Winter and 1863

It is becoming obvious, from a few subtle hints (like nighttime temperatures in the 40*F range) that winter is on the way.

Oh, joy.

That time of year where my skin is so dry, I can watch it flake.

That time of year where I wake up and have no motivation to move, because it is so cold.

The time of year in which cold seems to suck all the pleasure out of life.

I keep saying I want a winter home in Tahiti, and I mean it.

How come there is a song about there being no cure for the summertime blues, when it is the winter blahs that really get to you?

Well, it could be worse, I guess.

I won't tempt the fates by mentioning how.

Meanwhile, tonight I just might howl at the moon (see the wacky holiday list below).

Also, history handed me a rather interesting thought (in the Today in History list below, having to do with the concurrent happenings of 1863).


Today is:

Exaltation of the Shellfish, Pontevedra, Spain

Feed the Birds Day, UK

Flag Day, Austria

French Food Festival

Horseless Carriage Day

Independence Day, Norway

International Red Cross Day

Mule Day

National Mincemeat Pie Day

Pumpkin Day

Top-Spinning Ceremony, Thailand

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night


Birthdays Today:

Cary Elwes, 1962
Lauren Tewes, 1954
Hillary Rodham Clinton, 1947
Pat Sajak, 1947
Jaclyn Smith, 1947
Bob Hoskins, 1942
Jackie Coogan, 1914
Mahalia Jackson, 1911

Today in History:

Comet 55P/1366 U1 (Tempel-Tuttle) approaches 0.0229 AUs of Earth (2.1 million miles and 3.4 million kilometers)--marking the third closest approach of any comet to our planet in recorded history, 1366
First use of lead pencils, 1492
William Penn accepts the area around the the Delaware River from the Duke of York, 1682
The first Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia, and the Minute Men begin to organize in the colonies, 1774
The "Federalist Papers" are published, calling for ratification of the US Constitution, 1787
The French Directory, a five-man revolutionary government, is created, 1795
Hamilton Smith patents a rotary washing machine, 1858

Soccer football rules are standardized and rugby starts as a separate game, 1863
The Worldwide Red Cross is organized in Geneva, 1863
(Note: is this the beginning of the bumper sticker, "Give blood, Play rugby"?)

First use of a "getaway car" after a robbery in Paris, 1901
The first Soviet (worker's council) formed, St. Petersburg, Russia, 1905
Margaret Sanger arrested for the obscenity of advocating birth control, 1916
Mother Teresa founds her Mission of Charity in Calcutta, India, 1950