Did you send a valentine to your special friend?

I remember when I was a third or fourth grader in country school. A special shoebox with an opening in the top was set on the west end of the teacher’s desk. We were allowed to make valentines at our desks — usually tablet paper and crayons did the job. We were supposed to have one for every child, so no hard feelings. When we had them ready, we slipped quietly up to the teacher’s desk, and dropped them in the box. We would flush and giggle as we did it. Just before school was out, the teacher opened the box and would call our names to come forward and receive our valentines. What a big day that was. I don’t know the history behind the tradition. I’ll let you do the research.

I know more about Saint Patrick’s Day. If you don’t wear green, you will get pinched. You must eat corned beef and cabbage. Now I really like that. I think green is my favorite color. Do you have one?

I just don’t think it was right to make a Presidents’ Day for all the presidents. At least Washington and Lincoln should have special days. Lincoln is getting a lot of attention this year. It is his 200th birthday. Obama claims Lincoln as his model. Lincoln was a wonderful man and I suppose dying a martyr puts a bright light on his lifetime and he deserves it. There are thousands of books written about him and I have read a lot of them. There is no doubt that he is the greatest president of all — past and probably future.

— norma hannaford