Just Musing: MLK birthday, counting down to spring and staying healthy

This weekend marks the birthday celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. King is best known for his famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in a non-violent march in 1968 at the nation's capital. King was an advocate of racial equality and justice. His birthday is actually today, Jan. 15 but was declared a federal holiday to be celebrated the third Monday of January. An American Baptist pastor and activist, King was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement until his assassination in Memphis in 1968. I only wish today's marches and protests could be conducted as peacefully as under King's leadership.

Because of the holiday, most government offices will be closed Monday. That means no mail, no official business at government businesses and no banks are open.

The college football national championship game is behind us and Georgia claimed the title for the second straight year. I think many Buckeye fans will agree that the game between Ohio State and Georgia was a more interesting game and matchup than with TCU. On to next season I am a faithful Buckeye fan regardless — win or lose.

One doesn’t realize how much we rely on hot water until your hot water heater goes out. The plumber is searching for one to replace it but has found natural gas hot water heaters in high demand and short supply. Here’s hoping he finds one quickly. Boiling water to wash dishes and take a bathroom sink bath are for the birds.

On a side note, there are 63 days until spring. I plan to spend at least 30 of those interim days in the sunny south. My prayer is that the winter remains somewhat mild. The extreme cold during the Christmas and New Year holidays was enough cold for me. I don’t like sitting in my own home with layers of clothes and a blanket to keep warm.

Looking forward, Ohioans will anxiously await the result of Buckeye Chuck’s weather forecast on Groundhog Day to determine the fate of the remaining days of winter in Central Ohio. I’m not sure if there will be a celebration at the local radio station this year, but when I was at the newspaper it was always a fun event to attend and write about. Here’s hoping he will not see his shadow and there will be an early spring according to folklore.

The Ohio Department of Health has reported a significant increase in influenza, other respiratory illnesses and COVID-19 in the past week. It is recommended but not mandatory to wear a mask when indoors or among large gatherings again. I have no problem wearing one. In fact, at a recent run to the grocery I noticed more and more folks wearing them. In fact, I kinda like having it over my nose and mouth in the cold. No one can take care of your health but you. Be safe.

Let me leave you with this quotation by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.

Until next week, be safe and when you can’t be anything else, be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Celebrating MLK's birthday and waiting for spring