George W. in ‘60 WB Too

In remembrance of George Washington’s birthday today, I repeat my post from 2011, including the excerpt from our family’s dearly departed World Book Encyclopedia, 1960 edition.

(A work in progress ... once I get computer access to WiFi.)

God bless America!

Unity of Science and Religion

Amazon description of a book by Dr. Eyring, born on this day, 20 February 1901:

The Faith of a Scientist

“Famed LDS scientist Henry Eyring discusses his convictions that science and religion, properly understood, are not two separate worlds but an interlocking unity.”

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Henry Eyring taught science at the University of Utah when I was a student there in 1967.  (My future bride, Kay Hinckley, was in the Alaskan Canadian Mission 1966-1969.)

I will never forget Dr. Eyring’s speech at the west Institute of Religion devotional I attended.  In a matter-of-fact way, he clearly explained the unity of true science and religion.  There was no conflict in his great mind.  His knowledge and faith made an indelible impression on me at a critical time in my life.  I am forever grateful.

Valentine’s 2020 Continued

This day is one I cannot forget as a married man.  (Some husbands would be in trouble if they let it slip by unnoticed.)  Valentine’s Day challenged me for years; (thank goodness for Kay’s appreciating gifts of quality dark chocolate).  And I see a serious lack of attention to the day on my blog since 2010, in contrast to typical content on social media.  Don’t ask me why, but I’m sorry.  I will pay more attention next year, find the cards I bought last week, and write love notes in advance.

However, I am happy to report success with Valentine’s this year — so sweet!  I look forward to Valentine’s Day in 2021, a special year for my forever sweetheart and me.  It’s about love.

A Real Birthday Today

One of my favorite heroes was born on this day.  So, we don’t have to wait for the holiday to celebrate and learn more about this great man.

“Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American statesman and lawyer who served as the 16th president of the United States (1861–1865).  Lincoln led the nation through its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis in the American Civil War.  He preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.”
— Wikipedia

Nancy and Tom Lincoln’s second child was born in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky.  They liked to call him “Abe”.  Their first baby was named Sarah.  When Abe was 7, his family moved to Indiana.  As Abe was growing up, he loved to read books.  He worked in a store, delivered mail, measured land, and taught himself to be a lawyer.  At age 28, he moved to Springfield, Illinois and became a law partner.

True Stories About Abraham Lincoln, c.1973 by Ruth Belov Gross, was published for school children by Scholastic Inc.  That’s what I got on the way home from Farr West this morning, thanks to a donation to DI thrift from “Suzie’s library”.  On Lincoln’s birthday, it was in a big bin full of books to be recycled after sitting too long on shelves.  I suppose it was meant for me and our posterity.  My wife Kay would have read some of the 22 stories to our little grandchildren.  Now it’s my turn.

"with firmness in the right

as God gives us to see the right"

– Lincoln memorial at Gettysburg

Birthday Remembrance for Dickens

Remembering something special about this month, I searched famous birthdays today.  UPI reported many you would recognize.

Charles Dickens [one of our favorite writers] was born 7 February 1812, in Landport, Hampshire, England.  “He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.”  He is recognized as a literary genius.

“His 1843 novella A Christmas Carol remains especially popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted ...  His 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities (set in London and Paris) is his best-known work of historical fiction.”

— Wikipedia

According to FamilySearch, Charles John Huffam Dickens and I are not closely related (within 15 generations on Family Tree).  I had hoped to be.  Nevertheless, it would be a privilege for my wife Kay (former English teacher) and me to meet Mr. Dickens on the other side.  As a social critic, he would have some choice words about the current state of the world.

Looking Forward to History

Beginning a month of historic birthdays, I look forward to celebrating throughout February.  It’s a month of happy birthdays ... and love.  Remember?

Looking forward to going backward ... with pictures that bring to mind unforgettable birthdays and ways to share the memories for generations to come.  (No need now for complete sentences.)

It’s February, a month between “the holidays” and a busy spring, so let’s do some family history ... with love!

fun family gathering, Layton Utah