Filed taxes for me and my parental unit using the H&R Block software package.

It was a quick and easy operation and while Moms is in the mail I am procrastinating on the print, sign, and mail of my own.

I decline to do the efile thingie regardless of how "desirable" the powers that be feel it is.

There is something about a hardcopy which simply appeals to me.

So as I delve into the obligations I have toward my nation I am left feeling that I might have gotten just a little bit of a refund.

No such luck, however !
 

I hate to admit this, but I used to associate florists with gaiety. Yes, in that naive time of a younger day I thought all florists were queer as three dollar bills and as such were deserving of my contempt.

Over the years I have come to realize that this simply is not the case. It even took several severe throttlings from irate florists for me to get the message. Shudders !

Today is Floral Design Day.

It is observed each February 28 in recognition of the significance of floral designs to the world.

The culture of the art form transcends international boundaries and yes, you will find florists who take offense to being called homosexuals when they are not.

At least they SAY they're not.

One Carl Rittner is the pioneer of floral design behind the day. His birthday was February 28, 1914 which was marked as Floral Design Day in the United States.

So if you're suspicious of your flamboyant effeminate male florist I advise you to keep it all to yourself.

Happy Floral Design Day.
 

The race has boiled down to two candidates with Donald Trump leading over Nikki Haley.

I have proceeded to my regular polling place to do my civic duty.

I'm voting for Trump in the hopes that he will prevail over this outrageous foreigner trying to assume control of the country.

If the general populace knew and cared about what I know and care about she would not be so haughty and self righteous.

Pushy teeth gnashing comic book character.

She can go far away from the United States far as I am concerned.

My ballot is cast. I now await the tally.

 

Chinese lanterns are pretty spectacular when released in mass to float either on a body of water or above the cityscape or countryside. However, there are many jurisdictions in the United States which have ordinances against flying these decorations at any time.

They are often mistaken for UFOs and as such may be a source of confusion with the populace at large. Particularly we who believe there are other inhabitants of the universe out there.

Today is The Floating Lantern Festival. It is an annual 15th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar. It happens on February 24 this year.

Chinese lanterns are traditional Chinese lights made of paper or oiled silk designed to be released onto waterways or into the air.

They are either called "floating or water lanterns", while those that fly are referred to as sky lanterns.

They are typically decorated with paper shapes, usually animals or Chinese characters. The lantern itself is constructed from a thin square frame with a few bamboo skewers holding the sides together.

It is said they promote fertility and please the spirits which occupy that space in which they are released.

I hope you enjoy this year's Floating Lantern Festival.
 

There is a lot to be said for humility. Having or showing a modest or low interpretation of one's own importance is at once disarming and sometimes even charming. Exhibiting low social or political rank likewise may be endearing to some but not ALL of us as well.

I try to be more quiet and pretty humble. However, I become irked with the advent of the woke stupidity rampant upon the nation and people saying they may specify their own gender or declare themselves totally without; as well as any combination they may choose as well that their feelings rise above all else on the planet ...

I'm afraid this situation simply is not conducive to humility or tolerance much less remaining humble.
 

Now, before you're forced to think "there he is the incessant curmudgeon spouting off again" I would point out that I am quite satisfied to be me and let you be you. I always endeavor to maintain acceptable comportment in the presence of others. However, when YOU decide that YOUR feelings are more important than MY rights you may wish to reconsider that conviction while you remain able.

Should I choose to take action against you for transgressing my existence the argument will likely be over abruptly aside for the following consequences. However, those will not deter me in the least should I become sufficiently triggered. Happy Be Humble Day ... even if you're a woke misguided sick bastard.

BTW, shove your preferred pronouns too.
 

I used to be quite the sentimental being. Yes, I would wax all ushy gushy at the drop of a hat. I'm sorry to say that I lost all the romance and snuggle bunny attitudes long ago in favor of a more reserved, if somewhat cynical personality which has stuck with me a while now.

Today is Card Reading Day.

It is observed each February 21 as one of those sentimental notions which used to frequent my psyche. I try to save each and every card I am sent though I must admit my filing system has seen better days.

Personally, I prefer a more crass humorous card such as this one that my late sister in law, Peggy Childers Williamson gave me for our last Christmas.
 

So whether you're soft and warm and gentle — or somewhat abrasive like I am — I hope you'll take a moment to savor those interludes from time gone by. Read through a few cards and see if you can recapture the magic of those kinder, gentler times in your life.

Happy Card Reading Day to you !