The Haasienda on Shroyer…

This date in history: January 29th.

Lots of rain on this dark Sunday morning. It rained throughout the night and the wind was fairly strong. At this moment, it’s a heavy, steady downpour and I suspect a large wooden ark to make an appearance at any moment.

I remained in bed all of Saturday rising only to feed the dogs, let them out, use the bathroom, order a new computer monitor for my study and bring it in after it was delivered, and to shower and dress to join Mama Kay and members of the St. Albert, The Great’s choir for pizza and Marion’s. It was nice to leave the house and be around people. However, I returned home to reunite with my pooches and my pillows. 

One of the cables is different than what my computer offers so I am now on the bus (No. 17 at 6:35 AM) to grab an adapter from Walmart and grab some breakfast at one of my favorite haunts. Hopefully, I shall be returned home where I can relax with some documentaries and rest until it is time to teach. 

This morning, I woke with Colonel Deeds draped about my neck like a fox stole. Hoskins was draped over my bent legs. Adorable. It made me smile and ignore the body’s misery from this bloody incessant rain. 

Make it a great day!

The rain continues with a fine mist. Everything just feels soggy and muddy.  While I feel the soggy weather, I do see the muddy in the paw prints. It is currently 50 degrees at 6:45 AM, and I am elated. However, throughout the day, the temperature will gradually fall to 35 degrees. For the next week, we shall experience temperatures in the mid-forties to fifty.

The end of January draws near, and I relish the commencement of the next month. January seemed to take lengthy pauses every few days. January has always felt like a draggy month to me, and this year has been no different. Yesterday was January 25^th and until September, each twenty-fifth day of a month will be a reminder that my 60^th birthday is approaching. Normally, any age ending in zero has not disrupted my enthusiasm, but this one seems to be doing that at the moment.

February is packed full of anniversaries and birthdays. Plus, it offers some historical practices of celebrating our presidents with the federal holiday, as well as the individual birthdays of Lincoln and Washington. April, however, is my favorite month as it covers so much United States history, as well as Mother’s birthday.

Harrigan seems to be propping up a little more this week. She still keeps to herself, but has been playing with Colonel Deeds (Harrigan does not play), and allowing Hoskins to snuggle with her, but not without initial growls.

My body just is not recovering from the physical aggravations encouraged by the barometric pressure and dampness. I am contemplating remaining home this evening to hopefully gain more strength so I can enjoy my free weekend. I will wait until mid-afternoon to make a decision about attending tonight’s performance.

Until then, I will make it a great day!

On this date in history…

(2021) American actress Cicely Tyson, who was noted for her vivid portrayals of strong African American women, died at age 96. (2002) Swedish children’s writer Astrid Lindgren—who was best known for her works involving Pippi Longstocking, a freckle-faced red-haired nine-year-old who incarnates every child’s dream of freedom and power—died at age 94. (1986) On this day in 1986, the U.S. space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Florida, killing all seven aboard, including a schoolteacher who had been chosen as the first American civilian to travel in space.  (1958)  Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, whose father founded the company  LEGO in Denmark, filed for a Danish patent (later granted) for a toy building block that became hugely popular around the world. (1915) Congress created the U.S. Coast Guard by combining the Revenue Cutter Service with the U.S. Lifesaving Service. (1912) American painter Jackson Pollock, a leading exponent of Abstract Expressionism who received widespread publicity and serious recognition for the radical poured, or “drip,” technique he used to create his major works, was born. (1871) The French capital, Paris, fell following a four-month siege during the Franco-German War. (1813) Jane Austen‘s Pride and Prejudice was published anonymously and enjoyed immediate success, thanks in part to the popularity of the central character, Elizabeth Bennet, who was reportedly Austen’s own favourite among all her heroines. (1457) King Henry VII of England, who succeeded in ending the Wars of the Roses, was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

My phone indicates that between 3 PM and 6:30 AM, I received twenty-nine SPAM or marketing calls. Unfamiliar numbers are silenced so I am not interrupted or aggravated by their frequent intrusions. At 3 PM on Friday, I deleted 40+ such calls that had arrived between 6 AM and 3 PM. I have taken the time to “block callers” and they still come through. I receive approximately 12-16 similar text messages each day and will type in “STOP” when indicated or block those numbers. They still manage to find their way back to my inbox. I receive several text messages each day with a greeting to “Reginald.” Interesting.

At the moment, it is forty degrees, and we shall only see a high of forty-five. This trend of hanging in the forties is with us for a spell.

It’s my last free Saturday for several months, and I am anxious because I am not finding anything to interest me. Nothing appeals to me. It may end up being a day at home. So be it. I am sure the pooches will love having me home. They got me, yesterday, as my body was in high revolt, and I remained home and in bed.

At the moment, Colonel Deeds and Hoskins are playing full and hard, pissing off the grand duchess, Erma, who sometimes will climb on her high horse and install herself as the playground monitor when it suits her.

It’s been one month since darling Bailey passed away. I still miss my little girl.

On with my day.

Make it a great day!

On this date in history…

(2010) American writer J.D. Salinger—who was best known for The Catcher in the Rye (1951), which uses humour and colourful language to portray the sensitive, rebellious adolescent Holden Caulfield—died at age 91. (1976) The first episode of the sitcom Laverne and Shirley, a spin-off of Happy Days, aired on ABC; it starred Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall, who later became one of the first women to achieve consistent commercial success as a movie director. (1973) The Paris accord ending the Vietnam War, America‘s longest war to that time, was signed this day in 1973, providing for an exchange of prisoners and for the unilateral withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam. (1955) American jurist John G. Roberts, Jr., who served as the 17th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, was born.  (1945) The Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, was liberated by Soviet troops. (1885) Jerome Kern, an American composer best known for his musical comedies, was born. (1880) American inventor Thomas Edison patented the  incandescent lamp. (1832) Mathematician and novelist Lewis Carroll, especially remembered for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass (1871), was born in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.

On this date in history…

(2020) American basketball player Kobe Bryant—who was considered one of the sport’s greatest players, winning five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers—died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41. (1988) Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s The Phantom of the Opera, a musical version of Gaston Leroux‘s melodramatic novel, opened in New York City and went on to become the longest-running show in Broadway history. (1962) Lucky Luciano, who was the most powerful chief of American organized crime in the early 1930s and was deported to his native Italy in 1946, died at the age of 65. (1958) American comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres, who was known for her quirky observational humour, was born. (1925) American actor Paul Newman, whose good looks and charisma helped make him an enduring screen presence in the second half of the 20th century, was born. (1880) Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. general who commanded the Southwest Pacific Theatre in World War II, administered postwar Japan during the Allied occupation that followed, and led United Nations forces during the first nine months of the Korean War, was born. (1837) Michigan became the 26th U.S. state admitted to the union. (1788) On this day in 1788, Arthur Phillip, who had sailed into what is now Sydney Cove with a shipload of convicts, hoisted the British flag and established the first permanent European settlement on the continent of Australia.

The weather app shows no precipitation for this morning, but a nice mist coats the air. Rain is projected for the late afternoon and evening. With the fog, an eerie flavor paints the scene outside. I especially love these scenes during the winter when the empty limbs and branches offer those cracks in the dim frosted light.

Wednesday began with energy and strong intentions to complete much writing and research but the body had other plans. Both the MS and gut issues reared the ugliest duet, keeping me in bed the entire day. It seems time to make some critical decisions in this area. I feared I would have difficulty getting to sleep, but I maintained a steady sleep throughout the night.

I shall teach one make-up lesson tonight before joining my Lincoln people for the evening. Tomorrow I shall attend a high school production, and I am still trying to figure out what to do with my Saturday. With February through the Spring months ramping up with Dayton Live performances, this is one of my last Saturdays free until the middle of June.

Next Saturday, February 3^rd, is Colonel Deeds’ GOTCHA DAY, celebrating his first anniversary at The Haasienda. I have been blessed with affectionate pooches, but The Colonel seems to take the prize.

It’s time to begin my day. It’s twelve hours away from the Lincoln history Zoom meeting but it’s the highlight of my day.

Make it a great day!

More rain. The weather app indicates the wetness shall be with us through midnight, on Friday. Lots of old blankets and towels down in the study.

Last evening, I set out for downtown on No. 17 to grab some Chinese and then take in AMERICAN FICTION at Neon Movies. I am so glad I went to see this movie – it’s great. I wouldn’t mind seeing it, again. Very well written, directed, and performed.

The night’s mist, fog, and downtown lighting made for some interesting photographs which I have already posted on Instagram and Facebook.

SIGNS…

If any of the Canine Crew (human pooch checkers) need to set down food bowls for feeding, I have post-it notes or taped notes for bowl locations. Yesterday, I saw Bailey’s nameplate was still hanging. I shall leave it there, probably forever.

I remembered that there are two remaining signs I taped up in 2003 when we moved to Shroyer Road. One was a taped note in a drawer to remind the boys to replace a roll of toilet paper from the hall closet when they took one out of the bathroom drawer. Another note still hangs in the kitchen cabinet where I’ve always kept drinking glasses.

Sometimes, we need signs to remind us of things. However, I have always felt I needed to look for “signs” that are not always easy to find.

And with that, I need to find the signs to make certain I make it a great day!

On this date in history…

(2017) American actress Mary Tyler Moore, who helped redefine the portrayal of women on TV with her roles in the comedies The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–66) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–77), died in Greenwich, Connecticut. (2005) American architect Philip C. Johnson—who wielded great influence in American  architectural  design, playing a defining role in several 20th-century movements—died in Connecticut. (1971) American criminal and cult leader Charles Manson and three of his followers were convicted of a series of notorious murders; their crimes inspired the best-selling book Helter Skelter (1974). (1961) The animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians was released in the United States, and it became a Disney classic, especially noted for the villainous character Cruella De Vil. (1949) The first Emmy Awards were presented; there were only six categories, and nominated shows were limited to those that aired in the Los Angeles area. (1945) In an effort to prevent tooth decay, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first U.S. city to add fluoride to its water system. (1882) British writer Virginia Woolf, who made an original contribution to the form of the novel and was one of the most-distinguished critics of her time, was born in London. (1759) Robert Burns, national poet of Scotland, was born in Alloway in Ayrshire. (1533) Henry VIII, king of England, married his second wife, Anne Boleyn, in a secret ceremony. (41 CE) On this day in 41 ce Claudius I, who extended Roman rule in North Africa and made Britain a province of the Roman Empire, was affirmed as emperor, raised to the post one day after the murder of his nephew, Gaius Caesar (Caligula).

Photographs taken on Tuesday evening, January 23, 2024.

Thursday has arrived with the temperature a tiny bit higher than what has visited us the past several days. We should make it to the upper 20s today but shall dip back to the teens this weekend, followed by nearly a week in the 40s and one day reaching the 50s.

I had great intentions to accomplish a good deal of writing and some items for around The Haasienda. However, by 9 AM, my body felt so miserable that I made it a great day simply by watching documentaries all day and napping with the three younger pooches snuggled tightly against me. Harrigan, Colonel Deeds, and Hoskins each take turns sharing my pillow, pressed against my chest.

Harrigan seems to be improving in spirit but still does not come out to greet students when they enter. She remains on my bed, ever the supervisor, but not committing to being an ambassador as the others.

It is time to begin my day. Make it a great day!

A GLIMPSE

By Walt Whitman

A GLIMPSE, through an interstice caught,
Of a crowd of workmen and drivers in a bar-room, around the stove,
late of a winter night–And I unremark’d seated in a corner;
Of a youth who loves me, and whom I love, silently approaching, and
seating himself near, that he may hold me by the hand;
A long while, amid the noises of coming and going–of drinking and
oath and smutty jest,
There we two, content, happy in being together, speaking little,
perhaps not a word.

26. 38. 43. 48. 56. 47. 44.

These might look like Power Ball numbers, but they are temperature predictions for today, Sunday through next Saturday. Our extended frozen tundra effects are exiting the Miami Valley. While there was a sting to the air, especially when the wind was present, I did find it too horrible for my walks; however, I often thought about those whose jobs kept them out in the conditions.

Last night, I was a house manager at Victoria Theatre for a comedian. I couldn’t hear his material, but I did hear the audience’s response which seemed to be ample. I was back at the Wright Stop Plaza by 8:50 PM and opted to take Lyft back home rather than wait for an additional hour. I was tired and dealing with some head stuffiness which I seem to experience at Victoria Theatre. By 9:20 PM, I was home, eagerly and warmly greeted by The Pooches.

Tonight, I begin teaching and over the next two days will welcome four new students into the studio. I will begin hearing of the OMEA (Ohio Music Educators Association) solo and ensemble experiences from the eleven high school students who participated. Now is the push for spring musical theatre preparation.

It’s time to begin the day. I hope to accomplish much but that remains to be seen. But, I am eager to move forward into more agreeable temperatures.

Make it a great day!

“Winter Magic”

By Paula Goldsmith

There is winter magic in the cool air,

right now nature is very bare.

It is only dressed in a snowy white flair,

soon this winter magic will turn into warmer wear.

Let’s go build a snowman,

before the hot sun turns him tan.

The magical ice and snow will soon melt away,

with a bright blue sky and no more gray.

This year will go from season to season,

spring will be here without a reason.

The cold temperatures are departing the Miami Valley. I am glad. I look forward to the temperatures in the forties and fifties.

This week has some things that greatly interest me. After Monday’s lesson lineup, I have extracurricular events for which I am so excited and eager to explore. I am hoping there are some new movies at Neon Movies that interest me. Thursday night, I will join my fellow Mary Lincoln and Lincoln family scholars in a planning session, and Friday evening will join Linda Utt and Karen McLain in attending the Centerville High School production, THE GREAT GADSBY. Saturday and Sunday, at this time, are free but I do hope to attend the opening concert of The University of Dayton’s new Roger Glass Center for the Arts with Patrick Reynolds conducting the University of Dayton Symphonic Wind Ensemble. I would really like to add something different with a visit to a museum.

I easily found an image of something that was a part of my infancy and childhood. It was a unique structure but very practical. It was my high chair that also doubled as a stroller, and later as a table and chair. I still have the table. It’s not coming back to me whether or not it if the high chair part was still in use for my younger siblings. I still find it to be a remarkable item.

On with my day. I have two new students beginning the lesson journeys with me this evening.

Make it a great day.

The pooches allowed me to sleep in this morning and I appreciate them. Truth be told, I am lucky in this regard as they seldom wake me. Yesterday, another dog parent told me their dogs wake them up throughout the night for potty breaks. I take potty breaks during the night. Generally, 11 PM is the final potty break and they are good until 6:15 AM after they’ve been fed.

Rain is with us and it intends to stay for a lengthy visit until at least Thursday. The paw blankets are down in my study to catch as much mud as possible. The mud struggle is real.

I am still trying to determine how my day will run. I want to do something different, and fun, but I have not come up with anything. I may just remain at home to write and research and enjoy the affection from my five furry kids.

Whatever I decide, I plan to make it a great day.

On this date in history:

(2004) Launched in mid-2003, the six-wheeled robotic rover Opportunity landed on Mars this day in 2004 and—like its twin rover, Spirit, which had landed on January 3—analyzed rocks and soils and relayed pictures back to Earth. (2003) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security  came into being as Tom Ridge was sworn in as the agency’s first secretary. (1993) American lawyer and civil rights activist Thurgood Marshall, who was the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court (1967–91), died at age 84. (1989) American serial killer Ted Bundy—who confessed to murdering 30 women, though many believe the number to be much higher—was executed at age 42. (1984) Steve Jobs introduced Apple‘s revolutionary computer Macintosh, two days after the groundbreaking commercial “1984” aired before a national TV audience and heralded the product’s impending release. (1940) American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, who wrote pop songs for other musicians before launching a successful solo recording career, was born. (1940) The Grapes of Wrath, the acclaimed adaptation of John Steinbeck‘s  classic novel, had its world premiere; the character Tom Joad‘s soliloquy on the poor, reflecting his empathy for their plight, remains one of the most famous scenes in film history. (1908) The first Boy Scout troop was organized by Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell in England. (1862) Edith Wharton, an American author best known for her stories and novels about upper-class society, was born. (1848) Carpenter James Wilson Marshall found nuggets of gold in California’s American River near the site of a sawmill he was building for John Sutter, ushering in a gold rush. (1556) An earthquake in Shensi (Shaanxi) province, China, killed 830,000 people. (41 CE) The Roman emperor Caligula was murdered at the Palatine Games by Cassius Chaerea (a tribune of the Praetorian Guard), Cornelius Sabinus, and others.

On this date in history…

(2021) American talk-show host Larry King, whose easygoing interviewing style helped make Larry King Live (1985–2010) one of CNN‘s longest-running and most popular programs, died at age 87. (2005) American comedian Johnny Carson—who, as host of The Tonight Show (1962–92), established the standard format for television talk shows and came to be considered the king of late-night TV—died at age 79. (1997) On this day in 1997, Madeleine Albright, who had earlier served as U.S. ambassador to the UN, assumed under President Bill Clinton the office of secretary of state, becoming the first woman to hold that cabinet post. (1997) The Age of Aquarius dawned, some astrologers believe, because for the first time since 1475 a number of planets, the Sun, and the Moon were aligned in a perfect six-pointed star in the first degrees of Aquarius. (1986) The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland inducted its first class, which included Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Elvis Presley. (1977) The TV miniseries Roots, an adaptation of Alex Haley‘s best-selling novel, debuted; it became one of the most popular shows in the history of American television and galvanized attention on African American issues and history. (1964) The Twenty-fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the federal and state governments from imposing poll taxes before a citizen can participate in a federal election, was ratified. (1789) Georgetown College (now Georgetown University) was established in Washington, D.C.

On this date in history…

(2021) American professional baseball player Hank Aaron, one of the game’s greatest hitters, died at the age of 86. (2018) American writer Ursula K. Le Guin, who was best known for tales of science fiction and fantasy imbued with concern for character development and language, died at the age of 88. (2010) Struggling with ratings, Conan O’Brien left The Tonight Show after hosting his last episode of the late-night television program. (1998) One of the most notorious domestic terrorists in U.S. history, Theodore Kaczynski, the so-called Unabomber, who killed three people and injured 22 in 16 attacks between 1979 and 1995, was sentenced to four terms of life in prison without parole. (1992) Serving as a payload specialist aboard the Discovery space shuttle, Roberta Bondar became the first Canadian woman and the first neurologist to travel into space. (1973) On this day in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued one of its most momentous decisions, ruling in Roe v. Wade that a Texas statute criminalizing abortion in most instances violated a woman’s constitutional right of privacy. (1931) American singer and songwriter Sam Cooke, one of the most influential Black vocalists of the post-World War II era, was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. (1905) On what was later known as Bloody Sunday, Russian workers marching on St. Petersburg were fired on by Russian troops. (1901) Queen Victoria—who reigned for more than 60 years, during which time the British Empire reached the apex of its power—died at age 81. (1561) British statesman and philosopher Francis Bacon was born in York House, London.

On this date in history:

(2017) Demonstrations, known collectively as the Women’s March, were held throughout the world to support gender equality, civil rights, and other issues that were expected to face challenges under newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump; it was widely believed to be the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history. (2010) In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission , the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (5–4) that laws preventing corporations and unions from using general treasury funds for independent electioneering communications violated the First Amendment‘s guarantee of freedom of speech. (1997) American politician Newt Gingrich became the first speaker in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives to be given a formal reprimand for ethics violations after the House voted 395–28 in favour of the measure. (1996) Cleanup of 1.8 million gallons (6.8 million litres) of oil began near Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island, two days after the barge North Cape ran aground and created a 12-mile (19-km) oil slick. (1941) Spanish-born singer Plácido Domingo—an operatic tenor whose voice, physical stature, and dramatic ability made him one of the most popular tenors of the late 20th and early 21st centuries—was born in Madrid.  (1924) Vladimir Lenin, who led the Russian Revolution (1917) and later served as the first head (1917–24) of the Soviet state, died. (1905) Fashion designer Christian Dior, whose label became an enduring worldwide success, was born in Granville, France. (1885) Lead Belly—an African American folk–blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose ability to perform a vast repertoire of songs, in conjunction with his notoriously violent life, made him a legend—is believed to have been born this day. 

I loved getting out and about on Friday morning. I used the still fairly new No. 28 that skirts around Kettering from the hospital to The Greene. It’s so convenient and connects with No. 17 for even greater convenience. The cold weather did not bother me, in the least, and even the snow was easy to manage.

I left at 11 AM, hit Dollar General, picked up my preordered supper (Friday and Saturday) at Subway, ate lunch at a Mexican restaurant, grabbed a few things from Kroger, and was home via No. 17, arriving at 1:10 PM. Not bad. And I managed to accumulate 6,046 steps. Again, not bad.

I spent time working on a writing project, lounging on the study floor with five dogs snuggled about me (and I rose with little difficulty), completed prepping for tomorrow and put the newly arrived dog tags on the collars. The tags had arrived in mid-December, and I recently ordered one for Hoskins. Sadly, Bailey’s tag had arrived with the others.

When I lay on the floor with the pooches, Chief, the most loving, yet least demonstrative dog of the five, immediately rolled onto his side and pressed against me. I placed my arm around him, and he moved his head back so that it was touching mine. I loved it. Of course, the highly animated Hekyll and Jekyll, more commonly known as Hoskins and Colonel Deeds, were hopping all over me, and finding every conceivable way to take charge of the moment.

It is January 20^th, one of my favorite days, but only every fourth year. I absolutely love presidential inaugurations. I have watched every inauguration since 1969 when President Richard Nixon was sworn in for the first time.

On with my day! Make it a great day!

On this date in history:

(2021) American Democratic politician Kamala Harris became the first woman to serve as vice president of the United States as she took the oath of office. (2009) On this day in 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the office. (1993) Belgian-born actress Audrey Hepburn—who created unforgettable film roles as the epitome of sophistication and glamour while paradoxically bewitching audiences and critics with her sprightly mannerisms and elfin charm—died in Switzerland. (1981) The Iran hostage crisis ended when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini released 52 Americans who had been held hostage for 15 months. (1961) U.S. President John F. Kennedy, in his inaugural address, said, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” (1945) U.S. President  Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated for an unprecedented fourth term in office. (1930) American  astronaut Buzz Aldrin was born in Montclair, New Jersey. (1801) U.S. President John Adams  nominated John Marshall to be chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. (1778) British explorer James Cook landed at Waimea, on Kauai island, becoming the first European to visit Hawaii.

Snow!

The dogs are in the backyard playing in the snow. Harrigan has joined Colonel Deeds and Hoskins in the play, and this is a relief and a joy to watch. It seems Harrigan is coming back around.

Kettering City Schools are closed today, and I assume others in the area are also closed.  These students should rejoice they do not have Superintendent Keith Scott as they would not know a snow day!

I grew up in Elwood, Indiana and the only time we had a snow day was the Blizzard of 1978. Superintendent Scott would keep Elwood’s schools open when all other communities were closed. As heavy snow moved into Central Indiana, where Elwood was situated as The Heart of Hoosierland, we knew to proceed with preparations for school. That’s the way it was.

When I arrived at Ball State University, many friends knew of Elwood’s reputation and would joke with me when it snowed, stating that I would know how to lead everyone to class because of my experience. One friend, Eric Henderson, referred to me as “The Moses of the Snow.”

I moved to Ohio in 1990 and one morning, I drove to the Dayton Mall, unaffected by the winter storm, and amazed at how slow traffic moved on I-75 South. At the mall, customers were exclaiming how difficult it was getting to the mall and it was there I discovered schools were closed! I was aghast. What was stymieing so many Ohioans that morning was amusing me. That day, I realized how Keith Scott had actually prepared me for life and the weather.

So, “happy snow day” to all the schoolchildren. If I am excited for anyone on this snow day, the teachers and staff get to spend some additional time in bed and a day at home, hopefully doing something that interests them.

Colonel Deeds and Hoskins are now playing with Chief. Chief’s idea of playing is remaining on the floor while the others play with him and around him.

Later this morning, I plan to head out to get some items from several stores. The winter weather does not intimidate me because I had Keith Scott as superintendent.

Make it a great day!

On this date in history:

(2013) American baseball player Stan Musial, who was one of the game’s greatest hitters, died at age 92. (2000) Austrian-born actress Hedy Lamarr, who was often typecast as a provocative femme fatale and later achieved recognition as a noted inventor of a radio communications device, died in Florida. (1977) U.S. President Gerald Ford pardoned Iva Toguri D’Aquino (Tokyo Rose), a Japanese-American broadcaster from Japan to U.S. troops during World War II, who, after the war, was convicted of  treason and served six years in a U.S. prison; mitigating information later raised questions about her guilt. (1966) Following the sudden death of Indian Premier Lal Bahadur Shastri eight days earlier, Indira Gandhi became prime minister of India on this day in 1966, assuming the office first held by her father,  Jawaharlal Nehru. (1955) U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower held the first-ever televised presidential press conference. (1946) American country music singer, guitarist, and actress Dolly Parton, who was best known for pioneering the interface between country and pop music styles, was born. (1943) American singer Janis Joplin, who was known for her fierce and uninhibited musical style, was born. (1853) Giuseppe Verdi‘s opera Il trovatore premiered in Rome. (1809) Edgar Allan Poe, an American short-story writer, poet, critic, and editor famous for his cultivation of mystery and the macabre, was born. (1807) Confederate General Robert E. Lee was born in Stratford, Virginia.

On this date in history:

On this date in history: (2019) President Donald Trump became the third U.S. president to be  impeached by the House of Representatives, which charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. (2011) Czech playwright, poet, and political dissident Václav Havel—who served as president of Czechoslovakia (1989–92) and of the Czech Republic (1993–2003) and had been a prominent participant in the liberal reforms of 1968 (the Prague Spring)—died in Hrádeček, Czech Republic. (1866) The TV special How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, an adaptation of Dr. Seuss‘s classic children’s book, aired for the first time and became a holiday staple. (1963) American actor Brad Pitt, known for his portrayal of unconventional characters, was born. (1946) American actor Brad Pitt, known for his portrayal of unconventional characters, was born. (1917) German General Erich Ludendorff ordered the consolidation of the country’s leading motion-picture studios to form UFA (Universum Film-Aktien Gesellschaft). (1892) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky‘s ballet The Nutcracker was first presented at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. (1886) American baseball player Ty Cobb, an excellent hitter and base runner, was born in Narrows, Georgia. (1865) By proclamation of the U.S. secretary of state, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, outlawing slavery, officially entered into force, having been ratified by the requisite states on December 6. (1787) New Jersey became the third state admitted to the United States when it ratified the U.S. Constitution.

Dogs communicate through tail-wagging, and humans may have selected for the trait during domestication
— Read on www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-do-dogs-wag-their-tails-180983608/