Back in my school days, February was an important month — not just because it included the eagerly-anticipated Valentine’s Day, but because even though it was the shortest month of the year, it encompassed two holidays for which public schools were closed: Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12) and Washington’s Birthday (February 22). Two school-free days for the kids, two days off for working parents, and terrific bargains at the stores. The lakes around Wheaton Ill were frozen so skating and sledding were in high gear.

Things are a bit different now. It's 50 degrees outside and only one day off from school. In Illinois, President Lincoln's birthday was a big deal.

Oh well, they don't make presidents like Washington and Lincoln anymore!