December 26, 2022

It’s yesterday’s tomorrow or December 26^th, 2022. Another Christmas has slipped into the past. Was it worth all the time and effort we put into it to make it special? Yes. I hope I can do it again next year and many years after that. Today is Boxing Day, National Candy Cane Day, National Thank You Note Day, and National Whiner’s Day. I have no idea why whiners got a day. Nobody likes to be around them. On this day in 1799 George Washington was eulogized by Colonel Henry Lee as “1^st in war, 1^st in peace and 1^st in the hearts of his countrymen.” On this day in 1854 the Treaty of Medicine Creek was signed by the Nisqually, Puyallup and Coast Salish tribes giving up 2.5 million acres to preserve fishing and gathering rights. On this day in 1862 the 1^st US Navy hospital ship entered service. On the same day the largest mass execution in US history took place when 38 Dakota men were hung after the US Dakota War in Mankato, MN. In 1865 on this day James Mason patented the 1^st US coffee percolator. In 1908 Jack Johnson beats defending champion Tommy burns in 14 rounds to become the 1^st black man to win the world heavyweight title. On this day in 1941 Winston Churchill became the 1^st British Prime Minister to address a joint meeting of Congress. He spent 3 weeks living at the White House with FDR. On this day in 1951 ‘The African Queen’ with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn was released. On this day in 1991 the gun Jack Ruby used to kill Lee Harvey Oswald was sold at auction for $220,000. Today’s wit and wisdom comes from Harry Truman who died on this day in 1972. Harry said, “My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a whorehouse or a politician. To tell the truth, there’s hardly a difference.” “Work hard. Do your best. Keep your word. Never get too big for your britches. Trust in God. Have no fear; and Never forget a friend.” “If you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog.” “Democrats work to help people who need help. That other party, they work for people who don’t need help. That’s all there is to it.” That’s enough for today. Abide.