So, here we are in February. Did the groundhog see its shadow on Thursday? Are we to be blessed with six more weeks of winter?
Only six? ‘Tis a safe bet it will be six plus.
In the Christian calendar, Groundhog Day is Candlemass Day, the celebration of the Purification of the Virgin Mary.
The entire month of February in the ancient Roman calendar was the month of purification.
When I moved to Northwestern Ontario, there seemed to be a predictability to the seasons: when they began; when they were expected to end; and what changes could be expected in between.
January was the month of at least a two-week period of temperatures ranging from minus 30 to 35, that delightful period of serious square tires and concrete seats if you owned a car or truck.
February, on the other hand, the deep-freeze withdrew. There might even be a warm blast of air issuing from the west, a Chinook, that was such a relief that I recall being outside in a t-shirt and feeling quite comfortable.
There would be a considerable amount of snow on the ground. The gradual melt wouldn’t begin in earnest until March.
By the beginning of April, the white stuff was pretty much gone. Not anymore.
Nothing, in terms of weather, is any longer predictable. Those regular seasonal signposts of yore are no longer punching the time clock.
And while I’m dwelling on the downside of February (not for much longer, though), this is the month traditionally associated with Cabin Fever, of having been cooped up too long indoors (see January), of not enough vitamin D in the form of sunshine on the pituitary gland.
Those Chinooks were received with surprise and relief, a stopgap until March, the traditional month-of-melt and warmer temperatures.
I take a daily vitamin pill and one with lots of D to avoid Cabin Fever or S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
But with a few exceptions, most days this winter have been mild compared to all that traditional stuff I’ve mentioned.
True, we’ve had our fair share of grey days, of overcast skies that seem to just hang over us. We’ve had far fewer flakes of snow that pleases most rural folk with whom I’ve spoken. Fewer flakes means less work getting around, less work snow clearing.
A couple of good dumps would be appreciated especially for us country folk who depend on wells for water. Since the frost this year has hardly penetrated the ground, I’m told that when the snow melts, it should go right into the ground and that is a good thing.
More snow would ensure sufficient moisture in the ground for wells, gardens, crops and a lower risk of forest fires.
But none of the above comes to mind when most folks think of February. If I’m correct, most folks think about the 14th, Valentine’s Day, chocolate, cinnamon heart candies and cards expressing love. The colour red in a positive way signifies this month.
Driving home the other evening, my wife Laura, was talking about Valentine’s cards and candy.
Our 12-year-old son Doug announced he didn’t care about all that since he didn’t yet have a girlfriend to receive any cards or candy.
Laura immediately set him straight that the giving of cards and candy didn’t require a girlfriend, that just giving to loved ones was excuse enough, and that his time would come in the romance department.
I added my two-cents worth by chanting “Just you wait, Doug, just you wait.”
So six more weeks of winter? Count on it. What kind of winter? Too soon to tell.
Pass the cinnamon hearts, please.
You can reach Rural Roots by e-mail: fbljones@hotmail.com.