My, you look nice today, but you’ve probably already heard that several times today.

After all, it is Compliment Day (created in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin, of Hopkinton, N.H. and Debby Hoffman, of Concord, N.H.) Of course, it is also Beer Can Appreciation Day. That marks the day in 1935 when beer was first sold in cans. And what was the first canned beer? “Krueger Cream Ale” from the Kruger Brewing Company in Richmond, Vir.

It is also Belly Laugh Day. After the way this week started for me, I think I might have to celebrate that one several times.

Saturday is Opposite Day. Does that mean we should criticize others? No it doesn’t. Of course, it makes sense that the Senior Bowl falls on Opposite Day, since the men are divided into two teams and will be on opposite sides of the field. OK, I stretched on that one. Sunday is Spouses Day where you should set aside a little time to appreciate your other half.

I’m thinking that on Sunday, my better half will already be looking forward to Monday. As we ALL know, every Jan. 27 is Chocolate Cake Day. On the downside, it is also Punch the Clock Day. Years ago when I just started working I had to use a time card. I can remember there were times I wanted to punch the clock, but that would probably be a different holiday, like Broken Hand Monday or something.

If you’re the kind of person who needs more than just a day to fully appreciate things, maybe January can help you out there as well.

It is National Bath Safety Month. Since I take showers, I guess I can slip past that one. January is also National Blood Donor Month. While donating blood is a valiant and noble cause, my avoidance of needles whenever possible has kept me away from the Bloodmobile. But I am always impressed to see donors wearing gallon T-shirts.

January is also National Oatmeal Month and National Soup Month. Hey, it is a cold month and a nice hot bowl of oatmeal or soup can really hit the spot. I wonder when national Porridge Day is. Maybe I need to call Goldilocks to find out.

Spoiling critters

Anyone who is a more than casual reader of this column knows I cohabitate with a rather large and rather spoiled Old English Sheepdog, a.k.a. The Biscuit Thief. And how did he get so spoiled? That honor falls on my wife.

Apparently, having one 100-pound spoiled pet running around the house is not enough. She has embarked on some kind of evil expansionist plan to gain control of Hemingway, my sweet little kitty.

The cat has never begged for food at the table. In fact, he normally turns down food if you hand it to him. He will in the mornings lead you straight to his bowl if it is empty.

According to Kathy’s story, she was making tuna fish salad the other day and decided to pour some of the oil on Hemingway’s dry cat food. He liked it. So she gave him a little tuna on top of the cat food.

He liked that as well. Imagine that. Now he has started leading her to his food bowl, even when it’s not empty. Hemingway has become a tuna addict, thanks to my sweet wife (and her evil plan).

If it was me, I would have told the cat the bar is closed. No more tuna for you. I’m glad you enjoyed it, but it’s all gone.

My wife is different. She went out and bought more tuna fish.

William Moore is the Senior Editor at Gulf Coast Newspapers.