Welcome to the month of October 2023. This month is going to be a good one. The high temperature will be in the mid -80s today. That is enough to put me in a grateful state of mind. Will Arnett said “I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” October 1st is Homemade Cookies Day, International Blessing of the Fishing Fleet Day, International Coffee Day, International Day of Older Persons, International Music Day, Less than Perfect Day, National Black Dog Day, National Pickle Day, Pudding Season Begins, and Willy Wonka Day. Now some history. On this day in 331 BC Alexander the Great defeated Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela which is now Iran. It was a battle of around 150,000 men with swords, spears, bows & arrows killing each other. On this day in 1653 the Russian parliament annexed Ukraine. Sound familiar? On this day in 1867 Karl Marx published “Das Kapital” which is a description of the capitalist system, its instability and tendency to self-destruct. On this day in 1890 the US Congress created the Weather Bureau. On this day in 1908 Henry Ford introduced the Model T car at a cost of $825. On this day in 1920 Dutch law provides for an 8-hour working day. On this day in 1948 the California Supreme Court voids the state statue that bans interracial marriages. On this day in 1957 was the first appearance of “In God We Trust” on US currency. Today’s quotes come from the French poet, Pierre Corneille who lived in the 17th century. Pierre said, “The greater the effort, the greater the glory.” “Th greater the risk, the sweeter the fruit.” “Patience and time conquer all things.” “He who allows himself to be insulted deserves to be.” “It matters more how one gives than what one gives.” “Desire increases when fulfillment is postponed.” “A good memory is needed after one has lied.” So true. Enough for this day. Abide.
