Labor Day

Today is Labor day in the United States.  The first Monday in September is a day off of work (and school) to celebrate the efforts of the American Worker.  

This holiday symbolizes the end of summer.  It's one last chance to go swimming at the local pool before it closes for fall.*  

Many Americans will have a backyard barbecue and grill foods such as hamburgers and hot dogs.  They will also enjoy such foods as corn on the cob, potato salad, and baked beans.

But not everyone has the day off. The stores are all open and most are having big sales.  It's a great opportunity to buy some new clothes at a discounted price.  

Whether you are hard at work or enjoying a day off, I hope you have a happy Labor Day!

This has been Cassie Brenn for fastfoodEnglish.blogspot.com.

Language note
*Fall and autumn mean the same thing - the season between summer and winter.  Fall is used more often in the United States and autumn is preferred in England.  

George Washington

"Washington as a Farmer" by Junius Brutus Stearns, 1851

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This past Monday was a holiday in the United States called President's Day.  It is celebrated every year on the third Monday in February, close to George Washington's Birthday which is Feb. 22.  

Many of you know that GW was the first  President of the United States but did you know he was also a farmer? That's right, he was!  His farm was called Mount Vernon.   At MV, George Washington mainly grew wheat, the wheat was turned into flour and the flour was sold to people in the United States and Europe.  

In the picture you can see GW standing in one of his wheat fields.  What other things do you see in the picture?   Leave your comments and questions in the comments section below.

Thanks for listening.  This has been Cassie Brenn for fastfoodenglish.blogspot.com.