It is now February 18, 2021. It is going to be a spectacular day. Our daughter Sarah is coming for a visit. Off to Cape Canaveral for a couple of days on the beach and then back to home. That is my celebratory event. You can choose National Drink Wine Day, Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day, Thumb Appreciation Day or Pluto Day. While I’m a big fan of opposing digits, I recommend the Wine Day. Now to historical footnotes. In 1787 Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II banned children under 8 from labor. What job can you give to an 8 year old? In 1804 the 1st US land-grant college, Ohio University, Athens Ohio, was chartered. In 1839 the Detroit Boat Club formed (& still exists). In 1885 Mark Twain published the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in the US. In 1901 H Cecil Booth patented a dust removing suction cleaner. In 1930 a cow, flown in a plane, was milked. The milk was sealed in paper containers and thrown out and with a parachute. Finally, on this date in 1970 US President Richard Nixon launched the “Nixon doctrine”. This doctrine stated that the United States would support our allies but not undertake all the defense of the free nations of the world. This is the birthday (1933) of Yoko Ono. Some people blame her for breaking up the Beatles but she disagrees. I like this quote from her, “Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” This is the date in 1564 when Michelangelo died. He said, “Carving is easy, you just go down to the skin and stop.” And, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” It would be fun to spend an afternoon with him. Now, I’m off to pick up Sarah. Abide.
