Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Candlemas and a half....

The more minor festivals of the year are always fascinating to me, as they are rarely celebrated by one and all, and many are not aware that there are other notable events that happen. Astrologically speaking, Candlemas or Groundhog Day - Feb 2nd marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.  To mark this auspicious day The Hairy One likes to organise a Groundhog Day jam if possible and I like to dip or roll beeswax candles and then light as many as I can bear and contemplate the unfolding of the flickering lights and it's shadows..
 
If Candlemas be mild and gay,
Go saddle your horses and buy them hay;
But if Candlemas be stormy and black,
It carries the winter away on its back. –proverb

As the light grows longer
The cold grows stronger
If Candlemas be fair and bright
Winter will have another flight
If Candlemas be cloud and rain
Winter will be gone and not come again
A farmer should on Candlemas day
Have half his corn and half his hay
On Candlemas day if thorns hang a drop
You can be sure of a good pea crop

Friday, January 6, 2012

Good Health to all this 2012!!

What a busy busy time the end of 2011 was, with so many festivals, faires and relatives coming and going since Thanksgiving! We are so thankful to have been able to host all our visitors and will now say adieu to the Admiral who has found another ship to stay on!! (But I'm sure the wafting cooking smells will lure him back sometimes....)

Once again we will Wassail tonight with all those who dare to join us for the hot bowl of apple cider, a little spice and some getting rid of all the chocalate left in the house!! Every year we clear out all the sugar on Jan 5th/6th and stay off it until at least Feb 14th! by the time the second week comes around I can safely say that cherries and strawberries are so darn sweet, I can hardly believe it!

For those who care to know what on earth Wassail is...please listen to this carefully......enjoy!