125 Years of Refreshment

My sister has been known to chastise me because I often chose to write about historical events in this blog, rather than holidays.  I have to remind her that this blog is my attempt to address special days and festivities and yes, even historical events, that are cause for celebration and of particular significance to my family. 

Simultaneously, I hope to encourage others to find or create similar days to mark and celebrate with their own loved ones. 

For example, while I am sure the Chinese New Year is special and important to millions, (who am I kidding?) billions, it's not really a day circled in red (ha,ha) on our Smith family calendar.   

What is cause for celebration in our house is tomorrow's 125th birthday of the iconic beverage, Coca Cola, created by Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton.  

Coke permeates life in Atlanta.  It's distinctive bottle and logo are inescapable here, from the international headquarters,

the giant Coke bottle behind left field at Braves stadium,

and the Coca-Cola museum, to name just a few.

We've made more than a few visits to the "World of Coke" and enjoyed it every time -- especially the Taste-It Exhibit which allows you to sample more than 60 Coca Cola products from around the world.  Can I just say here that what certain cultures find lip-smacking can sometimes be perplexing.   Inca Kola (lemongrass bubblegum flavor), I'm talking about you!

And the Woodruff Arts Center, Callanwolde, Emory University and The Westminster Schools are just some of the ways Coca Cola fortunes have enhanced the quality of life in Atlanta. 

At our house today, we'll be enjoying a few Coca Cola products.  Someone will, no doubt, have a Coke, or Diet Coke or a Coke Zero.  Heck, I may even go in search of a Tab. 

And since today is all about Coke and history, how about this?