Sunday Delivery Label

My husband found this postcard in his collection, and we found the stamp very interesting.

The stamp on this postcard is a Belgian King Albert I definitive stamp with the famous Sunday Delivery Label still attached. The stamp depicts King Albert I of Belgium (reigned 1909–1934). At the bottom is a perforated tab that reads:

• French: Ne Pas Livrer le Dimanche
• Dutch (Flemish): Niet Bestellen op Zondag

Both phrases mean "Do Not Deliver on Sunday."

This detachable tab is one of the most distinctive features of classic Belgian stamps. Belgium delivered mail seven days a week during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many people objected to Sunday mail delivery for religious reasons, believing postal workers should have Sunday as a day of rest.

The Belgian Post Office solved the problem by adding a perforated label beneath each stamp.

• If the sender wanted Sunday delivery, they tore off the tab before mailing the letter.
• If they did not want Sunday delivery, they left the tab attached. The post office would then hold the mail until Monday if it would otherwise arrive on Sunday.

This postcard is a nice example because:

• the tab is complete,
• it is tied to the postcard by the cancellation,
• and it demonstrates the postal service's unique Sunday delivery option.

References

• StampData. Belgium – 10c Stamp of 1912 (King Albert I). Describes the 1912 issue, denomination, color, date of issue, and design details.
• LastDodo. King Albert I – Belgium, 1912. Provides catalog information for the King Albert I definitive series, including designer Eduard Pellens, printing method, perforation, and notes that the stamp was issued with a tab.
• Robin Hood Stamp Company. Belgium Stamp Listings. Includes the 1912 King Albert I definitive set with Sunday Delivery labels and earlier Belgian issues with Sunday delivery labels.
• UPA Stamp Auctions. Belgium 1912 King Albert I Set with Sunday Delivery Labels. Auction catalog describing the complete 1912 King Albert I set issued with Sunday delivery labels.
• Slania Stamps. Belgium 5 Centimes, 1912 with Imprint. Explains the bilingual inscription "Ne Pas Livrer le Dimanche / Niet Bestellen op Zondag" ("Do Not Deliver on Sunday") found on Belgian stamps with attached tabs.
• Reddit – r/philately. New in My Collection. Collectors discuss the history of Belgium's Sunday delivery labels and explain that the tab remained attached if the sender did not want Sunday delivery, while it was removed if Sunday delivery was acceptable

Play Ball!

I’ve been to several major and minor league baseball games and even toured a few of the big baseball stadiums. If you have never been on a tour at one of the stadiums, I highly recommend it because it is an interesting tour. There is something magical about being at a baseball game and hearing the crowds, smelling the food, and watching the game. My favorite part is when we have the 7th inning stretch and they play the song, Take Me Out to the Ballgame! It never gets old!

The 1939 Centennial of Baseball U.S. postage stamp was the first American stamp ever issued to celebrate the sport of baseball. The 3-cent stamp was issued on June 12, 1939, in Cooperstown, New York, during the opening celebration of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The stamp honored what was then believed to be the 100th anniversary of baseball, based on the story that Abner Doubleday created the game in Cooperstown in 1839. Today, historians know that baseball developed over many years from older bat-and-ball games, but the 1939 celebration helped make Cooperstown the symbolic home of baseball. The stamp shows young boys enjoying a neighborhood baseball game, reminding Americans that baseball has always been a sport for people of all ages.

Baseball's history actually began long before 1839. Games similar to baseball were played in England and North America during the 1700s and early 1800s. Over time, players created new rules that shaped the game into the baseball we know today. By the late 1800s, professional teams and leagues had formed, and baseball became known as America's National Pastime. The 1939 stamp celebrated baseball's popularity and its importance in American culture, encouraging people to remember the sport's traditions and the joy it brings to families and communities.

Another special baseball celebration is Play Ball Day, observed each year on August 1. The day encourages children and families to play baseball or softball, learn new skills, and enjoy spending time outdoors. Communities, youth leagues, and Major League Baseball often hold events to introduce young people to the game and promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy exercise. Just as the 1939 Centennial of Baseball stamp honored the game's rich history, Play Ball Day reminds us that baseball continues to bring people together and inspire new generations of players and fans.

References: 

• National Postal Museum. Baseball Centennial Issue. Smithsonian Institution.

• National Postal Museum. Youth Sports: Playing to Win.

• National Baseball Hall of Fame. Government-Issued Memories.

• National Baseball Hall of Fame. Where It All Began.

• Play Ball Day https://nationaltoday.com/play-ball-day/

• https://www.mysticstamp.com/855-1939-3c-baseball-centennial/

Summer Harvest: Sweet Corn

When I think of July, I remember family cookouts that always included corn on the cob. That is my favorite summertime vegetable! Slathered in butter and salt, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

The United States Postal Service celebrated one of America’s favorite foods with postage stamp #5005, called “Sweet Corn.” The stamp was issued as part of the U.S. Postal Service’s efforts to highlight everyday objects, foods, and traditions that are meaningful to Americans. It was issued on July 11, 2015, at the California State Fair in Sacramento, California. The Sweet Corn stamp features an image of fresh corn and celebrates a crop that has been an important part of farming and food in the United States. The drawing of this stamp was inspired by vintage shipping crate labels, seed packets, and catalogs and was designed by Michael Doret.

Corn is popular and important because it is used in many foods that people eat every day. People enjoy corn on the cob, popcorn, cornmeal, tortillas, and many other foods made from corn. Corn provides important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help support a healthy diet. It is also used to make products such as corn oil, animal feed, and ingredients found in many foods. Because it is useful, affordable, and easy to grow, corn is one of the world’s most important crops.

July is considered Corn Month, a time to celebrate this important crop and the many ways people enjoy it. Summer is a popular time for fresh sweet corn because many crops are ready to harvest. During Corn Month, people celebrate with summer meals, festivals, and recipes featuring corn. The Sweet Corn postage stamp helps remind us how this simple crop connects farming, history, and American food traditions.

Time to go hunt for some corn on the cob for dinner!

References:

• U.S. Postal Service — Stamp information and stamp releases
• USDA SNAP-Ed — Corn nutrition information and food resources
• Healthline — “Corn 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits”
• National Today — “Corn Month” information
• https://www.mysticstamp.com/5005-2015-first-class-forever-stamp-summer-harvest-sweet-corn/

Tyrannosaurus rex

The United States Postal Service released the 2019 First-Class Forever Stamps featuring Tyrannosaurus rex to honor one of the most well-known dinosaurs in history. The four stamps were introduced at the same time the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History opened a new T. rex exhibit. Each stamp displays a different illustration of the dinosaur created by scientist and paleoartist Julius T. Csotonyi. The stamps are unique because they use lenticular printing, which creates a holographic effect. When the stamp is tilted, the dinosaur’s skin appears to fade away and reveal its skeleton underneath.

The Postal Service created these stamps to encourage interest in dinosaurs, science, and museums. Because dinosaurs are popular with both children and adults, the stamps also made collecting and sending mail more exciting. Many stamp collectors appreciated the detailed artwork and creative design. The stamps combined science, history, and art in a way that captured people’s attention and celebrated prehistoric life.

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to ever live. It lived about 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period. Commonly called T. rex, the dinosaur had massive legs, razor-sharp teeth, and an extremely powerful jaw capable of crushing bone. Although its arms were small, the rest of its body was built for strength and hunting. Scientists estimate that T. rex could grow up to 40 feet long and weigh several tons.

The first T. rex fossils were discovered in the early 1900s by fossil hunter Barnum Brown. He uncovered the remains in Montana and other parts of the western United States while searching for dinosaur fossils. In 1905, paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn officially named the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, meaning “king of the tyrant lizards.” This discovery gave scientists important information about large meat-eating dinosaurs and helped make T. rex one of the most recognized dinosaurs in the world.

Dinosaurs are celebrated every year on Dinosaur Day, which takes place on June 1. The day encourages people of all ages to learn about fossils, prehistoric animals, and Earth’s ancient history. Museums, schools, and libraries often organize activities such as dinosaur exhibits, crafts, games, and science lessons. During these celebrations, Tyrannosaurus rex is usually one of the most popular dinosaurs because of its enormous size and fierce appearance.

Do you have these dinosaur stamps in your collection?

References:

• United States Postal Service
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• National Geographic Kids – Tyrannosaurus Rex Facts
• https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/0829-fearsome-dinosaur-immortalized-on-forever-stamps.htm
• https://www.mysticstamp.com/5410-13-2019-first-class-forever-stamps-tyrannosaurus-rex/
• https://nationaltoday.com/dinosaur-day/

1902 10c Special Delivery, Messenger on Bicycle (#E6)

Do you remember when you learned to ride a bike? I remember my dad running along beside me while I learned to ride a two-wheeled bike without training wheels. I was scared to death, but eventually I loved it! May 1 is known as Learn to Ride a Bike Day. This fun day encourages people, especially children, to learn how to ride a bicycle. Riding a bike is good exercise and a useful skill. It also connects to history because bicycles once helped Special Delivery Messengers do their jobs faster. Today, this day is a great time for families to practice riding together and enjoy being active outdoors.

Special Delivery stamps were special stamps that paid for this faster service. People had to put one of these stamps on their letter in addition to regular postage. The first Special Delivery stamp in the United States was issued in 1885 and showed a running messenger. Over time, many different designs were made, often showing messengers, bicycles, or other ways of quick delivery. These stamps are now popular with collectors because they tell the story of how mail delivery improved.

One famous stamp is the 1902 10-cent Special Delivery stamp (#E6) called “Messenger on Bicycle.” This stamp shows a postal worker riding quickly on a bicycle to deliver an important letter. It was part of a new series issued in 1902 and is known for its detailed design and bold look. The image helped show how bicycles made deliveries faster and more efficiently. Today, this stamp is a favorite among collectors because it represents both postal history and the growing use of bicycles in everyday life.

Special Delivery Service was a fast mail service offered by the United States Postal Service. It began in 1885 to make sure important letters were delivered right away, even if regular mail was not going out at that time. When a letter was marked for Special Delivery, a messenger would take it directly to the person’s home or business as soon as it arrived at the post office. This service helped people send urgent messages much faster than normal mail.

Special Delivery Messengers began in 1885, the same year the service started. These workers rushed the mail to its destination as quickly as possible. At first, many messengers ran on foot, carrying letters through busy streets. Later, they began using bicycles to move faster and cover longer distances. The bicycle itself was invented in the early 1800s, with important improvements made by inventors like Karl Drais in 1817, who created an early two-wheeled riding machine.

When was the last time you rode a bike? Today might be a good day for a bike ride.

References:

• Stamp from the author's collection
• Smithsonian Institution – Postal history collections
• United States Postal Service – History of Special Delivery
• Library of Congress – Bicycle history
• National Postal Museum – Special Delivery stamps history
• Mystic Stamp - 1902 10c Special Delivery, Messenger on Bicycle

1999 33c Insects & Spiders: Yellow Garden Spider

Spiders don’t bother me too much, but my husband hates to find them in our house. It is my job to kill it if he finds one. His job is take care of any other insect that is found in our house. When I found out that the first week of April celebrates spiders, I wondered if I could find a postage stamp with a spider on it.

The Yellow Garden Spider (#3351d) is so famous that it was even featured on a United States postage stamp! In 1999, the U.S. Postal Service released a special collection called the Insects & Spiders series. This set included twenty different colorful stamps, and the Yellow Garden Spider was one of the stars. The 33-cent stamp showed a beautiful illustration of the spider sitting on its web, helping people across the country appreciate its unique look. It was a great way to show that even tiny creatures are important enough to be honored on our mail.

While they are often grouped together, spiders are actually very different from insects. Insects belong to a group that has six legs and three main body parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Spiders, however,

are arachnids. They have eight legs and only two main body sections, called the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Another big difference is that almost all insects have antennae and many have wings, but spiders never have either. Instead of chewing their food like many insects do, spiders use their fangs to help them eat a liquid diet

The Yellow Garden Spider is a large, colorful spider often found in backyards and fields. You can easily spot them because of their bright yellow and black patterns. They are famous for building huge, circular webs that have a zigzag shape made of thick silk right in the middle. This zigzag is called a stabilimentum. Scientists think it might help birds see the web so they don't fly through it, or it might help hide the spider from predators.

Even though they look a bit scary because of their size, these spiders are like free pest control for your garden. They spend their days catching insects that humans usually don't like, such as flies, mosquitoes, and grasshoppers. By eating these bugs, spiders help keep your garden plants healthy and stop pesky insects from coming inside your house. They are generally shy and would much rather stay on their webs than bother a human.

Because they do so much work for us, we should try our best to leave them alone. In fact, many people celebrate Be Kind to Spiders Week during the first week of April! It is a great time to learn why we shouldn't kill them. Instead of squishing a spider, you can use a cup and a piece of paper to gently move it outside. Keeping spiders around helps the environment stay balanced and keeps the "bad bugs" away.

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References:
Cover from the author’s collection
National Wildlife Federation: Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia)
Smithsonian Institution: Common Garden Spiders
National Day Calendar: Be Kind to Spiders Week (First Full Week of April)
United States Postal Service: 1999 Insects and Spiders Commemorative Series
American Museum of Natural History: Spiders vs. Insects

The 1999 33¢ Celebrate the Century – 1970s: America Smiles stamp was part of a special U.S. Postal Service series called Celebrate the Century. This series included stamps from each decade of the 20th century to honor important people, events, and trends in American history. The “America Smiles” stamp shows the classic yellow smiley face that became very popular during the 1970s. People in that decade saw the smiley face everywhere, from buttons and T-shirts to mugs and signs, and it became a symbol of happiness and fun. The “America Smiles” stamp was issued on November 18, 1999, in New York and had a value of 33 cents, which was the regular U.S. postage rate at that time.

The 1970s sheet in the Celebrate the Century series included 15 stamps, each showing a different part of life from that decade, like disco music, Sesame Street, women’s rights, and yes—the smiling face. The

yellow smiley face became so famous that it wasn’t just on stamps; it was used on all kinds of products and even inspired people to think more about happiness and goodwill. The art for the stamps was done by Kazuhiko Sano and the sheets were printed by Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd. A lot of these stamps were made—about 90 million sheets—so many people could enjoy them.

Share a Smile Day happens each year on March 1. This day started in 1997 and encourages people to share smiles with others to spread happiness and kindness. Smiling has real benefits: it can make you and the people around you feel happier, reduce stress, and even help your health. So on March 1, 2026, you can take part by simply smiling at others and making someone’s day brighter—just like the cheerful smiley face celebrated on the 1999 stamp.

References:
Celebrate the Century 1970 stamps from the author's collection.
Stamp information from Celebrate the Century: 1970s – America Smiles and the Celebrate the Century series (USPS) (Mystic Stamp Company)
Share a Smile Day details (history and date for 2026) https://nationaltoday.com/share-a-smile-day/

2004 37¢ Love Series: Candy Hearts

The 2004 37¢ Love Series: Candy Hearts stamp was made by the United States Postal Service and first sold on January 14, 2004. The stamp shows two colorful candy hearts that spell out “I love you.” It was designed by Michael Osborne and printed by Avery Dennison using a process called gravure. The stamp was part of the popular Love Series, which has been used for Valentine’s Day and other sweet messages. Over 750 million of these stamps were made to help people send love through the mail.

Candy hearts — the little pastel sweets with messages like “Be Mine” or “Kiss Me” — have been around for a very long time. A candy maker named Oliver R. Chase invented a machine in the 1860s that helped make candy easier and faster. His brother Daniel Chase later figured out how to print short sayings directly on the candies, which became known as “candy hearts” or “conversation hearts.” The heart shape became popular around 1901, and the sweets have been associated with Valentine’s Day ever since.

Decorating with Candy Day is a fun celebration that happens every February 1. On this day, people are encouraged to use candy to decorate food, pictures, tables, or even rooms to make things bright and tasty. It comes between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, when candy is already a big part of holiday fun. I like to make Valentine cards and glue the candy with the words that replace my writing. Whether you add candy sprinkles to cookies or make candy pictures, this day is all about enjoying sweets and being creative with them!

References:

• Stamp from the author’s collection
• Mystic Stamp Company, “2004 37¢ Love Series: Candy Hearts,” MysticStamp.com. mysticstamp.com
• Smithsonian National Postal Museum, “37c Candy Hearts single,” postalmuseum.si.edu. National Postal Museum
• Wikipedia, “Sweethearts (candy).” Wikipedia
• Remind Magazine, “The Strange History of Valentine’s Day Conversation Candy Hearts.” Remind
• National Today, “Decorating with Candy Day – February 1.” National TodayDays of the Year, “Decorating With Candy Day (February 1st).” Days Of The Year

1998 Prohibition Enforced (US #3184c)

On January 16 every year, Prohibition Day is remembered.

The Prohibition Enforced stamp (US #3184c) was released on May 28, 1998, in Chicago as part of the Celebrate the Century 1920s series. This series highlighted important events from each decade of the 1900s. The stamp for the 1920s shows a police officer pouring alcohol down a drain. This picture represents the start of Prohibition, a time when making or selling alcohol was illegal in the United States.

Prohibition began on January 17, 1920, after the 18th Amendment was passed. Many people believed banning alcohol would help reduce crime and improve families’ lives. But instead, it created new problems. Illegal bars called “speakeasies” became common, and people found secret ways to make and buy alcohol. Organized crime groups also grew stronger by selling alcohol illegally. Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933.

The Prohibition Enforced stamp helps remind us of this unusual time in American history. By showing law enforcement in action, the stamp teaches us how the government tried to control alcohol use. Today, the stamp is popular with collectors because it captures an important moment from the 1920s and is part of a well-known stamp series.

References:

• United States Postal Service, Celebrate the Century: 1920s Stamp Series
• National Archives, “Prohibition: The 18th Amendment”
• Smithsonian National Postal Museum, Celebrate the Century Collection
• https://nationaltoday.com/prohibition-remembrance-day/

American Cats

The U.S. #2372-75 1988 22¢ Cats postage stamps were part of the “American Cats” series issued by the U.S. Postal Service. These stamps were released on May 1, 1988, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Each of the four stamps showed a different popular cat breed: the Exotic Shorthair, Maine Coon, Manx, and Siamese. The stamps celebrated the beauty and variety of cats, which are some of America’s favorite pets. Designed by artist Nancy Stahl, the stamps were colorful and realistic, showing the cats in natural poses that showed off their personalities.

Collectors loved these stamps because they highlighted the special qualities of each breed. For example, the Maine Coon is known for its long fur and friendly nature, while the Siamese cat is famous for its blue eyes and chatty personality. The Manx is easy to recognize because it has no tail, and the Exotic Shorthair looks like a Persian cat but with shorter fur. These stamps helped show the diversity of cats and reminded people how much joy cats bring into our homes.

National Cat Lovers Month is celebrated every December. It’s a special time for people who love cats to show their furry friends extra attention and care. Cats have been our companions for thousands of years and are known for their playful, curious, and independent personalities. During this month, cat owners might buy new toys, share cute photos, or donate to animal shelters. It’s also a great time to learn more about how to keep cats healthy and happy through good food, regular vet visits, and lots of love.

Many animal organizations use National Cat Lovers Month to help more cats find homes. Shelters often hold adoption events and share stories about cats waiting for families. People who already have cats can celebrate by spending more time with them or teaching them fun tricks. Whether you have one cat or many, this month reminds everyone how special cats are and how much joy they bring into our lives.

References:
Cat stamps from the author's collection.
Mystic Stamp Company. “U.S. #2372-75 1988 22¢ Cats.” https://www.mysticstamp.com/Products/United-States/2372-75/USA/
Linn’s Stamp News. “1988 22¢ Cats Stamps.” https://www.linns.com/
National Today. “National Cat Lovers Month – December.” https://nationaltoday.com/national-cat-lovers-month /
Cat Fanciers’ Association. “Celebrating Cats All Year Long.” https://cfa.org/

Knitting, Cats, and Veterans Day

Finished two knitting projects: socks for my husband and my November gnome. Little Bear, the cat, seems to be getting better.

Monday: We had errands to run, but it was a lazy day and nothing got done. I had a knitting guild meeting in the evening.

Tuesday. - It was pretty cold here, so I actually had to put long pants on! We had to go to the bank and post office, but then I realized that since it was Veterans Day, both were closed. We were able to go to our favorite restaurant (Flanigan's), where they offer veterans a free meal. So, hubby got a full rack of ribs and loved it. I got my usual hamburger and fries. He took half of his ribs home for dinner. In the evening, I knit on my Rock It Tee, and I’m making great progress today.

Wednesday: Today, we ran a couple of errands. Then we did some more packing. I keep reviewing my list to make sure I don’t forget anything. In the evening, we watched an old movie (Yours, Mine, and Ours with Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball)

Thursday: It was a lazy day. I checked us in at the airport and printed our boarding passes. Then we finished packing, except for the last-minute stuff

Friday - my neighbor drove us to the airport at 8:30. We were told to get to the airport 3 hours early for an international flight. Now for our big adventure!

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Friends, Stamps, and Relaxation

It is amazing how quickly this week has flown by!

On Monday, we had dinner with Bob and Donna at Flanigans, our favorite local restaurant.

Tuesday was our stamp club meeting at Kingdom Buffet. This is the first time I’ve been there since we moved to this location. We had a huge crowd, and I was happy about the turnout. Don got some new treasures. In the morning, I called the dentist and asked for an antibiotic. Ever since I got my new crown, my mouth has hurt on that side, and I haven’t been able to eat on that side.

It was nice to relax on the front porch on Wednesday, and Don has been doing his exercise walk in the neighborhood. The lawn men came and mowed the lawn. I’m always happy after they come because the yard looks so good.

It was cool enough on Thursday morning for me to do some weeding. Then we did our grocery shopping, where Don had to read every label and compare every unit price.

Around 7:30 on Friday morning, they delivered the new utility pole. The guy said they might install it that afternoon or definitely on Monday. Then Don had his hospital board meeting. Halloween was quiet. We didn't have any trick or treaters. 

Our Stamp Club had its fall show at the Embassy Suites on Saturday. We had a great turnout! The Post Office sent a representative with a special cancellation made for the show. Don found lots of treasures at great prices, so he was very happy! I had fun talking with everyone, so I didn’t have much time to knit.

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Writing Letters Can Be Special

These 1980 15c Letter Writing stamps (#1805-10) were made to celebrate National Letter Writing Week, which took place from February 24 to March 1, 1980. It was the first time the United States released a sheet of stamps with three sets of stamps stacked on top of each other in pairs. Each stamp helps people remember how important letter writing is.

On February 25, 1980, the U.S. Postal Service released special stamps to celebrate National Letter Writing Week. National Letter Writing Week was held from February 24 to March 1, and it was the first time the U.S. celebrated this week in 15 years. The USPS worked hard to make the week exciting and meaningful.

To help spread the message, the USPS teamed up with the National Council of Teachers of English, business leaders, and other well-known Americans. Museums, libraries, and other important places had displays about letter writing. Bookstores and libraries shared books that talked about letters and showed letters written by famous people. On February 25, the USPS held a big ceremony at the Library of Congress to honor the new stamps. Each stamp pair included a small stamp that said “P.S. Write Soon” and another that shared what letters can do, like “Letters Preserve Memories,” “Letters Lift Spirits,” and “Letters Shape Opinions.”

The USPS also helped create a 64-page booklet called All About Letters. It was given to students in grades 6 through 12. The booklet showed how to write different types of letters and included messages from Stevie Wonder, Darryl Stingley, and “Dear Abby.” It even gave addresses for pen pal groups and celebrities, explained ZIP codes, and gave tips on how to send mail safely. Today, the tradition of letter writing is still honored with World Letter Writing Day on September 1, National Letter Writing Day on December 7, and National Letter Writing Month in April. Some people also celebrate National Letter Writing Week in January.

World Letter Writing Day is celebrated every year on September 1. This day encourages people all over the world to write letters by hand. It was started in 2014 by Richard Simpkin, an Australian author and photographer. He wanted to remind people how meaningful it is to send a letter instead of just a quick message online. Schools and libraries sometimes hold letter-writing events to help kids enjoy the fun of writing and receiving letters.

Both the 1980 stamps and World Letter Writing Day show how important writing letters can be. A letter can make someone feel remembered and appreciated. It takes more time than typing a message, but it can also feel more personal. Even though we live in a digital world, writing a letter can still bring smiles and create lasting memories. The U.S. stamp and this special day both encourage people to take a few minutes to connect with others in a thoughtful way.

References:
Cover from the author’s collection
World Letter Writing Day. https://www.worldletterwritingday.com
National Postal Museum. https://postalmuseum.si.edu
https://www.mysticstamp.com/1805-10-1980-15c-letter-writing/
https://nationaltoday.com/world-letter-writing-day/

Crowns, Stamps, and Antique Technology

After a physical therapy appointment on Monday, Don is almost back to normal. He still isn’t allowed to attend exercise class or walk with weights in his hands. He can put weights in a pack and wear it on his back, but not in his hands, which will throw his balance off.

Tuesday, I went back to the dentist and got my permanent crowns. I guess they were made from the 3D image, and they fit and feel better than any other crown I have gotten. They are nice and smooth, too. They fit so well that the dentist didn’t even have to grind or sand (or whatever he does) to get the bite right.

Wednesday, I helped set up for the Thursday tea, and everything turned out beautifully. On Thursday, I was going to help with clean up, but I worked in the yard and then fell asleep, so I didn’t get to go back up there.

On Friday, we headed to the North Georgia Stamp Show. We left home at 6:00 and arrived in the Atlanta area around 9:00. The stamp show didn't start until 10, so we had breakfast at Waffle House (it's been months since we've eaten at Waffle House), and it was so good! The stamp show was held at the Mimms Museum of Technology. When we got to the show, they had an area with a few round tables and comfy chairs, so I spent most of the day knitting on my sweater and reading a library book on my iPad. Since we ate such a big breakfast, we didn't even have lunch. Around 2 pm, I finished my sweater, and my iPad was almost out of battery, so I spent $15 and went through the museum, which was okay. There was a lot of reading, and the lights were too dim to really read anything. I saw lots of things I have used in my lifetime that made me a little nostalgic. I didn't realize so many of them belonged in a museum.LOL The best thing was the first 3D electric car. By 4 pm, my hubby was finished, so we decided to head home instead of spending the night. We got home around 8 pm.

It was nice and cool this morning, so I worked in the yard around 6:45 am to do some weeding. Now I feel okay about sitting and knitting all day! Today I need to wash and block my sweater.

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Summer Harvest: Watermelons

The #5004 2015 First‑Class Forever Stamp – Summer Harvest: Watermelons celebrates one of America’s sweetest summer fruits. It is one of a block of 4 Forever stamps (2015 Summer Harvest - Block of 4 Forever Stamps - Scott #5004-7). Issued on July 11, 2015, at the California State Fair in Sacramento, it’s part of a four‑stamp booklet featuring corn, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and watermelons. Each stamp, including the watermelon one, is a Forever stamp, which means it always pays the 1‑ounce first‑class postage, regardless of price changes.

This watermelon stamp draws its design from vintage crate labels used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Back then, farmers packed produce in wooden crates and used bright, eye‑catching labels to stand out on the railroad and market shelves. The design mirrors old seed packets and catalog art. The bold lettering and ripe watermelon illustration were drawn by artist Michael Doret, following early art director sketches by Richard Sheaff and design by Antonio Alcalá. These details make it a great item for stamp collectors and a fun way for kids to learn about history, art, and how mail works—all in one little square!

National Watermelon Day is celebrated every year on August 3, and it’s a special time to enjoy one of summer’s most refreshing fruits. This juicy day honors watermelon’s long history, dating back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, when watermelon seeds were even found in King Tut’s tomb. Watermelon is made of about 92% water, so it helps keep us cool and hydrated, especially on hot summer days. On this day, families and friends enjoy watermelon in many fun ways: cutting slices, making fruit salads, having seed-spitting contests, and even carving giant slices into creative shapes. It’s a tasty, healthy, and playful celebration that makes summer even sweeter!

References:

https://stamps.org/collect/new-issues/year/2015-01-01/end/2016-01-01
https://foreverstampsshop.com/products/us_summer-harvest_2015
https://www.mysticstamp.com/5004-2015-first-class-forever-stamp-summer-harvest-watermelons
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-watermelon-day-august-3
https://www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca/hortonblog/national-watermelon-day
https://nationaltoday.com/national-watermelon-day/

Charpex 2025

We left home at 6:30 and drove north on I-85, which was a mistake. At that time of day, the rising sun was blinding! There were several times, I could hardly see the road, and I spent a lot of time praying that we didn’t get in an accident. If I did this again next year, I would leave at 7 am and go to I-26 to get on I-85 in Spartanburg.

We got to the place at 8:30, and I’m glad we did because I wasn’t sure where we needed to park. We found the free parking garage and got a great parking space. Even though we were early, we went into the Worrell Building at the Central Piedmont Community College, and people were busy setting up. Susan (the wife of the President of the Charlotte Stamp Club) was working at the welcome desk, and she was very nice. We found the “free” table and got some good stuff that I took to the car before the show started. Our friend, Robert M., from the Palm Beach Stamp Club, arrived, so we visited with him until the exhibit hall opened.

Don also joined the club for $5 as a way to support the club. They meet once a month on the first Sunday of the month. I don’t know if he will go next Sunday or not.

There were a lot of vendors in this gym, but my favorite things to see were the exhibits. All attendees were given a voting slip, and we could vote for our favorite exhibit. My favorite was the World Rarities and Uniquities, which had a lot of usual stuff, including great write-ups about why it was rare or unique. I also talked to Mick Zais, Past President of the American Philatelic Society. (I met him in 2017 at the Southeastern Stamp Expo in Atlanta. He was also the South Carolina Superintendent of Education from 2011 - 15. He was also the US Deputy Secretary of Education and then Secretary of Education in 2021)

After I found a dealer with $1 postcards, I showed Don where they were, and he spent most of his time there. I sat outside in the lobby and knit while I listened to an audiobook. At lunchtime, we walked to Burger King (about 2 blocks away). Don was in a lot of pain, so we stopped at the car and he put his back brace on, but he forgot to bring a t-shirt. When we got back to the show, Don went back to look for more postcards. About 3 pm, we left for home.

We thought we would go a different way home and take I-77 and then go through Union, SC, but when we started to get on I-77, it was a parking lot!. We got right off the next exit and found a place to pull over to figure out how to get back to I-85. Traffic was heavy going home, but it was easier going home without the sun in our eyes. We stopped at Carolina Fine Foods to pick up dinner on the way home.

Original photos by Pat Hensley

World UFO Day

The #SPC1470 Roswell UFO Encounter 50th Anniversary cover was released in 1997 to remember the strange event that happened in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. The cover features a special postmark from the event and two space-related stamps: #966 and a stamp from the Space Fantasy set.

In 1947, something crashed on a farm, and people thought it might be a UFO, or a spaceship from another planet. The U.S. military first said it was a “flying disc,” but later said it was just a weather balloon. This made many people believe there was a cover-up.

World UFO Day is celebrated every year on July 2nd. This day is meant for people to look up at the sky and think about the possibility of life beyond Earth. UFO stands for "Unidentified Flying Object," which means anything in the sky that cannot be easily explained. Some people believe that UFOs are spaceships from other planets. Others think they might just be airplanes, weather balloons, or even tricks of light.

July 2nd was chosen because it is the date of a famous event called the Roswell Incident. In 1947, something strange crashed on a farm near Roswell, New Mexico. At first, the U.S. military said it was a “flying disc,” but later claimed it was just a weather balloon. This made many people wonder if the government was hiding something about aliens. Over time, Roswell became one of the most well-known UFO stories in the world.

People celebrate World UFO Day in different ways. Some host sky-watching parties or UFO-themed events. Others use the day to talk about space, aliens, or the possibility of life on other planets. The main idea is to think about the mysteries of the universe and to keep an open mind. Whether or not UFOs are real, World UFO Day reminds us to be curious and to explore the unknown.

References:
Mystic Stamp Company. (n.d.). 1997 32c Roswell Alien. Retrieved from https://www.mysticstamp.com
History.com Editors. (2018). Roswell. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/paranormal/roswell 
World UFO Day Organization. (n.d.). What is World UFO Day? Retrieved from https://www.worldufoday.com
https://www.wincalendar.com/World-UFO-Day

2019 First-Class Forever Stamp, Oscar the Grouch

June 1 is Oscar the Grouch Day. If you were around in the 70s, like I was, you would have heard about Oscar the Grouch.

In 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, the United States Postal Service released a special set of Forever stamps featuring 16 beloved characters from the show. One of these stamps showcased Oscar the Grouch, the grumpy green Muppet who lives in a trash can. The stamp was designed by art director Derry Noyes using a photograph of Oscar. It was officially released on June 22, 2019, during a ceremony in Detroit, Michigan, as part of the "Sesame Street Road Trip"—a celebration event held in 10 cities across the U.S.

The Oscar the Grouch stamp was part of a pane of 16 stamps, each featuring a different character from Sesame Street, such as Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. These stamps were issued as Forever stamps. A total of 62 million of these stamps were printed by Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. The back of the stamp pane displayed special artwork celebrating the show's 50th anniversary.

Oscar the Grouch is a fuzzy green character from the children's TV show Sesame Street. He lives in a trash can and loves everything dirty, messy, and smelly! Unlike most of the friendly characters on the show, Oscar is grumpy and enjoys complaining. But even though he seems mean, Oscar teaches kids that it’s okay to have different feelings and that everyone is unique in their own way. He even has a pet worm named Slimey and lots of strange things in his trash can home.

Oscar was first seen on Sesame Street when the show started in 1969. He was originally orange, but he later became green. He was created by Jim Henson and played by puppeteer Caroll Spinney for many years. Even though Oscar doesn’t like being happy, he’s an important part of Sesame Street because he helps show that people can be different and still be part of a community. He’s grouchy, but deep down, he has a big heart!

References:

• United States Postal Service. (2019). Sesame Street Celebrates 50 Years. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/0522-sesame-street-celebrates-50-years.htm
  
• Mystic Stamp Company. (n.d.). 5394g - 2019 First-Class Forever Stamp - Sesame Street: Oscar the Grouch. https://www.mysticstamp.com/5394g-2019-first-class-forever-stamp-sesame-street-oscar-the-grouch/
• United States Postal Service. (2019). Stamp Services. https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2019/pb22521/html/info_004.htmUSPS+2USPS+2USPS+2mysticstamp.comUSPS
• Sesame Workshop. (n.d.). Oscar the Grouch. https://www.sesamestreet.org
• Gikow, Louise. Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street. Black Dog & Leventhal, 2009.

55¢ Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park stamp (US #5468)

The U.S. Postal Service released a special stamp in 2020 to honor Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Florida. This stamp, numbered 5468, is part of the "American Gardens" series, which features ten beautiful gardens from across the United States. The photograph on the stamp, taken by Allen Rokach, shows a lovely walkway lined with pink and white flowers. The stamp was first issued on May 13, 2020, in Winterthur, Delaware, as part of a collection celebrating the beauty of public gardens.​

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Alfred and Louise Maclay began creating the gardens in 1923, combining native and exotic plants to design a scenic landscape. They wanted the gardens to bloom in winter and early spring, the time they spent there. After Alfred died in 1944, Louise opened the gardens to the public and later donated them to the state in 1953. In 1965, the gardens were renamed to honor Alfred B. Maclay.

Today, the park is known for its beautiful camellias and azaleas, with over 150 types of camellias and more than 60 varieties of azaleas. Visitors can enjoy the colorful blooms, especially in mid-March. The gardens are maintained to look as they did in 1953, offering a glimpse into the past. This special stamp helps share the story and beauty of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park with people all over the country.

References:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/new-postal-stamp-commemorates-alfred-b-maclay-gardens-state-park
https://www.gcamerica.org/news/get/id/2898 https://www.mysticstamp.com/5468-2020-first-class-forever-stamp-american-gardens-alfred-b-maclay-garden-state-park-fl/

1982 20c America's Libraries (#2015)

In 1982, the United States Postal Service released a 20-cent stamp to honor America's libraries. This stamp was first issued on July 13, 1982, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the American Library Association's annual convention. The stamp's design features the first three and last three letters of the alphabet, symbolizing the foundational role of libraries in education and literacy. Designed by Bradbury Thompson, the stamp emphasizes the importance of libraries in American society. It was printed using the engraved method by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, with a total of 169,495,000 stamps issued. This commemorative stamp serves as a tribute to the countless libraries across the nation that have provided invaluable resources and services to people of all ages.

National Librarian Day is celebrated annually on April 16 to honor the dedicated professionals who manage and organize our libraries. Librarians play a crucial role in providing access to information, supporting literacy, and fostering a love for reading within their communities. They not only manage collections of books and other materials but also offer various services such as educational programs, technology assistance, and community events.

The origins of National Librarian Day are closely linked to National Library Week, which was first sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) in 1958 to encourage reading and library use. National Librarian Day specifically recognizes the hard work and dedication of librarians and is observed during this week-long celebration. It's a time to express gratitude for the invaluable contributions librarians make to education and the betterment of society.

So, if you have time, go visit your local library! You never know what treasures you might find.

References:
National Postal Museum
Mystic Stamp Company
National Today
American Library Association