It’s here again. February 14th is Valentine’s Day. A day to celebrate love and relationships. Life is easier when you have a great partner to share it with. Audrey Hepburn said, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” I agree with her. There are other things to celebrate today. Here are a few of the better ones: It’s International Quirky Alone Day for those of you who prefer being single. It’s also National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day, World Marriage Day, National Ferris Wheel Day, League of Women Voters Day, Library Lovers Day and Frederick Douglass Day. Frederick was an escaped slave who became a leader of the fight to end slavery. He said “I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.” Now to other historical footnotes: In 1794 on this date the 1st US textile machinery patent granted, to James Davenport, Philadelphia. Very big deal at the time. In 1849 In New York City, James Knox Polk became the first serving US President to have his photograph taken. In 1870 Seraph Young was the first woman to legally vote. In 1889, the 1st train load of fruit (oranges) left LA for the East coast. This is the date in 1920 that the League of Women Voters forms in Chicago. In 1929 the St Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago took place and 7 gangsters were killed on Al Capone’s orders. In 1931 The original “Dracula” film starring Bela Lugosi was released. Bela said “To win a woman, take her with you to see Dracula.” Finally, on this date in 1967 “Respect” single was recorded by Aretha Franklin which became Billboard Song of the Year. Since this is Valentine’s Day, I’ll give you a few quotes about love. Plato said “At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.” Virgil said, “Love conquers all.” The Dali Lama said “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” Today when that person who loves you, tells you, love them back. Abide
