Welcome to June 9th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the bird that still quacks us up and Summer’s best sweet tart duo.  

Donald Duck was first introduced to the world in 1931 in a book called The Adventures of Mickey Mouse. In the story, he and several other animals join Mickey and Minnie for a hoedown at a local barn. The story isn’t that significant, but something in the book is—it’s the first and only time that Donald ever wore pants. Plus, the pants and matching hat were green, so maybe that just means he hadn’t yet joined the Navy. That outfit didn’t make an appearance until his first film role in 1934. Today, we celebrate the crazy, foul-tempered little duck who plays second fiddle only to Mickey, Mr. Donald Fauntleroy Duck. Yes, that’s really his middle name. Happy National Donald Duck Day!

It will probably come as no surprise that rhubarb was initially produced as a medicine. The first recorded use dates back to 2700 BCE. Today we know that rhubarb is high in oleic acid, although the leaves are toxic and the stalks must be cooked before they can be eaten. It’s also a food that tastes much better when paired with sugar or sweet fruits. Strawberries to the rescue! This winning combination was first discovered in England and Germany, but we have gladly adopted its sweet, tart flavor here in the United States. On National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day, pucker up and celebrate a seasonal super star!  

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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