It is Monday, November 13th, 2023. Yesterday was good, yesterday was fun, I think I’ll have another one. If that’s not an exact quote from Dr Seuss, it’s close. It’s also how I feel and what I’m going after: a string of good days as far as the eye can see. I know there’s rocks in the road and eventually a cliff but right now, the tail is smooth, the sun is shining, and the birds provide the background music. Life is good. Today is Sadie Hawkins Day, National Indian Pudding Day, Remembrance Day, National Hug a Musician Day, Symphonic Metal Day, and my pick: World Kindness Day. Every day should be world kindness day. On this day in 1002 English King Ethelred II ordered St. Brice’s Day massacre of the Danes (Vikings) living in England because of a perceived pending assault on his throne. History doesn’t provide a body count. On this day in 1839 the last running of the bulls took place in England after 700 hears of the cruel tradition. On this day in 1861 a letter written by Reverand Mark R. Watkinson petitioning the Treasury Department to “recognize Almighty God” on American coins. The Treasury Department eventually decided on the motto “In God We Trust”. On this day in 1942 the minimum draft age was lowered from 21 to 18 in the US. This is the day in 1952 that false fingernails were 1st sold. This is the day in 1956 that the Supreme Court ruled that race separation on buses in Alabama was unconstitutional. On this day in 1985 Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted in Columbia killing 25,000 in the town of Armero. In 1986 on this day President Reagan confessed to selling weapons to Iran. Today’s advice comes the Scottish novelist and poet, Robert Louis Stevenson who said, “Make the most of the best and the least of the worst.” “Everybody, soon or late, sits down to a banquet of consequences.” “The person who has stopped being thankful has fallen asleep in life.” “Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.” “Since hate poisons the soul, don’t cherish enmities or grudges: avoid people who make you unhappy.” “Friends: People who know you well, but like you anyway.” That’s a good one to end on. Abide.
