Hello <<First Name>>
Welcome Summer,  this lovely weather we all seem to be having and the wonderful array of spring flowers we have had, which have now given way to the early summer flowers.
For me my Vegetable garden has kept me very busy this year, I hope yours has been fruitful to.
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Some facts about July
July was named by the ancient Romans. However, it is unique in that it is not named after a god or goddess. By contrast, the Roman Senate named this month after General Julius Caesar, as he was born during this month.
Before this, July was actually called “Quintilis”. This was Latin for “fifth”- July was the fifth month in the ten month calendar before January and February were added by Numa Pompilius in 713 B.C.. Until then, the month was governed by the Roman deity Jupiter, god of light and sky. This makes perfect sense, as the days of July are ripe with day light.
The Anglo Saxons names for the month included Heymonath or maed monath referring respectfully to hay making and the flowering of the meadows.
There are two flowers associated with the month of July. Unlike the two similar flowers chosen for March, the flowers used to represent July are not similar in the slightest. Delphinium (also called Larkspur) and the Water Lily are the two July flowers. Delphiniums include over 300 different species and they are most popular in purple. They are also available in white, blue, red and yellow and the shape of these flowers has lead to its symbolism of an open heart. As for Water Lilies, they are aquatic flowers as the name suggests and they are also available in many different colours and shape. They are ideal for bringing a water feature in your home or garden to life and they symbolise purity of heart.
Ruby
People born in July can claim the ruby as their birth stone.It is connected with contentment and joy, these feelings are synonymous with summer, making this semi-precious ruby stone perfect as a sign of July.
The glowing Ruby should adorn
Those who in warm July are born
Then will they be exempt and free
From loves doubt and anxiety.
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British weather lore proverb, which says that if it rains on St. Swithin's day, 15 July, it will rain for 40 days 
St Swithun's day if thou dost rain
For forty days it will remain
St Swithun's day if thou be fair
For forty days 'twill rain nae mair
Let's hope not!
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Amartia’s Adventure
Amartia was determined to gain the summit of the mountain and with head bowed, continued upwards.
After a while, she stopped and turned on the narrow path, putting one trembling hand to her chest which lifted as she drew in the cool, sharp air. Below her, the town looked toy-like, with lights beginning to come on in the gathering dusk. Her house though, would be dark..............continue....
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Some Significant Dates for July
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Music for all
It has long been known that listening to music has positive health benefits, so below is a small sample of some of the music that is available on our Private Wiki.
This sample has been chosen by our members
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William Cullen Bryant Quote
The summer morn is bright and fresh,
the birds are darting by,
As if they loved to breast the breeze that sweeps the cool clear sky.
Stanley H. Horowitz Quote
Winter is an etching,
spring a watercolor,
summer an oil painting
and autumn a mosaic of them all.
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What Makes a Garden Grow, Grow, Grow
What makes a garden grow, grow, grow?
Lots of work with a rake and hoe,
Seeds gently planted in a row --
That makes a garden grow, grow, grow.
What brings the seedlings up from the ground?
Rain from the sky coming down, down,
Bright yellow sunbeams shining round.
Help bring the seedlings up from the ground.
Unknown
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 July Poems - Taken from our private wiki |
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This months featured health:
This month we take a look at Dehydration and Foot Care
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As we get older, our body’s water content decreases, which is, why dehydration is one of the most common reasons people aged over 60 wind up in the hospital.
Moreover, scientists have theorised that our bodies don’t detect thirst as efficiently as we get older.
Read on>>
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Moisturising your feet, but not too much, is key to preventing cracked skin. Your eyes may be the windows to your soul, but your feet are a great barometer of your health. 
If you don’t have a foot complaint, such as bunions or ingrown toenails, it might be surprising to hear that your feet require more than an occasional scrub and a slick of nail polish!!
Read on>>
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The Ghan Trip
It's the iconic Aussie journey – a trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs and then on to Darwin, on The Ghan.
The train takes passengers through the heart of Australia on the world's longest north-south train journey, covering 2,979 kilometres, revealing the history, culture, myriad colours and rugged beauty of the Outback along the way.
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What is the Internet of Things?
In the broadest sense, the term IoT (Internet of Things) encompasses everything connected to the internet, It's about networks, it's about devices, and it's about data, but it is increasingly being used to define objects that "talk" to each other. Put simply, the Internet of Things is made up of devices – from simple sensors to smartphones and wearables connected together.
By combining these connected devices with automated systems, it is possible to "gather information, analyse it and create an action" to help someone with a particular task, or learn from a process. In reality, this ranges from smart mirrors to beacons in shops and beyond.
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Below are two TEDx videos, they make for some interesting points on this subject Internet of Things (IoT).
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Useful Websites
The Retirement Advice Centre 'Taking care of tomorrow today.'
Webopedia Extremely useful site if you are struggling with computer jargon
Age UK The UK largest charity working with older people
The Open University Free Courses Open learning courses and Adult Education
Citizen Advice - For a wealth of very useful information
The Old Farmers Almanac - If you love Gardening you will love this site.
Arthritis Research UK - Useful website helpful and informative
Osteoarthritis - Good informative website
Glaucoma - The international Glaucoma Association
Stroke - NHS Choices
Action on Hearing Loss The statistics
Tinnitus - NHS Choices
Bowel Cancer UK or NHS UK - Bowel Cancer
NHS UK Dementia Guide
Resources for Older People - Provide useful leaflets and advice.
VirusTotal - Free online service that analyzes suspicious files and URLs and facilitates the quick detection of viruses, worms, trojans, and all kinds of malware.
TrueKey - Sign in without passwords.
Everplan - How to handle the digital life that you’ll leave behind, very informative. Citizens Advice has advice on this subject.
Playbuzz is great for a bit of fun when its too hot outside
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And don't forget,  If you find something of interest in this e-newsletter or previous ones, then you will most certainly find something to interest you on our Private Wiki.
If on the other hand you have something to offer then why not join us  and share it, and if you want to, get it published.
See you on the wiki soon..
Ann
Web Editor
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