Were you one of the unwitting fools who got caught out today - or just one of the many fools
who don't know what April Fools' Day is all about? If you read that, then now you know!
Moving forward almost 300 years from that Roman era, we come to the appearance of one St George - well, being Welsh - and him being the patron Saint of England, I won't say too much about him - especially as he supposedly slew a dragon (another insult to the Welsh!) - and is even depicted in that act on the banks of the River Thames (that's in London, for the geographically-challenged among us)
His birthday is celebrated on April 23rd - and is logically known as St. George's Day.
That's an interesting date - one some believe is both the birth and death date of William Shakespeare - others say he was born on April 26th. I'll bet Mary Arden knew the exact date - in 1564. "Who is she?", you may ask; "Just 'Google' it, I say!"
Not too many years later - about 56 in fact - something else happened - though it September, not in April. Listen up: You MUST have heard of that saying: 'April showers bring May flowers', right?
Well, did you know that in 1620, the rainy days of April (not some reported religious persecution) lead, some 5 moths later, to a bunch of people (whose 'name' John Wayne often used) departed from the coast of England to a place across the pond - also named Plymouth - on a sailing ship. What do you think those (albeit belatedly) April showers brought to America? Yes - (singular, but still) a Mayflower!
After the Industrial Revolution, transportation took some quantum leaps - and people also began to get 'antsy'; fed up with living in the same house or town for year after year, they again called upon those 'April shower followers' - who has not had the joy of this experience? -
That brings us to the modern era - well, not quite 'modern' - there was another BIG event that took place on April 16th - back in 1943. In the midst of the ravages and turmoil of World War II, while her husband was waging war against the Axis in Europe and North Africa, a frightened mother-of-two, gave birth to a third beautiful (but fat) baby boy - humility dictates that I not show that photo of him - just know that he, 'C'est moi'.
So, finally we are about to embark on another 'April notable'! Do you know what is the birthstone of April? Oh, sure - all the ladies do - it is the diamond!
Even their 'men-folk' (well, those red-blooded American men - especially those in St Louis and Chicago) know - and fervently care - about diamonds. You think I'm crazy?
Look at your calendar: April 5th, 2015 A 'Battle Royale' is slated this weekend.
Forget the 'Ides of March' - the 'Ides of April' is every bit as terrifying - tax filing day!
But, not to end on a down note, April brings one more joy - the humming birds will return to my yard - see last year's blog about these amazing creatures: Humming birds
March is history, it is APRIL !!
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