In the filthy streets of 17th/18th century England, heavy rain would occasionally carry along dead animals and other debris. The animals didn't fall from the sky, but the sight of dead cats and dogs floating by in storms could well have caused the coining of this colourful phrase. Read more about this theory here as well as other theories that have been dismissed. The figurative use of the phrase is that it is raining heavily. 

In the late 1800s when a baseball game was rained out the attendees were given the option of a rain check which would allow them to come to a different game. So the term rain check is very literal in its origin.  You can read more about it here as well as a couple of other ideas about the term. "Can I take a raincheck?"  Today it's a term used to politely decline an invitation. 

Neither Rain Nor Snow Day "Neither snow nor rain not heat nor gloom of night, stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Inscribed on the first New York Post Office Building which opened this day in 1914. So once again the holiday is not what it seems! I love that!  I love the out of the box holidays. The larger purpose of today is for all of us to thank the postal carriers for faithful delivery no matter what the weather. Salami Day The History of Salami If you are a big fan of Salami then you might want to check out this Salami Club of the Month Boss/Employee Exchange Have you ever wanted to be the Boss for a day and make them be the Employee for the day?  Maybe your Boss will go for a switch today!  Swap job descriptions and desks and see what it's like to be in each other's shoes for a day.  If that isn't possible then maybe the two of you can exchange ideas about making things easier or more productive for both of ...

National Lasagna Day I've talked about lasagna before , specifically my Mama's recipe. When lasagna comes up I don't think Italian, I think Garfield .  :) International Tiger Day About the Tiger Rain Day I love the sound of rain, how about you? The Indians are well known for their Rain Dances. Check out this beautiful exhibition. Making it Rain Lipstick Day History of Lipstick Lipstick has long been made with dangerous and disgusting ingredients. Better Lipstick Choices This was a great read, Lipstick in Afghanistan . Check it out!

I woke up this morning and heard rain on the roof. I love the sound of rain.  I also like rain, a lot.  I like it partly because it isn't snow and I feel like we get more of our needed moisture from rain than snow.  I also just like the sound of it, the smell of it, the feel of the air during and after a rainstorm.  Rain makes me feel like everything is getting a refresh.  It makes me feel like breathing deep and slowing down.  I know there are times when rain causes a lot of problems but overall I am grateful for rain.