Solved Desktop Calendar for Windows 8 (freeware)

This one works well for me...

Fully customizable/skinnable w/horizontal, vertical, or standard orientation (symbolic category text displayed):



Get it here:
Rainlendar

Skins:
Rainlendar Skins - Customize.org
WinCustomize: Explore : Rainlendar

Here is the skin I use (and developed):
Rainlendar Skins - My Basic Calendar by norepli - Customize.org

Cheers!