Posted on October 2, 2023October 13, 2023 by 3 — Leave a comment

Columbia, The Gem of the Ocean

“Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean” (originally “Columbia, the Land of the Brave”) is an American patriotic song which was popular in the U.S. during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Composed c. 1843, it was long used as an unofficial national anthem of the United States, in competition with other songs.

United States of America (1776-) Patriotic song Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean (1852)

Lyrics

O, Columbia! the gem of the ocean,
The home of the brave and the free,
The shrine if each patriot’s devotion,
A world offers homage to thee.
Thy mandates make heroes assemble
When Liberty’s form stands in view;
Thy banners make tyranny tremble

When borne by the Red, White and Blue!
When borne by the Red, White and Blue!
When borne by the Red, White and Blue!

Thy banners make tyranny tremble
When borne by the Red, White and Blue!
The wine cup, the wine cup bring hither,
And fill you it true to the brim!
May the wreaths they have won never wither,
Nor the star of their glory grow dim!
May the service united ne’er sever,

But they to their colors prove true!
The Army and Navy forever,
Three cheers for the red, white and blue,
Three cheers for the red, white and blue,
Three cheers for the red, white and blue,
The Army and Navy forever,
Three cheers for the red, white and blue.

Red, White, and Blue – Written by Thomas A Becket ~1750

Britannia, the pride of the ocean,
The home of the brave and the free,
The shrine of the patriot’s devotion,
No land can compare unto thee:
Thy mandates make heroes assemble,
With garlands of glory in view,
Thy banners make tyranny tremble,
When borne by the Red, White and Blue.

Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue,
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue,
Three cheers for the Army and Navy,
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue

When war spread its wide desolation,
And threaten’d our land to deform,
The ark, then of freedom’s foundation,
Britannia rode safe through the storm
With the garlands of vict’ry around her,
So nobly she bore her brave crew,
Her flag floating proudly before her,
The flag of the Red, White and Blue.

Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue,
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue,
Three cheers for the Army and Navy,
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue

Britannia, the pride of the ocean,
And so of a truth shall she be.
While true in her loyal devotion,
To all that is noble and free:
The fire that glows in her story,
Still burns in the hearts of her sons,
And her flag shall still lead her to glory,
When duty shall march with her guns.

Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue,
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue,
Three cheers for the Army and Navy,
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue

Posted on October 1, 2023October 1, 2023 by 3

Dishing Out the History of Dish Pan Hands

Introduction:

In the realm of idioms, some expressions evoke vivid images that perfectly capture the essence of everyday struggles. One such idiom is “dish pan hands,” which refers to hands that have become rough and dry due to prolonged exposure to water, soap, and cleaning detergents. In this blog post, we will explore the origin and usage of this idiom, along with some interesting tidbits centered around the number three. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s dive into the history of dish pan hands!

The Origin:

The term “dish pan hands” emerged during World War II when women had to spend countless hours doing household chores, including washing dishes by hand. This labor-intensive task, performed without the aid of protective gloves or advanced dishwashing products, often left their hands red, chapped, and rough to touch. The idiom quickly gained popularity and has since become synonymous with the toll that manual dishwashing can take on one’s hands.

Groupings of Three:

The Three Steps of Dish Washing: Wet, Scrub, Rinse
The process of hand dishwashing can be broken down into three essential steps: wetting the dishes, scrubbing them to remove grime, and rinsing them thoroughly. It’s no wonder that these repeated motions can lead to dish pan hands if performed regularly without proper care.
Three Culprits Leading to Dish Pan Hands: Water, Soap, Detergents
Water, soap, and detergents are the three primary culprits responsible for the development of dish pan hands. Continuous exposure to these elements contributes to the leaching of natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and ultimately, dish pan hands.
Three Ways to Combat Dish Pan Hands: Moisturize, Protect, Pamper
Fortunately, there are three proactive measures that can help alleviate or prevent dish pan hands. Regularly moisturizing the hands with a rich, nourishing lotion, using protective gloves while doing household chores, and treating the hands to indulgent pampering sessions with hydrating masks or hand creams can help rejuvenate the skin.

Madge with Palmolive — “Palmolive softens hands while you do dishes”

Conclusion:

“Dish pan hands” perfectly captures the physical toll that manual dishwashing can take on hands. The idiom’s origin during World War II reflects the arduous tasks women undertook during that time. While advancements in dishwashing technology have made our lives easier, the idiom still holds relevance today.

Remember, dish pan hands can be prevented by taking proactive steps like moisturizing, wearing protective gloves, and giving your hands the love and care they deserve. So, next time you’re at the sink, spare a thought for your hardworking hands and give them the pampering they need.

And that concludes our exploration into the history and significance of dish pan hands. Until next time, keep those hands moisturized and dish pan hands at bay!

The Book of Threes
Admin

[Partial Photo source: Palmolive detergent ad 1974]

Posted on August 21, 2023December 22, 2023 by 3

Bugs-Free Summer – Tricks To Keep The Mosquitos Away

Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash

Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some sun, but it can also be an annoying season with bugs buzzing around.
Mosquitoes are especially pesky, making outdoor activities unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst due to their ability to transmit disease.
Fortunately there are several tricks you can use to keep mosquitoes away this summer, so you can focus on having fun instead of swatting away pests.

Read on for our tips on how you can have a bug-free summer!

Identifying The Mosquitoes

The first step in keeping mosquitoes away is to identify the type of mosquito you’re dealing with. Mosquitoes vary greatly in size, color, and behavior. Some are bigger than others, while some have black and white stripes on their bodies or an orange-red hue. Some species are much more active during dusk and dawn while other mosquitoes are active during the day.

With so many species of mosquitoes, it can be hard to tell them apart. Knowing the type of mosquito you’re dealing with will help you decide how best to keep them away. For example, some species are attracted to certain types of plants while others prefer still water, so planting or removing these areas may help reduce numbers. Knowing the type of mosquito you’re dealing with can also help inform your choice of repellents.

Certain species prefer to bite certain animals (like humans or pets) so if you know which one is biting you, it may be wise to avoid that area when possible. Identifying the mosquitoes in your area will give you a better idea of how to keep them away.

Patio Covers

Utilizing patio covers for outdoor chairs serves as an effective strategy in mitigating mosquito presence in outdoor spaces. When chairs are left uncovered, they can accumulate water in their crevices and hollows, especially after rain or due to condensation, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. By covering your outdoor chairs with patio covers, you prevent water from pooling in these areas, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of mosquitoes breeding near your seating areas. Additionally, patio covers provide a physical barrier, deterring mosquitoes and other insects from settling on the furniture. This simple yet proactive measure helps maintain a more comfortable and mosquito-free outdoor environment, enhancing the enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces.

Keep Standing Water Away From Your Home

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so it’s important to do everything you can to eliminate standing water near your home. Look around for any still pools of water and be sure to empty them regularly. This includes bird baths, flower pots, children’s swimming pools, eaves troughs and other places where water may collect.

If you can’t empty the water, cover or fill it with rocks so mosquitoes can’t lay eggs in it. Make sure gutters and drains are free of debris and running properly so water doesn’t pool around your home. Check regularly for any signs of standing water on your property and get rid of them as soon as possible to keep mosquitoes away.

Use Citronella Candles And Insect Repellent Sprays

Citronella candles and insect repellent sprays are two of the most popular ways to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella candles can be placed around outdoor seating areas, decks, patios, and other spaces where mosquitoes may linger, creating a barrier that keeps them away. They work by releasing a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Insect repellent sprays can also be used to keep mosquitoes away.

These products often contain natural oils like lemon eucalyptus and citronella as active ingredients, which have been proven to repel mosquitoes. When using these products, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label for optimal protection. Furthermore, make sure to apply the repellent on all exposed areas of skin and reapply it as necessary.

By using citronella candles and insect repellent sprays, you can make your outdoor spaces mosquito-free and enjoy a bug-free summer!

Dress In Long-Sleeved Clothing

When it comes to keeping mosquitoes away, dressing in long-sleeved clothing is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting bitten. Loose-fitting clothing can provide considerable protection against mosquito bites as mosquitoes are unable to penetrate the fabric. Wearing light colors can also help as dark colors tend to attract mosquitoes more than light ones. You can also opt for clothing specifically designed to keep mosquitoes away.

These products are usually treated with insect-repelling chemicals or infused with essential oils that help repel them. This type of clothing is especially useful when spending time outdoors in mosquito-prone areas as it offers much better protection than regular fabric. So, if you’re looking for an effective way to keep mosquitoes away, dressing in long-sleeved clothing is a great option.

Not only will it give you peace of mind that you won’t get bitten, but it can also help you avoid pesky mosquito bites!

Install Window Screens To Keep Mosquitoes At Bay

Installing window screens is an effective way of keeping mosquitoes at bay. Window screens are made of a mesh material that prevents mosquitoes and other insects from entering your home. These screens can be placed on all windows, doors, and vents in your home to provide protection against pesky bugs.

They come in a variety of materials for different levels of protection, so you can choose a screen that best suits your needs. When installing window screens, make sure they are properly sealed on all sides so they don’t allow any gaps for mosquitoes to get through. Check the condition of the screens regularly and replace any damaged or worn-out ones as soon as possible.

By taking these precautions, you can keep the mosquitoes out and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting bitten. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your home mosquito-free, installing window screens is a great solution!

Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Planting mosquito-repelling plants is an effective and natural way to keep mosquitoes away. These plants contain essential oils and compounds that act as a natural pest repellent, providing protection against pesky bugs. Some of the most popular mosquito-repelling plants include lemon balm, lavender, marigolds, rosemary, and citronella grass.

These plants should be placed around the perimeter of your home and any outdoor living areas to create a barrier that will keep mosquitoes away. Being around these plants can also make your outdoor space smell nice, as most of them have pleasant fragrances. So, if you’re looking for an easy and natural way to protect yourself from mosquitoes, planting mosquito-repelling plants is a great option.

Not only will it provide much-needed protection against pesky bugs, but it can also add an element of beauty to your outdoor space!

Before You Start Getting Rid Of Mosquitoes

Overall, there are many effective ways to keep mosquitoes away and enjoy a bug-free summer. Whether you opt for commercial insect repellent sprays or choose natural solutions like planting mosquito-repelling plants, these strategies can help reduce your risk of getting bitten by pesky bugs. With the right precautions in place, you can make sure that you and your family stay safe from pesky mosquitoes without having to worry about them bothering you while outdoors!

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