This day’s name is December 18, 2023. Christmas is right around the corner. This one will be my 78th. I can’t remember each one specifically because they’ve blended into a mosaic of my life. I can remember being placed before a window and told to watch for Santa’s sleigh. I can remember doing the same thing to my kids. That’s enough memory lane for today. It’s Arabic Language Day, Bake Cookies Day, Flake Appreciation Day, Give a Wine Club Day, International Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day, International Migrants Day, National Ham Salad Day, National Roast Sucking Pig Day, and National Wear a Plunger on your Head Day. That’s a better than average list. Onto history: On this day in 1777 is the 1st US national Thanksgiving Day which commemorates the surrender of British General Burgoyne. On this day in 1799 George Washinton’s body was interred at Mount Vernon. On this day in 1892 Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” premiered in St. Peterburg, Russia. It has become the world’s most performed ballet. On this day in 1916 the Battle of Verdun officially ended with the defeat of the Germans after 9 months of fighting and almost 1 million casualties. On this dark day in 1917 the 18th Amendment which prohibited alcohol was approved by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. On this day in 1960 at a General Meeting of the UN, the South African system of apartheid was condemned. On this day in 1963 “The Pink Panther” starring Peter Sellers and David Niven premiered. On this day in 1969 the House of Lords voted to abolish the death penalty in England, Wales, and Scotland. On this day in 2012 six health workers dispensing polio vaccinations were gunned down in Pakistan. This is the day in 1971 that the legendary golfer, Bobby Jones died. Most of today’s quotes involve golf. “Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course… the space between your ears.” “I never learned anything from a match I won.” “Golf is the only game I know of that actually becomes harder the longer you play it.” Last one: “The main idea in golf as in life, I suppose is to learn to accept what cannot be altered and to keep on doing one’s own reasoned and resolute best whether the prospect be bleak or rosy.” Abide.
