James Dent, described a perfect summer day this way: "A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." I have no idea who John Dent was, but he was right on. His description certainly fits my definition of a pretty good summer day. Americans are special day addicts. We have Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grand Parents Day, Fire Ant Day and Watermelon Thumps. Not many folks out do us on celebrating things. We take fine holidays and twist them around so that they are barely recognizable. Christmas is the best example. A day meant to honor the birth of Christ has become two months of heavy shopping, starting before Halloween.

There is another one for you. Halloween has become almost as popular as Christmas for cards and gifts. Who would ever have thought a witch's brew would become a major moneymaker. Oh, did I say money? Well let's face it. It is the effort and goal of entrepreneurial America to turn a fast buck any way we can.

I have gotten afield of my thesis, however. What is it that makes a day really special? It is not money, by the way. I guess having some is better than not having any, but that is all it is--just help. A sunny sky makes a special day. However, a couple of days of rain are not bad either. A garden of flowers is nice; a big vine of ripe red tomatoes is even nicer.

Having a good friend is mighty nice too. Someone you know is there for you, in your corner, so to speak. A best friend is even better, and when he or she happens to be married to you, it is all the more so.

Grandparents are pretty nice to have around. Someone said, " We owe a lot to our grandparents. They have the warmth of a parent; the wisdom of the sages; and the heart of a child." An unknown author quotes: "Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting."