My Dad loved numbers, and always kept the day's time changes in his head all year, On any given day, you could ask him how much longer or shorter today was than yesterday - and he'd have your answer immediately. It was a fun game for us. Never once, in all my years, was I ever able to stump him. It was cool!
He also used the sun to teach us how to count into triple digits and do quick calculations in our heads. As soon as someone asked when Spring was, he'd send one of us for the Farmer's Almanac to look up the Vernal Equinox. We would then sit down at the kitchen table and count back from the "First Day of Spring." We actually numbered the calendar blocks in tiny numbers penciled into the lower corner. Once the calendar was up, we were all fair game. He would constantly ask us how many days it was 'til Spring. More often than not, we'd have to think back a few days to the last time he'd asked or picture the larger number on the next Sunday's block and do the math quickly in our heads. It was a matter of pride to not get caught out unawares!
We started the same game with my children as soon as they learned their numbers. They're nearly grown, now, and still "play" the game with me and each other. Daddy's been gone for a few weeks, now, at the ripe old age of 84, but I'm sure the game will live on for generations.
Rest in Peace, Daddy, and in case you were wondering, it's 89 Days 'til Spring.
and they don’t get sick!?
