February

Looking like giant marshmallows with big black noses, they rank high on the cuteness scale and draw some of the largest crowds at the zoo. However, despite many adoring fans, their existence is in jeopardy. International Polar Bear Day, observed annually on February 27, is a day to not only celebrate these beautiful creatures, but […]

When the fourth Thursday in February blows in, perhaps with a late snow in tow, everyone craves a piping hot, spicy bowl of chili to chase the chills away and to celebrate Chili Day. Chili is popular cold weather fare and one of the many stars at Super Bowl parties. However, great debates stem from […]

Want to liven up the winter doldrums?   Well, New Orleanians will be more than happy to show you how to “pass a good time”. For decades, they have hosted one of the most celebrated parties in the country. Their annual carnival culminates, in the fanfare of Mardi Gras, on the day preceding Ash Wednesday. […]

Gather your friends on February 22 and head out to the nearest cantina to celebrate Margarita Day. Thanks in part to Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville”, this drink is enjoyed by fans of Mexican fare and refreshing cocktails. Its balance of sweet and tart is a harmonious marriage for quesadillas, chimichangas and enchiladas. Ordering what to eat […]

My Way Day, observed annually on February 17, is all about taking the reins and indulging your fancies. This could be psychologically turbulent for those around you: –   Irrational brides will impose on everyone to have things their way. –   Teenagers will steadfastly argue with parents to get their way. –   Toddlers […]

On Valentine Day, celebrated annually on February 14, Cupid loads his bow and couples toast their love across candlelit tables. It is all in a day’s work for this busy cherub, but his spells trail targets throughout their lives. The arrow-toting icon is introduced to youngsters with the exchange of cards bearing hearts and cute […]

Less than one minute after New Year’s Day, we are seeing red. And for the next 1,056 hours, Valentine Day is forced upon us. But there is an alternative for those who can’t face another arrow-wielding cherub, red heart, or sappy sentiment. Ferris Wheel Day, observed annually on February 14, celebrates the birth date of […]

When Italians immigrated to America during the late 1800s and early 1900s, they brought scrumptious delights from the cucina Italiana. Italian Food Day, observed annually on February 13, celebrates the culinary culture that diners have grown to savor. Head out to the local pork store, it’s a mecca of cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, pastas and […]

Question:   What do a yellow-coated salt shopper, a famed Disney nanny and a waddling criminal of Gotham City all have in common? Answer:   A versatile accessory to be celebrated on February 10, Umbrella Day. It would behoove meteorologists to predict rain for that day. Yes, a nice, steady rain offering the perfect excuse […]

Imagine the sluggish feeling you get after having gained too much weight. Well, your computer is suffering from its own weight gain and it’s time to throw out the fat. Clean Out Your Computer Day, celebrated annually on the second Monday in February, ask the question, “Is your computer lagging and dragging?” In spring, we […]

Worshipers of the spud rejoice   –   it’s Potato Lovers Day! Observed annually on February 8, this is the day to bow heads and pay homage to the humble, versatile tuber.   Russet, white, red-skinned, fingerling, gold and sweet take the tabletop spotlight in all their roasted, boiled, mashed, fried and grilled glory. They’ve […]

Observing the ratification of the 20th amendment of the United States, on February 6, we celebrate the lame duck. So shed no tears, animal lovers, we are not talking about a cute feathery critter with an injured webbed foot. Lame Duck Day acknowledges individuals of the human kind whose tenure is timing out; rendering them […]

Raise a glass to weather forecasters, the reporters we all know and love. When they predict picture-perfect weather, life is good. When foretold of foreboding predictions, they incur our verbal wrath. On Weatherperson’s Day, we take pause to acknowledge their efforts. It is observed on February 5, the birthday of John Jeffries, our nation’s first […]

We often take for granted the mail appearing in our box everyday. Although email has lightened the load, mail carriers continue to take to the streets in all kinds of weather.   They slosh through snow, wade through water and walk like penguins over ice.   February 4 is Thank A Mail Carrier Day. Never […]

Whether you are spending a chilly weekend huddled on the couch to watch a movie or coming in from the slopes, nothing says welcome home or elicits comfort like the warming aromas wafting from a pot of homemade soup. Celebrate Homemade Soup Day, observed annually on February 4, by breaking out your stockpot and cooking […]

The Pennsylvania Dutch settlers believed if the groundhog witnessed his shadow at midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, they were in for six additional weeks of winter hardship. On the other hand, if the groundhog saw no shadow, they all rejoiced in the prediction of an early spring. Of course, this also […]

More than 80 years had passed before this day received its deserved recognition.   National Freedom Day isn’t as familiar as other important calendar dates, but February 1 marks a profoundly significant event. On that day in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln finalized the resolution that later became our 13th Constitutional Amendment. America began to emerge […]

We can’t learn from a past that we don’t understand. We need to know why and how individuals and events brought positive, lasting changes to our country.   African American History Month serves as a portal connecting us to long-ago experiences that transcend simple explanations. It’s not enough to recall important names and make note […]

We welcome the second month on our calendars for so many familiar reasons. February is all about tributes to sweethearts and years that leap. We are finally saying goodbye to cold weather and hello to the promise of spring just around the corner. Sports fans get the Super Bowl, and street revelers get Mardi Gras. […]