It’s a tough (birth)day……

Today – January 17th – is the most depressing day of the year according to statisticians and psychologists. This news cheered me up no end, as it happens to be my birthday. I was in a good mood when I woke up this morning, but apparently I should not have been.

It's not the same date every year of course, because it only applies to the third Monday of January which is also known as Blue Monday. It's something to do with post-Christmas debt, miserable British weather, failed new year resolutions and the prospect of summer being very distant. So for those who woke up and didn't want to get out of bed, rest assured – there are millions like you.  Fortunately I was born on a Tuesday!

I woke up comforted in the knowledge that I was still alive, which seems like a good reason to be happy, and surely preferable to waking up dead. As for failed new year resolutions, I never make them until after my birthday, so my disappointments are yet to come.

It's hard to get animated when greeted by a dull, grey, oppressive London sky, with the wind and rain lashing the windows, but I like January because it's the tail-end of winter, and although it can be a harsh month, once over the hurdle of February, March beckons, and there can be few more lovely places to be than in England in the Spring. See! Every dark cloud has a silver lining!

For as long as I can remember, I have never received a sentimental gushy birthday card from my loved ones. But I was particularly struck by todays offering from one of my daughters:

Some Dads can be Grumpy
and some Dads like a Moan
Some Dads Love to Grumble
While other Dads just Groan
Some Dads like to quibble
For some that's not enough
But you're not one of those Dads….

You're ALL of the Above!

TRY to have a Happy Birthday, Dad!

Ok, If you insist – thanks!!