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Sweet April showers
Do spring May flowers.
~Thomas Tusser, A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry, 1557
The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
a cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
And wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.
~Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time, 1926
April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, and one of four months with a length of 30 days. April was originally the second month of the Roman calendar, before January and February were added by King Numa Pompilius about 700 BC. It became the fourth month of the calendar year during the time of the decemvirs about 450 BC, when it also was given 29 days.
April starts on the same day of the week as July in all years, and January in leap years.
April Symbols
.gif) The birthstone of April is the diamond, which symbolizes innocence.
  The birth flower is typically listed as either
the Daisy or the Sweet Pea.
The Month of April is:
National Humor Month
International Guitar Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
Lawn and Garden Month
Poetry Month
National Pecan Month
National Welding Month
Records and Information Management Month
Stress Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Weekly Celebrations:
Week 1 Library Week
Week 1 Read a Road Map Week.
Week 2 Garden Week
Week 3 Organize Your Files Week
Week 3 Medical Labs Week
Week 4 Administrative Assistants Week
Week 4 National Karaoke Week
April special days:
1st - April Fool's Day - "The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year." ~Mark Twain
 This celebration of the commencement of April is a holiday with perhaps the most mysterious origins of them all. The conventional wisdom suggests that the idea of playing pranks and inflicting practical jokes upon unsuspecting friends or strangers can be traced back to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1564, which moved the New Year's Day holiday back to January. Those still celebrating the old New Year's Day in April were termed fools and were ridiculed with gag gifts and pranks. The fact that April Fools’ Day was being celebrated in England even before they adopted the Gregorian calendar, however, raises questions as to the authenticity of this explanation. Either way, on April 1 it’s a good idea to take whatever you hear with a grain of salt.
2nd - 
3rd - Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day - We know your decision!
Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day might be your day to sleep in. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday when you are normally off of work, it's an easy day to participate in. Otherwise, make sure you get your boss' approval prior to participating.
Wouldn't it be nice to wake up in the morning and decide whether you will go to work? If it is going to be fun at work, you get up and go. Otherwise, you turn over and go back to sleep.
3rd - Tweed Day
Tweed Day celebrates one of two things. Either it celebrates the warm, fashionable woolen clothing that originated in Scotland. Seemingly always in fashion, tweed keeps you warm and looks good, too. It should come as no surprise to learn that tweed is more popular in the north, and not often worn in the south.
Or,...it celebrates the birthday of a corrupt New York City politician.
William Magear "Boss" Tweed, who was born on April 3, 1823. Boss Tweed was a politician from NYC. He was a U.S. Senator, and a NY State Senator. His claim to fame was being convicted of graft and corruption, for stealing millions of dollars from NYC. Our problem with this theory is why a special day for a convicted crook!?
We'd like to believe that Tweed Day celebrates Tweed suits. Conversely, do we really want to celebrate the birth date of a crook??? We'll let you make the call.
4th -  Walk Around Things Day
Walk Around Things Day is an important day to avoid problems and risks, by simply walking around the potential problem. You wouldn't walk under a ladder, would you? Then, it is also wise to walk around objects, especially those that pose risk or danger.
"Walk around things" can also be used figuratively. It is also wise to walk around, or avoid, topics, issues, and problems that are sticky, may provoke an argument, or are not readily solved.
If ever there was a day to "Walk Around Things," today is that day.
6th -  Sorry Charlie Day
Have you ever been rejected? For anything? Sure you have! We all have. Sorry Charlie Day is for all of us who have been spurned, and yet somehow survived it.
Take a minute today and reflect upon a past rejection. Then, smile with the realization that "... it happens....to all of us!"
7th - World Health Day 
World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Each year a theme is selected that highlights a priority area of public health. The Day provides an opportunity for individuals in every community to get involved in activities that can lead to better health.
The topic for 2014 is vector-borne diseases.
9th -  Winston Churchill Day
Winston Churchill Day celebrates the day he was made an honorary US citizen. On this day in 1963, Winston Churchill became the very first person to become an honorary citizen. He was given this honor posthumously. There have only been 6 people (two are a married couple who received it jointly) to be accorded this stature.
What does it take to become an honorary US citizen? You have to have made extraordinary accomplishments or contributions in your life. Then a law must be drafted and voted upon by the U.S. Senate.
Celebrate today by reading and learning about Winston Churchill, Britain's Prime Minister during World War II.
www.winstonchurchill.org
10th - Golfer's Day
Some avid golfers might suggest that any and every day is Golfer's Day. But on this day, it's official. The only question is, does this day honor the golfer, the sport, or the weather? Well, it's a little of each. Golfer's Day is an opportunity to be thankful that someone invented this addicting, yet relaxing hobby.
When Golfer's Day falls on a week day, it is even more special. That means you now have an excuse to take a day off from work and go play a round...or two. Regardless of your score today, you know that even a bad day on the greens, is better than a good day at work.
13th - 
13th - Blame Someone Else Day
 What a great time you can have on this day. Imagine all the problems, errors, and mistakes you could heap on someone else today. On this day you don't have to take responsibility or blame for any faux pas on your part. On the downside, this day comes as a double edged sword. While you are busy putting the blame elsewhere, someone might just be putting the blame on you!
So.....if ther is somethin wrong whif the spellin of this artickle, it's not my fallt.....its' yours.
14th-22nd - 
14th - Look up at the Sky Day - don't you have anything better to do?
I think I see Lions???
 
Look Up at the Sky Day is a fun day to check out what's up there. 'Ya never know what might be going on up there. An asteroid or meteor may be on it's way. A solar eclipse could be on display. A flock of geese or birds may be over head (you may need to duck for cover). Or, the clouds may be forming into interesting characters and patterns.
Take a few minutes out from your busy day to look up at the sky today. If nothing else, the break from the routine will be relaxing.
Important Note: If you look up at the sky too long, people are going to think you have nothing better to do. And, maybe you don't!
15th -  INCOME TAXES PAY-UP DAY - I do not like them, Uncle-Sam-I-Am.
16th - National Librarian Day
National Librarian Day celebrates and honors librarians. They are among the most knowledgeable people you know. When you visit your cavernous library in search of a particular book, or a specific research topic, they always quickly point you in the right direction. And, they do so with a smile.
Experts of the Dewey Decimal System, your Librarian aids and assists you in identifying and retrieving a myriad of books, periodicals, and reference material. Librarians hold a wealth of knowledge in their heads. Got a subject you are researching? Chances are, the Librarian will point you right to the book you need.
17th - National Submarine Day
Submarine Day.... does it celebrate the submersible boat, or the big hero sandwich? Most everywhere you find documentation on this day, it hails today as a day to celebrate the submarine boat. And, we would celebrate this event on April 17th, as the U.S. Submarine Force was established on this date in 1900.
Enjoy Submarine Day by watching movies featuring them. Or, read a book about submarines.
If you live near a naval museum, take a drive to see a submarine today, and if allowed, go aboard.
If you work at a deli, it's perfectly okay to celebrate Submarine Day with a hero submarine of your choice. If you own the deli, give us a deal and run a Submarine Day special. And in this case, celebrate Submarine Day on March 17th.
Question: What is the world's most well known submarine?
It's the Yellow Submarine, written and recorded by the Beatles.
17th - Pet Owners Independence Day
Pet Owners Independence Day is indeed a time to celebrate. First of all, if you have a pet, that is reason in itself to celebrate. For, it is truly great to own a pet.
But, what is the meaning behind this day? You could make a lot of guesses. There's little documentation on the internet about this day. What information exists, may surprise you. The few websites that offer an explanation of this day, suggest it's a day for your pets to go to work and you stay home......Maybe just a day for the pets to say
So, if you own a pet, do a switcheroo of roles today!
18th -  International Juggler's Day - also applies to multi-tasking office workers.
International Jugglers Day and World Juggler's Day celebrates the skill of juggling, and those talented people who can juggle many balls and objects at a time. Common objects include: balls, clubs, swords, plates, rings, and flaming sticks. The best jugglers can juggle up to ten balls at a time.
Juggling is a skill and form of entertainment that has been around for thousands and thousands of years. Some of the earliest recorded history supplies proof that juggling was around during the early days of civilized man. Juggling is primarily entertainment. It is most well documented in Medieval times in Europe. It remains popular today. It can be most frequently seen when the circus comes to town. Some might suggest that office workers are juggles, as they multi-task and keep several "balls" (projects) going at the same time.
Celebrate Juggling Day by watching a juggler at work. Better still, get several balls and give juggling a try. 'Ya never know, you just might be a talented juggler!
18th - 
20th - .jpg)
21st - Dyngus Day always the Monday after Easter
Dyngus Day, also spelled Dingus Day, is a Polish Holiday. It is very popular in Poland and in Polish communities in America. After the long Lenten holiday, Dyngus Day is a day of fun. And, perhaps a little romantic fun. It is always celebrated on the Monday after Easter.There are all sort of ways for boys to meet girls. But, this one takes the cake. Guys, on this day you get to wet the ladies down. Sprinkling or drenching with water is your goal. Chase after the ladies with squirt guns, buckets, or other containers of water. The more bold and gallant boys, may choose to use cologne. Hitting (gently, please) the ladies on the legs with switches or pussy willows is also common.
Yes ladies, you can strike back. Ladies, you get your revenge on Tuesday, when tradition has it that you throw dishes or crockery back at the boys. It has become increasingly popular for the ladies to get their revenge on Monday, tossing water back at the boys.
Note: Dyngus Day is also called Wet Easter Monday. Hmmmmm, I wonder why!?
21st -  National High Five Day
Gimme a high five. As a matter of fact, give everyone you see a High Five!
The "High Five" is a celebratory slapping of hands atop raised arms. It's been a standard for celebration of sporting victories, special events, competitions and many other activities for decades. It's fun and easy to celebrate this special day. Give a High Five to everyone you see. This includes friends, family, passersby, and total strangers. The more high fives you give, the better.
BTW: It's okay to give a "Low Five" today. But, only after you've given the "High Five."
22nd - 
23rd -  Lover's Day - another day for romance and perhaps...marriage!?
23rd -
26th - Richter Scale Day
Richter Scale Day celebrates the birth of the inventor of the Richter Scale. Born on April 26, 1900, American seismologist Charles F. Richter (1900–1985) invented the Richter Scale in 1935.
The Richter Scale measures the amount of energy released by an earthquake by measuring the magnitude or seismic waves produced by an earthquake. The Richter Scale measures from 0 to 9. On the scale, each increase in number represents an earthquake 10 times more powerful. At 4.5 an earthquake can damage buildings and structures. At 7 on the Richter scale, severe and catastrophic damage can occur.
Deadliest/Strongest Earthquakes:
August 24, 70: Mount Vesuvius, Italy erupts, burying Pompeii and Herculaneum. Thousands killed.
January 23, 1556: Shaanxi province, China. Deadliest earthquake in history kills 830,000 people.
April 18, 1906: The famous San Francisco earthquake and fire. 7.8 on the Richter scale.
December 16, 1920: Gansu province, 200,000 killed. 8.6 on the Richter scale.
September 1, 1923: Tokyo and Yokahoma, Japan. 8.3 magnitude earthquake destroys 1/3 of Tokyo and most of Yokohama. Over 140,000 killed.
May 22, 1927: Xining, China: 8.3 magnitude earthquake, approximately 200,000 killed.
May 22, 1960: Strongest earthquake ever recorded, at 9.5 magnitude, occurs off the coast of Chile.
In 1964, Alaskan earthquake measured 8.4.
Feb. 9, 1971 - Sylmar Earthquake measured 6.6 on the Richter scale
Jan 17, 1994 - Northridge Earthquake 6.7
Recent Major Earthquakes:
December 26, 2004: An earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia creates the deadliest Tsunami in history. The waves reach numerous Asian and African countries. More than 225,000 killed, millions homeless.
October 2, 2005: Kashmir, Pakistan, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake kills more than 80,000 people.
26th -  National Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees, and is celebrated in a number of countries. It was founded officially by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska in 1872. By the 1920s each state in the United States had passed public laws that proclaimed a certain day to be Arbor Day or Arbor and Bird Day observance. The dates differ and were established depending on climate and suitable planting times. ARBOR DAY FOR TEXAS IS THE FIRST FRIDAY IN NOVEMBER!
Trees
by Joyce Kilmer
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
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27th - Tell a Story Day
Tell a Story Day celebrates story-telling of all kinds. It doesn't matter if it's fiction or non-fiction, a tall tale, or folk lore. Today is a day to tell 'em all. Stories can be from a book, other written material, or from memory.
Libraries celebrate this day with story telling hours for kids. You can enjoy today telling stories to your kids, family members, or organizations and groups that you belong to.
We know there are some good storytellers in the class of '68. Tell us your best on the forum.
28th - Kiss Your Mate Day
Kiss Your Mate Day is a perfect chance to smooch with your partner. As if you need an opportunity to share a kiss or two with the one you love. With spring in the air, April is an appropriate time for Kiss Your Mate Day. Researchers tell us that kissing, an important part of romance and intimacy, is the first thing to go in a relationship. If you don't currently kiss your mate everyday, use today to re-establish kissing in your life.
Here are some Kiss Your Mate Day tips and rules:
- There is no upper limit to the number of times you can kiss your mate today.
- There is no upper limit to the number of kisses you can share today.
- It is highly recommended that you limit your kisses to just one mate.
- If you don't have a mate, it's alright to kiss someone who is not formally your mate.... Hey, you never know. This day may be a beginning.......
- You can kiss your mate wherever you want (location/place).
- You can kiss your mate wherever you want (anatomically speaking)
- Giving candy or flowers is not required. But, we suggest that those who do, will receive more kisses.
30th - Hairstyle Appreciation Day
Hairstyle Appreciation Day celebrates uniqueness of all styles of hair. It allows us to express our individuality. Each generation of youth creates it's own hairstyles, or come back to styles that were popular years ago. We include among the hairstyles, hair coloring and shaved heads. After all, no hair is a hair style.
Perhaps the most famous hair style for women was the "beehive" of the fifties. During the same period, crew cuts were the cut of choice for the guys.
 Styles of our generation.
Celebrate this day!
Try a new DO!
Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby.
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk.
The rain makes running pools in the gutter.
The rain plays a little sleep-song on our roof at night--
And I love the rain.
~Langston Hughes, 1902-1967, April Rain Song
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