As the school year fast approaches, it is time to get revved up for the new school year, new students, and new joys. Yet, holidays and vacations are never far from our hearts. The Hawaiian Islands share a special place in our hearts. There is nothing like eating mango and pineapple on your lanai over looking the turquoise water. The pineapple has a special history in 18th century America. Merchants and Sea Captians from their travels in the west indies (Carribbean islands)would bring this rare and exotic fruit back to friends. This fruit quickly became a symbol of good hospitality. George Washington was known as an incredibly gracious host. He graciously welcomed travelers, curiosity seekers, old friends, family to his Mount Vernon home. It is recorded that George Washington famously stayed in a hotel rather than turn away a weary guest(legend or truth, I don't know). What is confirmed is that George Washington was known throughout the colonies as a hospitable man. Something many do not practice today. Something to challenge us today. Appropriately, Mount Vernon has based their 2012 Christmas ornament on this idea. George Washington hospitality. At the top of the ornament is a pineapple. Look at or buy the ornament here:http://www.mountvernon.org/shop/mount-vernon-annual-ornaments/mount-vernon-2012-christmas-ornament-hospitality-george-and-marthVery appropriate. All this talk of Pineapples makes me yearn for the islands. Maybe someone will be hospitable and send my family there.:)
