...druggist

"Take two and call me in the morning." That is probably what Dr. Pemberton said after this day in 1886, when on this day in 1866 he brewed the first batch of Coca-Cola in a backyard in Atlanta, Georgia. Coca-Cola has had many successful ad campaigns over the years, including one that became a hit 'pop' ( get it) song for The New Seekers entitled, "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing". Coke is also featured heavily on American Idol, perhaps in homage to that ad. Have a Coke and a smile everyone, or skip the Coke and just smile.

"A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere." Joyce A. Myers

....drive and be driven

If you drive, you probably remember the new found freedom that it gave you. On this day in 1934 the driving test was introduced in the United Kingdom.It must be a very different test than the one here in the United States. I experience all kinds of dare-devilry on the roads and am quite sure that these instructions were not found in that handbook. Baby, you can drive my car? Not with those roadway antics. Also on this day, but in 1942,the first female prisoners arrived at Auschwitz. Removing all of their freedoms, and in most cases, their lives, this was one of the worst acts in world history. Hmmm, come to think of it, maybe that a**hole who made a left turn from the right lane was not so bad after all. I wish that he were an anomaly, but whatever. Pictured today in an anemone.
"Hate is more lasting than dislike."
Adolf Hitler

...I can hear music

Vocalist Kathy Troccoli gives me goosebumps. Whether she is singing religious or secular tunes, she has a unique voice that does it for me. Music has always been my sanctuary, and I never take that gift for granted. On this day in 2003 British Sign Language was recognized as an official British language. There are 125,000 deaf adults in the UK who use BSL plus an estimated 20,000 children. The language makes use of space and involves movement of the hands, body, face and head. Many thousands of people who are not deaf also use BSL, as hearing relatives of deaf people, sign language interpreters or as a result of other contact with the British deaf community. If you cannot hear music, make your own kind. If you can hear the music, be thankful and give this a listen. It is Kathy Troccoli and the Beach Boys singing, and what else, "I Can Hear Music."

"All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming."
Helen Keller

...golden

Nolah has grown tired of whacking alligators and has taken a brief respite. Smiling for the camera, she is golden. On this day in 2008 gold prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit $1,000 per ounce for the first time. A picture is worth a thousand words...this one is priceless.

"I'm three" a small 3 year old child said upon meeting Nolah

"I AM THREE" Nolah

...case closed.