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"THIS AND THAT"

SEPTEMBER 2010 - September is the ninth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, and the seventh month of the year in the Roman Calendar. In Latin, “septem” means seven. Interestingly, September begins on the same day of the week as December every year, because there are 91 days separating September and December, which is a multiple of seven. When I think of September, what comes to mind is that for me as a youth, the school year always began in September. September brought with it the end of the freedom called summer vacation. I wasn’t much of a scholar. Outside of learning the basics; reading, writing and arithmetic, all of which were learned in elementary school, I’ve learned more the last few years on the internet.

I was going to go on a trip this September, but cancelled it, so I have but one gig this month.

On Friday, September 3rd, I’ll be at the Attic Door in Winter Garden from 8:00 to 11:00pm.


AUGUST 2010 - August is here. The Romans named it to honor the emperor Augustus. Not only did the Romans name the month, but they also decided that it should have 31 days to equal July, the month named after Julius Caesar. August is usually the hottest month, so if it’s hotter than July has been in Orlando, we’re in for a real hot one.  READ MORE


JULY 2010 - Summer is here as of June 21st, the summer solstice. June 21st is also the day of the year with the longest period of sunlight. So, though we are now in the thick of summer, our daily periods of sunlight are getting shorter. The day with the shortest period of sunlight is the winter solstice, December 21st. So we are now in July, Independence Day and all. READ MORE


JUNE 2010 - In past posts, I wrote about the months April and May.  This being June, I’ll write a few words about this month. It’s been said that June was named after the Roman goddess Juno, wife of Jupiter. It’s also been said that the name comes from the Latin word iuniores, meaning "younger ones," as opposed to maiores ("elders") for which the preceding month May is named. As I stepped outside this morning to do my daily run through the streets of Orlando at 6:45 am, the only thing that crossed my mind was it’s damn hot. READ MORE


MAY 2010 - Last month I wrote about the significance of April 1st. May 1st also has meaning in our culture. It’s roots go back a long way. For the Druids of the British Isles, May 1st was the second most important holiday of the year, because it was when the festival of Beltane which means “shining fire”, was held. It was a festive occasion, celebrated during the day. It was thought that the day divides the year into half. Then the Romans came to occupy the British Isles. The beginning of May was a very popular feast time for the Romans. It was devoted primarily to the worship of Flora, the goddess of flowers. Somewhere in time the Maypole got into the act.  READ MORE


APRIL 2010 - In the Roman calendar, most of the months were named in honor of divinities. April is associated with Venus. The Greek calendar associates April with Aphrodite. I associate April with spring, but how can anyone not think of April Fool’s Day. Got me wondering what April Fool’s Day is all about so I did some research and this is what I found.  READ MORE


MARCH 2010 - It’s been said that March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. We are still in winter and officially will be till March 21st, the beginning of spring. As a kid I enjoyed the snowy days of winter, snow fights, snow men and sled rides. Still the spring was always welcomed. I’m sure that this year, everyone is anticipating the spring. I read that there was at least one day this winter that 49 of the 50 states experienced snow. The only state that didn’t get snowed on was Hawaii. It even snowed in Florida. So yeah!!! Bring on March. READ MORE


FEBRUARY 2010 - January has gone and hopefully has taken with it it’s very cold weather. Orlando had record breaking temperatures in the 20s. I walk 2 miles every morning at about 7:00am. Man did I walk fast on those cold mornings. I lived in Cleveland Ohio many years ago. I’m done with cold weather. I’d rather put up with 8 months of Florida heat.  READ MORE


JANUARY 2010 - I’m sure I’m not the first to say “Happy New Year”.  If I am the first, it still has a familiar sound. Didn’t we just say that a short time ago as we welcomed in 2009??? Yes and 2009 seemed to go by so quickly. I’m not alone in that observation. Could time be quickening??? Far out concept. READ MORE


DECEMBER 2009 - Wow! The month snuck up on me. The year snuck up on me. Life has snuck up on me. This entry will be short so that I can post it. If the shoe fits, Merry Christmas and/or Happy Hanukkah. Check out my Christmas CD, "Six String Christmas". It's never too late to buy it. The CD works every year.  READ MORE


NOVEMBER 2009 - I’m sitting here at my computer in my music room, typing the November installment of News & Events. The room, also known as the “treehouse”, is on the second story of our house. The front windows look out over our lawn. I mention this because Halloween is a few days away. Here In the “treehouse”, I have a good view of the lawn, which has been converted into a ghoulish graveyard, complete with gravestones and skeletons hanging from the trees. My wife has a passion for decorating the yard and house with things that reflect the festive holidays, rituals and happenings.  I’m sort of indifferent to such things, though this Halloween extravaganza has come in handy when giving directions to our house. “When you turn on my street, look for the graveyard”. Night time is easy. It lights up.  READ MORE


OCTOBER 2009 - Let me first wish you all a happy Halloween. I’ve got a busy month. The Florida cool weather brings the music festivals. Have a great month.  READ MORE

 

 

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