It’s now November 9th, 2021. It occurred to me this morning where I am: old and retired. When you start life, you have unlimited potential and nearly zero experience. When you get to where I’m at, I’ve got nearly zero potential and a lifetime of experience. I don’t have hills to climb, battles to fight, big goals to achieve. I used to but I’ve turned the pages on those chapters. Now, my choice is what can I do today to have fun. It’s a nice place to be. It’s Carl Sagan Day, Go To An Art Museum Day, National Chaos Never Dies Day, World Freedom Day and National Scrapple Day. It’s also Peanut Butter Lovers Month so I’ll forgo the daily list and have a PB&J today. On this day in 1620, the Mayflower sees land after 2 months at sea. This is the day in 1799 that Napoleon Bonaparte pulls off a coup and becomes the dictator of France under the title of First Consul. On this day in 1862, General Grant issues orders to bar Jews from serving under him. In 1888 on this day Jack Ripper’s 5th and probably last victim, Mary Jane Kelly, found on her bed. This day in 1932 a hurricane sweeps over Santa Cruz del Sur Cuba and kills 2,500. And on this day in 1961 the PGA eliminates Caucasians only rule. Since it’s Carl Sagan’s day (born on this day in 1934) I’ll start with some of Carl’s quotes: “The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.” He also said, “Nothing disturbs me more than the glorification of stupidity.” This is the day in 1953 when the Irish poet, Dylan Thomas died at the age of 39. Dylan said, “Life always offers you a second chance; it’s called tomorrow.” He also said, “An alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do” and “Cold beer is bottled God.” Did I mention that I’m part Irish? Abide.
