 3 July 2026 for Philadelphia, PA USA

Hot Weather Safety by Gail K Kachnycz on 3 July 2026

     As Philadelphia anticipates celebration of 250 years of independence, FIFA knock-out round game, parades and Welcome America concerts, we are in the midst of a heat wave requiring a health warning. Locals expect this type of weather pretty consistently through July and August. We hibernate in air conditioned spaces and escape "down the shore" or "up the Poconos." 

     The elderly and those with chronic illness are more sensitive to hot weather. Older folks have a decreased sense of thirst, and less ability to concentrate urine, so dehydration is a concern. Some medications cause increased urine output, predisposing to dehydration. Some drugs cause increased sensitivity to the sun, intensifying the danger of sunburn.

     I recently received information from Community Support Connections, an organization in Waterloo, Canada, dedicated to improving the health of the elderly in that region. A link to McMaster University provided a video with 5 quick tips on beating the heat, as well as a short list of medications and how they impact the body's ability to keep cool.

McMaster University: Heat Harder with Age 20 May 2026

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National Cancer Survivor Month

National Cancer Survivor Month

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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Image: Cancer Ribbons from Kirbypines.com accessed 9 June 2026

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVOR MONTH

     The month of June salutes cancer survivors, so I wanted to post an acknowledgement before the month is over. Cancer overlaps with chronic illness in many ways. In the past, a diagnosis of cancer was a prompt to "get affairs in order." Now, fighting cancer can include surgeries and months of chemo or radiation. Although the drugs and radiation are much more refined and targeted than when they were first used for treatment, there is still a debilitating effect on the body, mind, and spirit. The person requires supports of all kinds: functional, emotional, social, spiritual. One who has been a caregiver may find roles reversed. This month we salute cancer survivors and those who have sustained them along the way, with supports both large and small.

     My mother was a cancer survivor. She was treated with radical surgery and radiation in 1964. From that time on, she said she considered every day a gift. She went on to raise the youngest three of five children as a single mom, achieve her Bachelor's degree in education, and teach kindergarten for 16 years. She was a passionate gardener and participated in activities to improve the beauty of the neighborhoods where she lived in her later years. She was an amazing example of courage and faith, and encouraged others to face life with a positive attitude. When she was called home to heaven at age 79, it was not due to cancer.

My mom, Helen, and me our last Christmas. Her smile radiates her inner joy.

     Here is a link to the post from 10 September 2025, which includes information about the AACR, the American Association for Cancer Research

September Spotlight 9/10/26

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Fathers Day Salute

Fathers Day Salute

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

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Image: Josh and Theo, like father/like son

Image: Mike and Josh

FATHERS DAY SALUTE by Gail K. Kachnycz on 16 June 2026

     Hello Everyone, just wanted to salute all the fathers. These men are so important in our lives. The research bears this out. I am inserting a link below to a previous post that gives more details on the positive effects of fathers who are supportive and involved in the lives of their children.

     I have also had requests for a picture of my grandson, Theo. Here he is in the "kangaroo" shirt with his dad, Josh. Just thought the matching hats was a nice touch! It also reminded of the picture of Josh zipped up in Mike's jacket, many years ago!

     HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all the dads out there!

Father's Day Tribute Post 2024 

National Fatherhood Initiative

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Back in Town; New Ideas

Back in Town; New Ideas

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

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Image: French Omelet by Gail K. Kachnycz 18 May 2026

BACK IN TOWN; NEW IDEAS

      Did you guess that I was in France? Yes, I had a real French omelet for a late lunch in Bayeux, France. This town in Normandie was our home base as we spent three days at the museums, monuments, cemeteries and beaches that were the location of the D-Day landings. If you ever have an opportunity to explore Normandie, I highly recommend that you spend time to honor those who spearheaded the campaign leading to victory for the Allies in World War II.

     Now that I have had a few days to adjust my internal clock, I am reviewing some of the ideas that developed during my time away. Some topics include how to approach end of life decisions and what it means to be a medical proxy. I will be discussing with my tech support, Julie, how to make a way for blog readers to send in questions or suggest topics. As soon as that option is in place, I will let you know. This blog has been active for over two and a half years, and I will begin to refer to archived posts so that newcomers can benefit from earlier topics and links to resources.

     Thanks again to the subscribers and readers who have encouraged me to continue in this endeavor. Thanks to the Lord for His blessing on this humble blog. 

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