October 4, 2013: Blessing of the Animals, Kanelbullens Dag, Taco Day, Rutherford B. Hayes, Charlton Heston and That Thing You Do!

Today is Blessing of The Animals Day. This is a custom conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. If you’re at Walt Disney World, there is an awesome kennel where your pets can be boarded in style. We’ve visited the kennel out near lost and found where I look for my lost hat, and that’s another, and long, story.

Today is Kanelbullens Dag, Cinnamon Roll Day (in Sweden). Diabetes limits my intake of sweets (note: limits, not eliminates) but I still appreciate a fine pastry. The Writer’s Stop is our favorite stop for fine baked goods and desserts, right next to the Sci-Fi Dine-In at Hollywood Studios. Get a cinnamon roll or my preferred snack, the carrot cake cookie (a snack that we were still eating the next day on our last trip).

Today is National Taco Day. Enjoy some tacos, some tacos, not just one, I think you should eat at least three. A taco is what you want it to be, beef, chicken, fish, veggies, topped with whatever you like. Crunchy tacos, soft shell tacos, Doritos tacos, the varieties are endless. If you’re at Walt Disney World, there are several good taco places, The San Angel Inn and the Taco stand in Mexico and The Tortuga Tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean in The Magic Kingdom. Eat well, and often.

Now, The Tortuga Tavern

Rutherford B. Hayes, the nineteenth President of the United States was born on this date in 1822 in Delaware, Ohio. Hayes was a practicing attorney, politician and active soldier in the civil war. When Hayes became president he worked on post-war reconstruction and restoring the presidency to a much more authoritative position. Visit the Hall of Presidents; I normally don’t even need an excuse.

Charlton Heston, the narrator of Disney's 1997 animated feature Hercules, is born in Evanston, Illinois in 1924. He also co-starred in the 1990 Disney Channel film The Little Kidnappers and appeared as himself on the 1986 TV special Walt Disney World's 15th Anniversary Celebration. Look for Meg, Hercules’ girlfriend, especially around Halloween. Often she can be found in the Fantasmic show at Hollywood Studios.

One of my absolute favorite movies is That Thing You Do! Written by, directed by, and starring Tom Hanks. The bassist in the Wonders (the fictional band in the movie) disappears with a group of marines and visits… Disneyland. Hey, a man after my own heart. Let’s honor all rock bands everywhere with a ride on the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith (by the way, Steven Tyler’s daughter, Liv, stars in That Thing You Do!).

The Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado and Utah was established on this date in 1915. I know that this predates The Dino Institute, Dinoland U.S.A. and Chester and Hester but take some time and visit the digs and attractions at The Animal Kingdom.

Remember, your best excuse is always: waiting for your dreams to come true.