Happy Labor Day!

The end of summer is drawing near, and our thoughts turn to football games, falling leaves, crisp autumn nights, and the start of school.

But there's still plenty of time for summer fun with friends and family...splashing in the outdoor swimming pool, picnicking in the park, hiking or driving in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

History and Purpose of Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was originally created and promoted by the labor movement and dedicated to the achievements of American workers. It is a yearly national tribute to the contributions that workers of all kinds have made to our country.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, with a parade up Broadway. Twenty thousand workers marched in the parade, carrying banners that read "LABOR CREATES ALL WEALTH" and "EIGHT HOURS FOR WORK; EIGHT HOURS FOR REST; EIGHT HOURS FOR RECREATION". The parade was followed by picnics all around the city and fireworks that night.

The idea gradually spread around the country. Colorado adopted Labor Day as a state holiday in 1887, and in 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September a legal holiday.

Over the years, Labor Day has evolved from a purely labor union celebration into a more general "unofficial end of summer" festival.

Movies
A light hearted look at the world of work

Adam's Rib
Desk Set
His Girl Friday
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Nine to Five
Working Girl

Books
Finding the work you love

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2008: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
by Richard Nelson Bolles
The Three Boxes of Life and How to Get Out of Them: An Introduction to Life-Work Planning
by Richard Nelson Bolles
Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want
by Barbara Sher
I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It
by Barbara Sher and Barbara Smith
Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood
by Marsha Sinetar

I Hear America Singing
Walt Whitman

I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The woodcutter's song, the ploughboy's, on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission, or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day-at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.

Traditional Labor Day Recipe

Irish stew is a traditional alternative to a Labor Day picnic or barbeque. At picnics after the first Labor Day parade, Irish stew, homemade bread and apple pie were served.

County Cork Irish Stew
8 lamb chops
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Bouquet Garni*
1 pound potatoes (3 to 4 medium)
2 cups finely shredded cabbage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large leek, white part, well-rinsed and thinly sliced
12 small white onions
1 1/2 cups celery, diced
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
1. Season chops with salt and pepper. Heat oil in saucepan wide enough to hold all chops in a single layer. Brown on both sides. Spoon off fat and add enough water to cover chops. Bring to a boil and add the Bouquet Garni. Lower heat and simmer.
2. Meanwhile, peel potatoes and shape into bite sized rounds. Add potatoes, cabbage, chopped onion, well-rinsed leek, small white onions and celery to chops and liquid.
3. Simmer 20 minutes and then add peas. Add a little more water if needed
during cooking.
4. Simmer 10 minutes more or until potatoes are tender. Season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Serves 4

* Enclose 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon thyme and 1/2 teaspoon rosemary in cheesecloth, tied tightly.

Labor Day Events

A Taste of Colorado (Denver)
atasteofcolorado.com

Colorado Springs Balloon Classic (Colorado Springs)
balloonclassic.com

However you spend Labor Day, we hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

Dave & Rosemary

North Metro Denver Real Estate: Denver, Brighton, Thornton, Broomfield, Westminster, & Northglenn
Dave Babb, Broker, ABR, e-PRO, GRI
Keller Williams Preferred Realty
Direct: (303) 637-9370 Email: Dave@DaveBabb.com Website: http://www.DaveBabb.com