Find Your Inner Nerd Day

 

🧠 Find Your Inner Nerd Day

As I browsed the list of holidays and historical moments tied to August 23, I’ll admit—I felt a bit deflated. The lineup was heavy:

  • A Day of Remembrance for the Abolition of the Slave Trade
  • Remembrance for the Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
  • Slavery Reembrace Day

And then there was poor William Wallace, executed in 1305 in a way so brutal it makes medieval horror look tame: hung (but cut down alive), emasculated, eviscerated, and finally drawn and quartered. Yikes. I think I need a new calendar.

It’s not that we shouldn’t honor these moments—they matter deeply. But here at Around Dusty Roads, I like to keep things light, curious, and a little whimsical. So when I stumbled across a more cheerful observance, I knew I’d found my muse: Find Your Inner Nerd Day!

14,700+ Nerd Boy Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...

Nerd Boy- Stock photo


šŸŽ‰ Your Inner Nerd

We all have one. And these days? Nerds are having a moment. From science documentaries to UFO deep-dives, geek culture is thriving. What we used to hide—our comic book collections, sci-fi obsessions, and trivia superpowers—we now celebrate.

Not sure what a nerd is? Just take a moment to watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory. It’s all about Nerds.

Big Bang Theory' Cast: Now and Then | Entertainment Tonight

Cast of Big Bang Theory- Stock Photo

 

So what’s Find Your Inner Nerd Day really about? It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself and embrace whatever lights you up inside. Whether it’s video games, vintage tech, fantasy novels, or obscure historical facts, today is your day to revel in it.


šŸš€ My Nerdy Confession

Am I a nerd? Absolutely.

If that makes me a nerd, so be it. My inner nerd gets its fix every week—okay, maybe every day.


šŸ’¬ What About You?

What do you do for your inner nerd? Do you collect crystals, decode alien theories, binge anime, or build elaborate LEGO cities? Whatever it is, today’s the day to let it shine.

May include: A wooden box filled with a variety of tumbled and polished stones, including rose quartz, amethyst, clear quartz, tiger's eye, green aventurine, and more. The stones are arranged in a decorative pattern and are surrounded by straw-like material.

Crystal collection- Stock Photo

So go ahead—nerd out. Loudly. Proudly. And with joy.


 

 

Eat a Peach Day

šŸ‘ Eat a Peach Day

Food is always a welcome topic—after all, who doesn’t love to eat? Right now, my local grocery store is bursting with golden displays of fresh peaches, practically glowing under the summer lights. So I thought: why not celebrate this sweet, sun-kissed fruit?

1,401 Supermarket Peaches Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free ...

 

😬 Peach Fuzz

Fresh peaches aren’t my favorite—not because they lack flavor (they’re absolutely delicious), but because of the fuzz. Yes, peach fuzz is real, and it makes my teeth squeak. Or at least, I think it does. I just can’t stand the texture. If I’m willing to peel them, I enjoy them just fine. I also like canned peaches, though they’re often swimming in heavy syrup, which isn’t ideal.

šŸŒ Peach Factoids

Peaches grow in many states, including California and Pennsylvania, but in the U.S., they’re most famously associated with the South. Georgia even features a peach on its license plate—because who hasn’t heard of the iconic Georgia Peach?

šŸ½ļø Peaches in Cooking

Here are a few peachy recipes that bring out the best in this summer fruit:

  1. • Peach Crumble – A cozy blend of cinnamon and brown sugar adds warm, molasses-like depth.
  2. Ā Peach Margarita – Peach schnapps and puree layer the flavor while keeping the cocktail bold.
  3. Ā Ginger Peach Jam – Preserve summer in a jar. This jam lasts well into winter, offering spoonfuls of sunshine
  4. Ā Peach Dump Cake – Just three ingredients. Minimal effort, maximum flavor. Win/win.
  5. • Easy Peach Cobbler – Juicy, sweet, and kissed with a hint of ginger spice.

Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler

High angle, looking at a bowl full of southern peach cobbler.

 

There are countless Cobbler recipes out there; but I choseĀ  Allrecipe’s Southern Peach Cobbler for that authentic Southern touch. . Let me know what you think!

Ingredients

Original recipe yields 4 servings

  • 8Ā fresh peaches – peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges
  • ¼ cupĀ white sugar
  • ¼ cupĀ brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoonĀ ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoonĀ ground nutmeg
  • 1Ā teaspoonĀ fresh lemon juice
  • 2Ā teaspoonsĀ cornstarch
  • 1Ā cupĀ all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cupĀ white sugar
  • ¼ cupĀ brown sugar
  • 1Ā teaspoonĀ baking powder
  • ½ teaspoonĀ salt
  • 6Ā tablespoonsĀ unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • ¼ cupĀ boiling water
  • 3Ā tablespoonsĀ white sugar
  • 1Ā teaspoonĀ ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1

Ā  Ā  Ā  Gather all ingredients.

Step 2

Ā  Ā  Ā  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 3

Combine peaches, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a large bowl; toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2-quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile, combine flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Blend in butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until just combined.

Step 5Ā 

Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them.

Step 6

Mix 3 tablespoons white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together in a small bowl; sprinkle over entire cobbler.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden, about 30 minutes.

Step 8

Let cool for 30 minutes then service with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream.

šŸØ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re peeling peaches or sipping them in a margarita, there’s something undeniably summery about their golden glow and juicy sweetness. So go ahead—eat a peach today. Your taste buds will thank you.

 

3,000+ Free Peach & Nature Images - Pixabay

 

Crispy Bacon with a Hint of Fall

 

šŸ„“ The Crisp That Calls Us Home

There’s a sound that belongs to morning. Not birdsong, not the hum of the kettle—though those have their charm. No, I’m talking about the unmistakable crackle of bacon in a pan. That golden hiss, that savory perfume curling through the fall air like a promise. It’s the kind of sound that makes you pause mid-sentence, mid-scroll, mid-thought. Bacon is calling.

I’ve always believed food has memory. Bacon reminds me of campfire breakfasts and foggy kitchen windows. OfĀ  flipping strips with a fork carved from antler, swearing that the secret was ā€œnever rush a rasher.ā€ Of lazy Sundays when the only agenda was maple syrup and second helpings.

r/castiron - a pan of bacon cooking on a grill

 

Even the forest seems to lean in when bacon’s on the stove. The squirrels pause. The wind hushes. Somewhere, a bear sniffs the air and dreams of brunch.

Of course, bacon isn’t just a flavor—it’s a texture. That perfect balance between crisp and chew, between smoky and sweet. It’s a little wild, a little indulgent, and absolutely worth celebrating.

So in honor of National Bacon Lovers Day, here are a few tips to make your bacon sing:


šŸ”„ Deborah’s Crispy Bacon Tips

  • Start cold: Lay bacon in a cold pan, then turn on the heat. This helps render the fat slowly and evenly.
  • Low and slow: Medium heat is your friend. Rushing leads to burnt edges and chewy centers.
  • Flip with care: Use tongs and flip only once or twice. Let each side crisp without interference.
  • Drain with dignity: Place cooked bacon on a paper towel or cooling rack to preserve that crunch.
  • Oven magic: For batch cooking, bake at 400°F on a foil-lined tray with a rack. Even, crispy, and less mess.
  • Flavor twist: Try brushing with maple syrup, cracked pepper, or a whisper of smoked paprika before cooking.

Whether you’re pairing it with eggs, crumbling it over salad, or just sneaking a strip straight from the pan—bacon is a love language all its own.

And today, we speak it fluently.

 

Bacon Images – Browse 1,172,620 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video | Adobe  Stock

šŸ„“ Deborah’s Crispy Bacon Ritual

Ingredients:

  • Thick-cut bacon (smoked, maple, or peppered—follow your cravings)
  • Optional: maple syrup, cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, or a whisper of brown sugar

šŸ”„ Stovetop Method: The Classic Crackle

  1. Start cold: Lay bacon strips in a cold cast iron or heavy skillet. No overlap—give them room to breathe.
  2. Heat gently: Turn the burner to medium. Let the bacon slowly release its fat and begin to curl.
  3. Flip once: When the edges crisp and the center browns, flip each strip with tongs. One flip is enough.
  4. Finish with flair: If you’re feeling fancy, brush with maple syrup or sprinkle with cracked pepper in the final minute.
  5. Drain and rest: Transfer to a paper towel or cooling rack. Let it crisp in peace.

6,700+ Bacon Frying Pan Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images -  iStock | Eggs bacon frying pan


šŸ”„ Oven Method: The Batch Beauty

  1. Preheat to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Line a tray: Use foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top if you want extra crisp.
  3. Lay bacon flat: Arrange strips side by side. Optional: season with a touch of smoked paprika or brown sugar.
  4. Bake 15–20 minutes: Watch closely near the end—bacon goes from golden to charred in seconds.
  5. Cool and serve: Let it rest for a minute or two. The crisp intensifies as it cools.

Bacon in the Oven


🌿 Serving Ideas

  • Crumble over a spinach salad with warm vinaigrette
  • Pair with poached eggs and sourdough toast
  • Wrap around dates or asparagus for a sweet-savory twist
  • Or just eat it standing at the stove, grinning like a fox in a henhouse

Bonus- one of my Fav Bacon Based Recipes

Hot German Potato Salad (recipe by Allrecipes)

German Potato Salad Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this authentic German potato salad recipe:Ā 

  • Potatoes: We recommend using waxy potatoes (such as New Potatoes) because they hold their shape well. Yukon Gold, an all-purpose variety, is also a good choice.
  • Bacon: Bacon (and its grease) adds tons of flavor to this hearty German potato salad.
  • Onion: An onion, cooked in bacon grease, lends even more complexity and flavor.
  • Vinegar: White vinegar adds tanginess that cuts through the richness from the potatoes and bacon.
  • Sugar: A bit of white sugar gives this savory potato salad subtle sweetness.
  • Seasonings and herbs: This German potato salad is perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
  • Optional: I also like to add some chopped dill pickle

How Do You Make German Potato Salad?Ā 

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this homemade German potato salad:

  1. Boil, drain, and cool the diced and peeled potatoes.
  2. Fry the bacon in a skillet, then cook the onion in the bacon grease.
  3. Add the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
  4. Add the potatoes and ½ of the bacon to the boiling liquid.
  5. When heated through, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish.
  6. Garnish with remaining bacon and parsley.

 

German Potato Salad

Bon Appetit

Big learning in a little tablet—made for curious minds and sticky fingers.

 

šŸ“š Back to School, Forward with Tech: The Ultimate 8-Inch Tablet for Young Explorers

As backpacks fill with binders and lunchboxes, one essential is redefining the school supply list: a kid-friendly tablet that’s built for learning, laughter, and lasting durability. This season, give your child a head start with an 8-inch Android tablet designed to grow with them—whether they’re mastering multiplication or diving into digital storytelling.

šŸŽ’ Built for Busy Little Hands

From the classroom to the car ride home, this tablet is ready for action. Its compact 8-inch size is perfect for kids—easy to hold, carry, and stow away in a backpack. The vibrant display brings educational apps and animated adventures to life, while the intuitive Android interface makes navigation a breeze for young learners.

šŸ›”ļø Tough Enough for Tumbles

Let’s face it—kids drop things. That’s why this tablet comes wrapped in a rugged, kid-proof case with reinforced corners and flexible material that absorbs impact. The built-in stand makes hands-free viewing effortless, whether they’re watching a science video or joining a virtual class.

šŸŽØ Smart Design, Thoughtful Details

Every detail is crafted with kids in mind:

  • Precise cutouts for charging ports and headphone jacks mean no fumbling or frustration.
  • Camera-friendly design lets kids snap photos for school projects or video chat with family.
  • Ergonomic grip ensures comfort during long learning sessions or creative play.

šŸš€ Ready for Learning & Beyond

Preloaded with educational apps and customizable parental controls, this tablet is more than just screen time—it’s a gateway to growth. Whether your child is practicing phonics, exploring STEM games, or reading e-books, this device supports their journey with safe, age-appropriate content.


Back to school isn’t just about pencils and paper anymore—it’s about empowering kids with tools that inspire. This 8-inch Android tablet is the perfect blend of fun, function, and durability. Ready to make this school year their most exciting yet?

Shop Back to School needs at Welcoming Home.com or at Amazon.

 

Celebrating National Photography Day

 

šŸ“ø Capturing Magic: Celebrating National Photography Day

Next to my cats, photography is probably my greatest love. I admit I haven’t been indulging that hobby lately but maybe today is a good day to start again.Ā 

Every August 19th, lenses click and shutters flutter in celebration of National Photography Day—a tribute to the art, science, and soul of capturing life in a frame. Whether you’re chasing golden light through a forest canopy or composing a portrait that whispers a thousand words, photography invites us to see the world not just as it is, but as it feels.

Portrait of a Cat at rest- photo credit Deb Neumann

šŸŒ A Snapshot of History

National Photography Day honors the date in 1839 when the French government officially gifted the world the Daguerreotype—the first publicly available photographic process. Invented by Louis Daguerre, this method used silver-plated copper and mercury vapor to create hauntingly detailed images. It was slow, dangerous, and magical.

But Daguerre wasn’t alone. Innovators like:

  • Joseph NicĆ©phore NiĆ©pce (who captured the first permanent photo in 1826),
  • George Eastman (who made photography accessible with Kodak’s roll film),
  • and Ansel Adams (whose black-and-white landscapes redefined nature photography)

…all helped shape photography into the expressive, everyday art form we know today.

Puffin- Maine photo credit Deb Neumann

šŸ¦šŸ“· Types of Photography That Steal the Spotlight

Photography is as diverse as the subjects it captures. Here are a few beloved genres:

  • Wildlife Photography: Patience meets adrenaline. Think of crouching in dewy grass as a fox pads into view, or waiting for a hummingbird to hover just right.

    Red fox baby on Monday

    Shy Fox- Maine photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Portrait Photography: More than faces—it’s emotion, story, and soul. A good portrait reveals not just who someone is, but how they are.
  • Hula dance

    Hula Hawaii- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Landscape Photography: From misty mountains to sunlit deserts, this genre celebrates Earth’s grandeur.
  • Quechee Gorge VT- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Street Photography: Candid, raw, and poetic—capturing life as it unfolds in alleys, cafĆ©s, and crosswalks.
  • Macro Photography: A world in miniature. Dewdrops become galaxies, and insect wings shimmer like stained glass.
  • Astrophotography: Shooting stars, lunar landscapes, and the Milky Way—where science meets wonder.

Everyone loves a hot dog (Nat Geo honorable mention)- Photo credit Deb Neumann

šŸŽžļø Quirky Facts That Make Photography Irresistible

Wind Surfing 2020 Hawaii- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • The first photo of a person was accidental—captured by Louis Daguerre in 1838. A man getting his shoes shined stood still long enough to appear in the long exposure.
  • The term ā€œbokehā€ (that dreamy blur in backgrounds) comes from the Japanese word boke, meaning ā€œblurā€ or ā€œhaze.ā€
  • Some photographers use infrared or ultraviolet light to reveal hidden patterns in nature—like floral markings only visible to bees.
  • The longest exposure ever taken lasted eight years. Artist Michael Wesely used custom cameras to capture the slow transformation of urban landscapes.
  • Breaching Whale

    Breaching Humpback, Stellwagon Banks – photo credit Deb Neumann

🌿 Why Photography Is More Than a Hobby

Photography is storytelling with light. It’s a way to preserve fleeting moments, explore new perspectives, and connect with nature, people, and memory. Whether you’re snapping a squirrel mid-leap or composing a still life of moss and moonlight, each photo is a whisper of wonder.

Montezuma’s Castle Arizona – photo credit Deb Neumann

 

So this National Photography Day, grab your camera—or even your phone—and chase the light. Frame the ordinary until it becomes extraordinary. And remember: every photo is a love letter to the moment.

 

Fish for You – Key Largo FL – photo credit Deb Neumann