Bet you don't know what Tuesday is.....

   Just in case you forget, Tuesday is April 1, often referred to as April Fool's Day. The beginning of April is a sure sign that winter is now behind us and Spring is just around the corner, although you could not tell that by looking at my yard, still with 2 feet of snow.

   Early references to April Fool's Day date back to to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in 1392 and over the years it has evolved into a day of kidding and practical jokes and even Mother Nature has gotten into the act in the past with early Spring snow storms. I sure hope not this year though.

   But more important, April is filled with monthly, weekly and daily observances as people transition fromthe cold of winter into the warmth and sounds of Spring.

   Not wanting to be left out of any of the upcoming excitement, I decided it was time to fill in my calendar and get ready …...to celebrate.

   April is known as 'Adopt A Greyhound Month'. I have always wanted to own one but I am not sure the town will allow me to park a 45 ft. bus in my driveway. I know it will definitely not fit in the garage. There is barely enough room for my cars, let alone a Greyhound .

   Once the snow clears and the ice melts from the ponds in the backyard, the frogs will return, so how appropriate is it that April in 'National Frog Month'. I can't wait for their return, and neither can the neighborhood cats.

   April is also known as 'Distracted Driving Awareness Month'. I am assuming that either...you are to be on the lookout for distracted drivers around you or 'you need to stay off your cell phone'!

   For some of the nuts out there, April is 'National Pecan Month'. While I like pecans, I prefer cashews. I wonder which month is dedicated as National Cashew Month. I'll probably skip the pecan celebration. Things are nutty enough this time of the year.

   There are some serious observances in April too. There is 'Couple Appreciation Month', National Autism Awareness Month', and Keep America Beautiful Month.'

   Along with month long observances, there are some that  last only a week. After the winter we have had, the week of April 24-30, designated as 'National Scoop the Poop Week, comes just in time'. This is one that will get my attention.

   With the arrival of warmer weather, the week of April 20-26 is 'National Bedbug Week', I have this picture of bedbugs lining up along Main Street, holding signs and cheering as their comrades parade by to their next unsuspecting victim. And what better way to create a bit of fear in kids going off to camp later this summer.... tell them not to let the bedbugs bite!

   The week of April 20-26 is 'Sky Awareness Week'. If you have never noticed the sky    before, this might be the week to do it. And as for Chicken Little, the sky has never fallen. The only things that fall from the sky are the occasional shooting stars and old space satellites dropping out of orbit.

   While you are appreciating the sky, you might want to participate in 'The National Pie Championships' near the end of the same week and finish off the contest with a tattoo on April 29^th.

   With all the activities going on, I don't have much extra time during the month. But there are a couple of things I might be able to squeeze in. April 4^th is 'National Walk to Work Day' and if I worked, I'd walk.

    The 7^th is 'International Beaver Day' and that's all I'll say about that. The 8^th is “Draw a Bird Day'. Is that the same as “flipping the bird”? Perhaps after those two comments, I might think about April 11^th,..... “ A National Day of Silence'.

   April 19^th is a special day. First it is 'Husband Appreciation Day' and also 'National Hanging Out Day', but I am sure there is no relationship between the two.

   The 3d Monday in April is the Boston Marathon, a day that will be respectfully remembered for years to come because of the horrific bombing last year that changed lives and a country forever.

   Hair Stylist Appreciation Day is April 25 and although I don't require a trip to the stylist much any more, I will stop in just to say “hi”.

   The last day of the month holds a very special place in my heart. It is 'Bugs Bunny Day' and who didn't grow up loving Bugs Bunny cartoons on those ancient black and white televisions just before dinner each evening.

   April 30^th is also 'National Honesty Day' and I am not lying when I say... these lists are a bit crazy. But the upside is it does give some people something to look forward to, even if it's nothing more than putting a smile on your face.

Oh, by the way...April is 'National Humor Month'. LOL