📫Buck Moon & Shooting Stars | Christmas In July | New 60-Mile State Trail | Camels In The NC Swamp📍

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Hello friends!

Happy Hump Day! You know, that magical Wednesday right smack in the middle of the workweek that deserves a little extra celebration. Why? Because we’ve made it over the hump — the toughest climb — and the weekend is finally in sight.

Picture the week like a big hill. Monday and Tuesday have us trudging uphill, full of to-dos, meetings, and early-morning coffee runs. But when Wednesday rolls around, it’s like reaching the summit. We’ve climbed the steep part, and now it’s all downhill from here — smooth sailing toward Friday, relaxation, and those sweet weekend plans.

So, today, give yourself a little high-five! Celebrate making it halfway through your week. Whether you need a fun break, a delicious snack, or just a moment to breathe, remember: you’re winning. The hardest part is behind you, and the weekend fun is just over the next few days.

Here’s to embracing Wednesday — our weekly victory lap, the great “hump” we all conquer. Keep going, keep smiling, and let’s make this week count!

Cheering you on,See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

📍 Be sure to check the “Amazon Coupons” daily. It changes every day!! 📍

🧨Check Out Our New 55 Plus Section!🧨

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

🎉 From Fashion to Gadgets – The Deals Are Always Changing! 🎉
Every day brings new savings, and we’re here to hook you up! Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, a last-minute gift, or just treating yourself (because why not?), we’ve got your back with fresh coupons and awesome deals — all through our link!

We hustle daily so you can save big for you and your family.
✨ Click. Shop. Save. Repeat. ✨

Let’s make shopping more fun and more affordable — together!

🕒 Deals change daily,

Please note that for some deals you mayneed to be an Amazon member.

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why don’t camels ever get tired on Wednesdays?

Because it’s Hump Day—they’re just over the hump and coasting downhill to the weekend!😄

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

While “Hump Day” is a popular term nationwide, North Carolina actually has a cool connection to the camel mascot famously tied to it! The Great Dismal Swamp in eastern NC was once home to wild camels brought over in the 1700s as part of early colonial experiments. Although they didn’t last long in the region, it’s a quirky piece of NC history that ties camels—and maybe even Hump Day—to the Tar Heel State!

So next time it’s Wednesday, remember: even North Carolina once had camels on the move!

🌭 Celebrate National Hot Dog Day on July 16 with Sizzling Deals

Get ready to fire up your appetite—National Hot Dog Day is just around the corner on Wednesday, July 16, 2025! It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to one of summer’s most iconic eats, and a few favorite spots in the Triangle are rolling out tasty deals to mark the occasion.

🌭Dog Haus (Wake Forest) Free gourmet “Haus Dog” for rewards‑app members, no purchase necessary thekrazycouponlady.com

🌭Sonic Drive-In is serving up the savings all month long with a trio of weekly hot dog specials. You can grab a $1 Corn Dog, a $2 All-American Dog, or a $3 Footlong Quarter Pound Coney—each deal available once per week and refreshing every Monday. Just remember, these offers are exclusively available through the Sonic app, so make sure to order there to cash in on the savings.

Whether you're a hot dog traditionalist or love to try something new, it's a great time to celebrate this fun food holiday with a bite (or two)!

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🐪 North Carolina Once Had Camels in the Swamp!

We all know Wednesday as Hump Day, thanks to our favorite desert-dwelling mascot—the camel. But here’s a fun and surprising twist: camels once actually roamed the wilds of North Carolina!

Back in the 1700s, a few curious colonial settlers decided to test the limits of animal endurance by bringing camels to the Great Dismal Swamp, a vast and soggy wilderness straddling the NC-Virginia border. Their big idea? See if these hardy creatures could be useful in North America’s toughest terrain.

Records are a bit murky—no one knows exactly how many camels came or who first brought them—but historical accounts suggest these early experiments didn’t last long. Turns out, camels don’t exactly thrive in steamy, bug-filled swamps. They either wandered off, died, or were quietly returned to more suitable pastures.

Though the camels disappeared, the story stuck around. And while we can’t say North Carolina is famous for its camels, this quirky chapter in our past makes Hump Day even more fun to celebrate!

So next Wednesday, when you need a little midweek motivation, just remember: even the camels tried to make it through North Carolina’s wilderness—humps and all!

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Violence Rising in Wake County Schools

Wake County Public Schools are facing a troubling rise in violence and safety threats in 2025.

So far this year, four firearms have been found on campuses, including a loaded gun in a student’s backpack at Enloe High. In 2024, 87 guns were recovered on North Carolina school grounds, with 75% traced back to students’ homes.

Lockdowns have occurred at several schools due to threats, and over 1,700 school threats were assessed last year. The district has responded with school-based threat-assessment teams, the Say Something anonymous tip app, and a new NC S.A.F.E. campaign promoting secure gun storage.

Additionally, restraint and seclusion incidents involving students jumped to 1,408 cases in the 2023–24 school year, mostly in elementary and special education settings.

While the district is boosting training and prevention efforts, the rise in violence highlights the urgent need for continued support from parents, communities, and school staff to keep students safe. Read More

Christmas in July

Waverly Place in Cary is bringing holiday cheer to the summer season with its festive Christmas in July celebration on Friday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features a visit from Tropical Santa, live island music by The Island Time Band, a pop-up market, a festive snow machine, and plenty of fun surprises from local shops. Hosted by 94.7 QDR, the event will also include games and giveaways, including a prize wheel for attendees. Located at 302 Colonades Way, Waverly Place invites the community to cool off and enjoy a little mid-year magic in true holiday style.

Gov. Josh Stein to Survey Chantal Flood Damage in Central NC

Governor Josh Stein will visit Mebane today to assess flood damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. The storm dumped up to 10 inches of rain across central North Carolina, triggering states of emergency in several counties, including Alamance, Orange, and Durham.

Flooding closed over 100 roads, including parts of I-40/85, and prompted dozens of water rescues. At least one death has been reported. Read More

New 60-Mile State Trail to Connect South Carolina Border to NC Foothills

A new 60-mile state trail is in the works, stretching from the South Carolina border to the foothills of Catawba County. Designed for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation, the trail will link communities and showcase the region’s natural beauty.

The project is part of North Carolina’s ongoing effort to expand its state trail system and promote outdoor tourism. Read More

Buck Moon and Shooting Stars to Dazzle NC Skies

Get ready, North Carolina! A full Buck Moon and two meteor showers will light up the night sky over the next few weeks.

🌕 Buck Moon – July 10

The Buck Moon will peak on Wednesday, July 10, reaching full brightness at 4:37 p.m., but it will be best viewed after sunset as it rises in the southeast.

🌠 Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower – July 29–30

This lesser-known shower peaks July 29–30, with up to 8 meteors per hour. With little moonlight, it’s a great chance to catch a few shooting stars before dawn.

🌠 Perseid Meteor Shower – August 12–13

One of the year’s best, the Perseids will peak August 12–13, bringing up to 75 meteors per hour under dark skies. It’s a must-see event for stargazers.

Best Viewing Tips:
Find a dark, open area away from city lights, lie back, and let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes. Early mornings just before dawn offer the clearest view.

Don't miss this cosmic show above North Carolina!

💖 A Small Town's Big Heart

In the small town of Apex, NC, one woman’s simple idea turned into a wave of kindness. When Lisa Hammond, a retired teacher, noticed more families visiting the local food pantry, she decided to stock a small “blessing box” in her front yard—filled with canned goods, hygiene items, and handwritten notes of encouragement.

What started as a personal act of goodwill quickly became a community movement. Neighbors began leaving their own items in the box. Local kids decorated it with painted flowers and quotes. One bakery started donating fresh bread weekly. Soon, the box had to be replaced with a larger cabinet to keep up with donations.

One mom who received help from the box later returned with a bag full of diapers and formula, saying, “This helped me through a rough patch. Now I want to help someone else.”

Lisa says she never expected it to grow so big. “Kindness is contagious,” she smiles. “Sometimes it just takes one person to start it.”

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

55 Plus is the New 40! - The New Silver Standard

Why Seniors Need Protein More Than Ever

As we age, our bodies need more protein—not less. After 50, we naturally lose muscle, which can lead to weakness, slower healing, and increased fall risk. Protein helps maintain strength, supports the immune system, and keeps us feeling full and energized.

Most adults 55+ need 65–85 grams of protein per day, spread evenly across meals. Aim for 20–30 grams per meal to help your body absorb and use it effectively.

🍽️ Best Sources

• Animal-based: Eggs, chicken, fish, Greek yogurt, milk, cheese

• Plant-based: Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, quinoa

• Boosters: Protein shakes, cottage cheese, fortified cereals

✅ Easy Tips

• Add a boiled egg or tuna to your lunch

• Swap cereal for Greek yogurt in the morning

• Stir nuts into oatmeal or smoothies

• Use milk instead of water in recipes

Bottom line: Protein helps seniors stay strong, recover faster, and enjoy life more fully. A little extra on your plate can make a big difference!

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🌳 Everyday Favorites (July 9–10)

• Pullen Park (Raleigh)

  • Historic park with carousel, train rides, paddle boats, playgrounds—great for all ages.

• Lake Crabtree County Park (Cary / Morrisville)

  • Offers playgrounds, nature trails, boat rentals, and accessible lakeside strolls.

• American Tobacco Trail

  • A scenic 6–11 mile paved/

📅 Wednesday, July 9

• Game On! at Moore Square (Raleigh)

  • 10 a.m. Free play zone with giant board games and toys. Ideal for families with kids.

• Moore Square Buskers Series

  • 11 a.m. Live street performances with musicians, magicians, and more. A great midweek pick-me-up!

• Play Moore! Family Fun

  • 11:30 a.m. Add-on activities, crafts, and interactive fun in the square.

• Family Storytime at North Regional Library

  • 9:30–10 a.m. Interactive reading session for preschool children and caregivers.

• Southern Striders Walks

  • Monthly walks tailored for older adults through scenic parks—check schedules for July.

📅 Thursday, July 10

• “Ask Again, Yes” Book Discussion

  • 10:30–11:30 a.m. A relaxed book chat for adults and seniors at Southeast Regional Library (Garner). Free.

• Knitting & Crochet Club

  • 6–8 p.m. Bring your yarn projects and chat with fellow crafters at Oberlin Regional Library (Raleigh).

• Senior-Friendly Activities via Wake County Senior Center

  • From arts and ceramics to group walks and games—multiple ongoing classes for ages 55+.

🧀 Celebrate National Mac & Cheese Day in Wake County with These Freebies & Deals!

Mark your calendars: National Mac & Cheese Day is Monday, July 14, 2025, and some local spots in Wake County are serving up hot deals and cheesy delights. Here's where you can snag free mac or big savings this year:

✅ Schlotzsky’s – Multiple Wake County Locations

Get a FREE small Mac & Cheese side with any BBQ menu item purchase from July 7–14.
👉 Must be a Rewards member. Participating locations only.

✅ Noodles & Company – Raleigh, Cary & Wake Forest

On July 15, Rewards members can enjoy 50% off any mac entrée with the purchase of a regular meal.
🎉 Bonus: Try their new Bulgogi Steak Mac launching July 2!

✅ Metro Diner – Raleigh

While not specific to the holiday, sign up for their e-club and receive 50% off your next entrée—perfect if you're ordering mac & cheese!

🧀 Local Tip: I Heart Mac & Cheese – Coming Soon to Raleigh

This gourmet fast-casual spot has offered free mac for a year during grand openings in other cities. Keep an eye on their North Raleigh location—they may offer a Mac Day deal when they open!

Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events happening today and this week!

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