October 1307 Philip IV of France destroys the Knights Templar. Philip was broke after fighting wars with other European powers. The Knights Templar were the bank that funded him & when he could no longer make payments, he robbed the bank. The Knights were rounded up in the middle of the night, accused of heresy & executed, many by being burned at the stake. This is the legend of Friday the 13th being unlucky.

May 24, 1819 Queen Victoria born.

Have you been to Blenheim Palace Mark?

There is a Blenheim, N.Y. on the fringe of the Catskill Mountains. It was home of a covered bridge. I thought "Blenheim" was Dutch as this region was settled by them before the English kicked them out.

Memorial Day The last Monday in May to honor all those who have lost their lives in America's wars.

Blenheim, or Blindheim as it was first known, being the battle which made John Churchill's name and eventually led to his title of First Duke of Marlborough. The palace of Blenheim was his reward for his great victories, starting with Blenheim, cementing Britain's position as a great European nation, although we've never really accepted that we are truly part of Europe. Our French friends suffered horrendous casualties in this battle, including their commander, Tallard. Winston Churchill, his illustrious ancestor was born at Blenheim and you can see the bed in which he was born.