Earth has moved into the time/space designated as December 12, 2023. The high temperature today in Central Florida will be 68 degrees. That’s what we call Winter. I’ve decided to enjoy it because that’s what an optimist would do and also because we’ll be back into the 70s tomorrow. If you look for reasons to be happy, being happy is easy. Today is Bonza Bottler Day which is celebrated on the day each month when the month and day are the same (Jan. 1st, Feb. 2nd). It’s also Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts of Taboo Day, Gingerbread House Day, National 12 Hour Fresh Breath Day, National Ambrosia Day, Poinsettia Day, and my pick, National Ding-A-Ling Day because “My Ding-A-Ling” is one of my favorite Chuck Berry songs. Onto history: On this day in 1524 Pope Clement VII approved the organization of a Jewish community in Rome. On this day in 1769 Pope Clement XIV proclaimed a universal jubilee which was a special year of the remission of sins, debts and universal pardons of slaves and prisoners. On this day in 1874 President Grant hosted the first state dinner at the White House for Hawaiian King David Kalakaua. On this day in 1913 Hebrew became the official language taught in Palestinian schools. On this day in 1946 the United Nations accepted john D. Rockefeller Jr.’s gift of 6 Manhattan blocks. On this day in 1961 Adolf Eichmann was found guilty of war crimes in Israel. He would be hung on June 1, 1962. This is the day in 2000 that the Supreme Court issued its 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore declaring Bush the winner. Today’s quotes come from the English poet Robert Browning who said, “Night conceals a world but reveals a universe.” “The best things in life can never be kept; they must be given away. A smile, a kiss and love.” “Success in marriage is more than finding the right person; it is being the right person.” “Who knows most, doubts most.” I’ll wrap this one up with “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.” Abide.
