My Favorite Things About February

By Lois Jamieson

There are lots of special days in February, but only one happens every four years. And it only happens when the year is divisible by four. That’s right, 2012 is divisible by four, so this is a LEAP YEAR, meaning there will be a February 29th day. An extra day to do wonderfully helpful things for others.

Here is a little history about the calendar…The first calendar was created by the Romans. At first it had only 10 months and 34 days. Later on 2 more months were added, making the number of days 355.

The birthstone for February is the amethyst. The amethyst once was more valuable than diamonds. It is the purple variety of quartz and the most valued member of the quartz family. Amethyst is considered as an aid to the brave because it was believed to protect soldiers in battle.

Special days in February are…
Valentine’s Day on the 14th
Arizona’s 100th birthday on the 14th
Gumdrop Day on the 15th
Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthday on the 20th
Mardi Gras Day on the 21st

February is also…
Black History Month
American Heart Month

For me, the most special day in February is the 27th, the day my daughter, Jan Shoop was born.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIZONA