We’ve arrived at the time/space of January 31, 2020. The idiom, “time files when you’re having fun” seems to be true. I know that the speed of time is constant, and I also know that what I’m really talking about is my perception of time. It seems to be moving too fast. Today is Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day which I certainly do. It’s also Backwards Day when we are urged to do things in reverse order. It’s Hug an Economist Day, Hell is Freezing Over Day, Eat Brussel Sprouts Day and National Hot Chocolate Day. There’s more but this is enough to work with. I used to live within a few miles of Hell, Michigan and it is freezing over this time of year. That’s one of the reasons I moved to Florida. I’m going to celebrate my Social Security Check. I know lot of people who say they don’t like “socialism“ but they all cash their monthly check. Nuff said about that. Now to the odd historical footnotes for this date: In 1696 a revolt in Amsterdam by undertakers was put down. It seems that new taxes were being imposed on them to pay for a war with France. I’m thinking that this was before governments figured out that they could put the bill for fighting wars on a national credit card and let future generations pay for it. In 1849 the Corn Laws were abolished in Britain. The Corn Laws prevented the importation of cheap corn and other grains which kept the grain prices high and benefited the landowners who produced the grain. In 1851 the San Francisco Orphan’s Asylum is founded, 1st in California. In 1863 the 1st black Civil War regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, mustered into US army. In 1876 on this date, the United States orders all Native Americans to move into reservations. In 1905 the 1st automobile to exceed 100 mph is driven by A G MacDonald at Daytona Beach. In 1928 on this date the 3-M Company starts selling scotch tape. This date is the birthday (1915) of Thomas Menton. He said, “Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” Another is “The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.” I’m in agreement with both of his quotes. This is also the date in 1956 that A.A. Milne drew his last breath. He’s the author of Winnie the Pooh and one of my favorite philosophers. He said, “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” That’s enough for this last day of January 2020. I’m looking forward to a great February. Abide