Photo: denverjeffrey

And you thought today was just the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. For Americans, it's National Corn Dog Day. In this household, we're celebrating something more special on this day of new beginnings and corny traditions: It also happens to be Rufus' birthday!

We're not having corn dogs.

But it does seem somehow apropos. The last year of his being has been documented in a series of carnival-of-life posts.

So if you'll indulge me, I'd like to honor Rufus by taking a look back. How are you celebrating National Corn Dog Day? I'm counting the many reasons why Rufus is a beloved character in my life...

The Introduction: Smarter Than He Looks Rufus is a codename. The man behind the silly blogger is pretty smart - he knew to choose one that would suit the caricature he'd become. From his debut as a beloved character in my life, it's been clear: He's waaaaaaay smarter than he looks.

I'd Like a Beaver Press, Please   He chose Rufus because he knows me and all my dorky little habits. The fact that I cannot pass through a small town without picking up the local paper, for example, is such a nerd alert, I belong with a Rhymes-with-Doofus. But this little personal quirk sometimes brings great insights. Here's how Rufus inspired a revelation about the whole fledgling industry when I absolutely had to have a Beaver Press.

Non-Spurious Cream and Other Job Hunt Essentials   And though he may make fun of my obsession with newspapers, he's been known to pick up a copy, himself. That's where he found this want ad for an exciting career opportunity. It inspired this ever-so helpful post about Non-Spurious Cream and Other Job Hunt Essentials.

Confucius Rufus Say The Keys to Success He's not merely smart. He's wise like Confucius. Seriously. Just look at what I found in the kitchen drawer — Confucius Rufus' Key to Success.

One Small Misstep For Woman On One Grand Jete For Mankind I do sometimes have to stop and wonder though: Is there a difference between "smart" and "know it all"? Because Rufus does seem to know all. I mean, come on — he's known all along that there's no such thing as magic boots. It's humbling.

Who Wants To Know If They're a Cougar? He might understand physics better than I do, but I still claim to have a better grasp on physique. This story is classic "He Said, She Said" on the topic of Cougars. For as long as the question in this most-read column goes unanswered, I'll continue believing I'm right.

How to McGyver a Christmas Tree Of course, if creativity is any indication of genius, then Rufus proves his smarts all the time. These are skills that can be transferred to year-round projects — Here's how Rufus demonstrates his ingenuity by teaching us how to McGyver a Christmas Tree.

Please Don't Put JJelly In My Jjambbong, Bob Of course, even smart guys get tripped up in situations with a language barrier. Not even the server in the Korean restaurant we visited could help free him of ignorance. I don't know how to tell you not to make the same mistake. I think you just have to specify that you don't want jjelly in your jjambbong, just in case.

Green Thumb Against Backdrop of Brown: The Mojave Crop I think it's obvious that he's smart. But what's more attractive is the fact that he's caring. He's determined and hard-working, as evidenced by his Mojave Crop.

Happy Birthday Baby— Let spring and your new year begin! How ever the rest of you choose to celebrate — or not — Happy National Corn Dog Day to all of you.