July 30, 2022. Yester the 2022 road trip slid into the past. Only memories remain. The Covid is still here and I can’t smell anything but other than that, doing fine. Of all the senses, smell is the one I’d give up first. I look forward to getting it back which could take a year. It is what it is. Today is Father-in-Law Day, International Day of Friendship, Islamic New Year, National Cheesecake Day, National Support Public Education Day, National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, Paperback Book Day, and Share a Hug Day which I would not recommend doing with me. Now some historical context. Om 101 BC the Roman army under Gaius Marius defeated the Gauls in the Battle of Vercellae which ended the Germanic threat to Rome. Over 100,000 Gauls were killed in this battle. Think swords, spears, clubs and arrows. Wow. On this day in 1715 the Spanish fold and silver fleet sunk off St. Lucie, FL. On this day in 1844 the 1st US yacht club is formed in the United States in New York City. On this day in 1863 President Lincoln issued the ”eye-for-eye” order which required that a rebel prisoner held by the Union be shot for every black prisoner shot by the Confederates. On this day in 1916 German saboteurs blew up a munitions plant on Black Tom Island in New Jersey. This is the day in 1935 that a Penguin book was published beginning the paperback revolution. On this day in 1945 the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine. 880 of the crew died, many after being attacked by sharks. Today we have William Penn to provide the quotes. William died on this date in 1718. He said, “The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while other are adding up their troubles.” “Never despise what you don’t understand.” Last one: “I shall pass though life but once. Let me show kindness now, as I shall not pass this day again.” Abide.
