Here in California, February is an odd month. The daffodils have started to sprout from the ground and the camellias are blossoming …

But an atmospheric river has just begun to hit the region and with it, rain. For at least the next five days. Rain.

If you’ll notice, the Japanese do not celebrate the same holidays as we do. There’s no Groundhog Day or Valentine’s Day or President’s Day. Instead the Japanese celebrate something called National Foundation Day on the 11th. It’s sort of like their July 4th. There will be parades, etc.

I’m not even going to attempt a “Japanese History for Dummies” lesson here because their history is mind boggling. February 24 they celebrate the Emperor’s birthday. Unlike our President’s Day, this day honors the birthday of their current emperor, Emperor Naruhito, who was born on Feb. 23, 1960. He seems like a nice enough fellow but from what I’ve read he has less power than King Charles of England.

February is from the Latin word meaning either purification or cleansing or fertility or all three for all I know. I awoke this morning feeling energetic for the first time since, well I don’t know when. Certainly since November 5th.

I hope you all awoke feeling energetic. Be prepared. February will go really fast and then comes the Ides of March! Et tu, who-know-who?