February 29, 2012 - It's A Leap Year!

I didn't want to miss this opportunity on the last day of a snow less February to mention a few folk lore "facts" on leap years.  After all we won't have another one until four years from now.

There was a lot mentioned about leap years on the inter-net today and I thought it would be fun to incorporate a few of them on the last blog for this month.  They are funny, and we need some laughter, because if the" weather lore" from my last blog is right, we are not going to have a great summer. Maybe we'll have two dismal winters.  Let's hope not!

With 2012 comes the gift of an extra day.  24 hours for our calendar to catch up with the sun - and for us to catch up on a zillion things which we will need a zillion years.  While February 29 may feel like your average day, its once, every- four- years status has long linked it to myth and lore.  Here are some for example:

Astronomy Lesson

Despite what our elementary teachers told us, a year isn't really 365days.  Our planet actually takes 365 1/4 days to revolve around the sun.  These six additional hours each year add up to an extra 24 hours over four years, at which point we add a day to our calendar in order to keep us in sync with the sun.  Without leap day, annual events would slowly shift seasons - eventually Christmas would be celebrated in July.  It might as well be because we know Jesus wasn't born in December anyway.

One Glitch

While the first leap day was likely observed by the Egyptians, Caesar is credited for incorporating a leap year into the Julian calendar in 46 B.C.  However scientists noticed that annual events were still shifting over extended periods of time.  while the calculation of 365 1/4 days for the earth to lap the sun was close, the true figure is actually about 11 minutes short of that and this tiny miscalculation caused a day of discrepancy every 128 years.  Pope Gregory XIII came to the rescue in 1582, ruling that leap year would be skipped every four centuries to fix the snag.

Farmers' Fears

Though the point of a leap day is to keep our calendar aligned with nature, hundreds of years ago people thought that messing with our months would throw Mother Nature for a loop.  Farmers worried that the change would lower crop yields and sicken livestock.  In fact, a Scottish saying declared that "leap year was never a good sheep year."  Lore also held that leap day babies were unruly and tough to raise. (Maybe we should ask J. Lo, whose twins were born on Feb. 29, 2008 - if this adage proves true.)

Chances of Being Born

Rapper Ja Rule and actor Antonio Sabato Jr. are among the roughly 187,000 lea pings in the U.S. and 4 million worldwide.  Long - expired leap lings include poet John Byrom, bandleader Jimmy Dorsey and writer Dee Brown.  The likelihood of being born on February 29 is roughly 1 in 1,500, and on leap day 2012, (today) approximately 10,000 American babies will enter this exclusive minority.

A Modest Proposal

As the picture in the blog reveals leap year allowed women to propose marriage to men.( that unsuspecting man in the picture is in big trouble.)  Four hundred years ago women were not allowed to propose marriage to men - except on leap day.  While the source of this switcheroo isn't 100 percent clear, folklore traces the tradition to fifth - century Ireland, when St. Bridget supposedly complained to St. Patrick that gals were sick of waiting around for their procrastinating men to pop the question.  Patrick consented to a leap day role reversal and by some accounts, also declared that men who declined the proposal would be fined! ( If I were those men I'd run and hide.)

This was just  a few interesting 'facts' that were brought out on the inter-net.  Times have changed drastically.  Today woman don't wait for leap year to take the lead, any day will do just fine. 

Well, what will you do with your extra day in February? Or should I say 'what did you do' as this day is almost over.  I'm happy to say, I was able to complete this blog. And above all else, let us thank Jehovah and praise him, the giver of life and time.

This is Raven - as the crow flies!

Winter Snow - Where Are You?

Here we are in the month of February, the middle of winter, and unlike this picture there is no snow on the ground.

One of the main reasons Raven loves winter is because of the snow, and for all of those who love snow it hasn't been a great winter.  For those who are happy there is no snow, it's been a great winter.  Jehovah is so good, he pleases everyone.

It's true, we did have a snow storm in October, but it's not the same. It was in the beginning of the fall season.  Totally unexpected.  We did have some snow fall not long ago this winter season, but honestly the next day it was in the mid-50's and it quickly melted away.  We have had some cold raw windy days reminiscent of a real winter. Without the snow it's actually colder, or at least feels that way.

I have a theory for some years now, that if the beginning of the fall season starts out unseasonably cold, it seems we will have a warmer winter with little or no snow.  So far, it appears to be the case unfortunately so.

There still may be hope though.  February 2nd, Ground Hog Day, the ground hog saw his shadow, which means there will be 6 more weeks of winter.  Of course he saw his shadow because the sun was out.  If it was cloudy that day he would not have seen his shadow.

I was curious about how Ground Hog Day got started.  Here is what I found.

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd. The official groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. His name is Punxsutawney Phil. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (the day is bright and sunny), there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow (the day is overcast), there will be an early spring.

The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. It stemmed from a combination of religious beliefs and facts associated with hibernating animals. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day.

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.

So Ground Hog Day is also called Candlemas Day.  What is that?  


February 2nd is Candlemas Day( The Christian Festival of Lights)  The Ancient Festival marks the midpoint of winter halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox.  In olden times many people use to say that the Christmas season lasted for 40 days - until the second day of February.

It was the day of the year when all the candles that were to be used in the church during the coming year, were brought into the church and a blessing was said over them - so it was the Festival Day (or 'mass') of the candles.

Candles were important in those days not only because there was no electric lights, but people thought they gave protection against plague and illness and famine.  For nominal Christians it was a reminder of Jesus coming to earth.  Before he came everyone was 'in the dark' so to speak.  Jesus coming to earth with his message was like a guiding light to them in the darkness.  Jesus is called the light of the world - and candles are lit during church services to remind them of this.

With all this said, what hope is there for us to get a good snowstorm?  Maybe if we all do a snow dance that might work.  Perhaps we may get a clue from some weather lore and traditions.

Here are a few.

If Candlemas be fair and clear,  there'll be two winters in the year.

It is said that if the weather is fine and frosty at the close of January and the beginning of February,
There is more winter ahead than behind.

When the cat lies in the sun in February
She will creep behind the stove in March.

Of all the months of the year
Curse a fair February.

If it thunders in February,
It will frost in April.

If February give much snow,
A fine summer it doth fore show.

I keep checking the weather report, and I see no snow in the near future for us, so in the meantime we can dream about it and see it in pictures.

This is Raven - as the crow flies

A New Year Begins - January 1, 2012

What lies ahead? Looks like that cute little cat is contemplating that same question.

Of course all of us may have set different goals that we would like to accomplish this year, perhaps things we were not able to do before, or started to do, and didn't finish.

For example, I have a goal to learn how to crochet, or knit. I've tried many times, but just didn't get the hang of it. Now with all the sisters we have in the congregation who are pros at knitting and crocheting, I am hoping to get a lesson or two and finally succeed. I'd love to make a quilt, or a hat, and scraf.

How about painting, or learning to play an instrument? Can't wait until we are in the new world when we will beable to accomplish many of these honorable and enjoyable hobbies, perhaps even learning them from the great masters when they are resurrected. Imagine getting lessons from Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven. Then there is Monet, Van Gogh, and Michelangelo. Someone else I am looking forward to meet is Fred Astaire. What a dancer! We will have the time and the mind to do it.

My wish for you and me is that we will beable to reach some of our goals, even now.

Of course high on our list of goals are spiritual things, since they are the most important, and they are everlasting. What may they be?

Getting to know Jehovah better.
Reading the Bible everyday. Improved personal study, and meditation. Drawing closer to Jehovah in our prayers, not only in what we pray about, but how often we do. Keeping up to date on reading our precious magazines. We need to feed ourselves before we can feed others. Perhaps making a goal of spending more time in the ministry, or conducting a home Bible study. If not on the theocratic ministry school, why not make that a spiritual goal this year. This may seem overwhelming, so be careful that you don't try and do everything all at once, you don't want to lose your joy. We must pray to Jehovah for wisdom and for his help.

Something that we can do now and will bring immediate benefits is getting to know others better in the congregation. Perhaps working with someone in the ministry we haven't worked with before. Helping those in need, there are so many. Be more forgiving, and forgetting the things we ought to forget. Be more loving, and less complaining, more up-building and less critical. These important spiritual goals can be reached with Jehovah's help, and we will be happy and a joy to be with. If we could chose a theme for this year, and implement it in our lives, what would you like it to be? How about the year of "Love, Joy, and Peace". If we all make a special effort to exhibit these qualities even under difficult circumstances, we will receive in like measure, the blessings we give.

I am hoping to do something different to this blog. If I suceed you will see it. If I don't hopefully next time.

In the meantime I will leave you with this wonderful thought from a fellow blogger "The Dutchess", she says, and I quote: "The grand essential of happiness are: Something to do, Something to love, and Something to hope for". On that premise, Jehovah's people must be the happiest people in the world because we have all three. (1) We serve Jehovah and do his will, the preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom. (2) We love Jehovah, Jesus, our brothers and sisters and our neighbors as ourselves. (3) We have the hope that this wicked system will soon end, and for those who love God and do his will everlasting life on a paradise earth. We have something that others need and are looking for. Let's do our best to help them this year. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19.20)

Winter is upon us, and the beauty of this earth testifies to a loving, wise, and powerful creator who wants us to enjoy life forever. Take a look, and enjoy!

This is Raven - as the crow flies

Winter Welcome!

One of Raven's many delights is the winter season, and by way of reminder it is a gift from God that will never cease. (Genesis 8:22, Psalms 74:17)

There are many positve things about winter. No other season brings such gleeful delights at the sight of the first few snowflakes playfully fallling from the sky, and then as they multiply, unsurpassed beauty that blankets the earth and seems to bring about a clean, quiet peacefulness not only to our mind and hearts but also hides for but a moment this dark, troubled chaotic world.

What other benefit? When else can you go sleigh riding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating on a lake or pond, except in the wintertime. What about building a snowman with your children, grandchildren and friends; or, a fort with lots of snowballs ready to fly. These are some of the joys of wintertime.
And think about this, what would hot chocolate be without winter? Not as warming, exciting, or fun; or, the coziness of a crackling fire in the fireplace. Thanks to winter we can enjoy these simple pleasures in life.

We also have opportunity to wear a wide variety of scarfs, hats, and mittens, we sure would look silly wearing them in the summer. I'm looking forward to wearing my new, cute knitted red hat with a long tail on it that I could either let fly in the wind or wrap around my neck as a scarf.

Even the field ministry is so much fun in the winter. I find it very invigorating. And after getting nice and cold, wow, I enjoy that coffee or hot chocolate so much more. I look forward to being with all my pioneer partners. The wintertime draws us closer together spiritually and physically; it keeps us warmer! Yes winter with lots of snow is a dazzling, magical time of the year. We welcome you winter! And we praise the one who made it, not only for us to enjoy and beautify the earth, but in His infinate wisdom the snow benefits the earth. Not only does it gradually feed the ground, but it insulates the ground protecting the roots of trees and plants from dying.

There is so much more to say, but we will leave that for another time. In the mean time winter will officially begin Thursday morning 12:30 am EST December 22 2011. Get your shovels out.



This is Raven- as the crow flies!

Swinging From The Summer Into The Fall Season

Because of a few serious, sorrowful and unfortunate events in September and October, my heart and mind was divided from enjoying and noticing the start of the beautiful fall season, the most favorite time of the year for me.

What is it about the Fall season that captures my attention so?

The cool crisp air; the breathtaking colors of the leaves against a deep blue sky. Seeing the leaves silently twirling down from the trees to the ground, and then a gust of wind swriling them about in circles all around.
Only in the fall do we have the enjoyment of seeing the humble, yet prolific pumpkin. Just seeing its' beautiful orange color, and many different shapes and sizes, gives me a deep sense of joy and contentment.

However, the thing that is most attractive this time of year are all the wonderful seasonal foods and spices," comfort foods"as many of us call it. Things like pumpkin pie, with lots of ginger, cinnamon and cloves. All kinds of hot, creamy soups, like split pea, butternut squash soup, potatoe soup, lentil and many more, all which taste so good and comforting this time of year.

How about hot apple cider, or hot chocolate with plenty of whipped cream? They taste so much better in the fall and winter season, as well as bring smiles to our faces.

What are some of your favorite comfort foods in the autumn season?
How about making this delicious looking cranberry pumpkin bread. Recipe included.


Cranberry Pumpkin Bread Recipe
32 Servings
Prep: 20 min. Bake: 70 min. + cooling
20 70 90
Ingredients
3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
Spoon into two greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Enjoy this autumn, it is swiftly passing by. Hold on to it tight in memory, there will never be another like it. May the remainder of this fall season bring you comfort, joy and peace, and thanks to Jehovah we will beable to enjoy this time of year forever, as the seasons will never cease. Genesis 8:22

Autumn Leaves

I love to watch the autumn leaves
As they slowly tumble down;
I love to hear their crackling
As my feet trod o'er the ground

A lovely carpet neath my feet
Is now formed by autumn leaves,
With color scattered everywhere
In the choicest pattern weaves.

I love to rake them in a heap
And to watch the children play;
For soon the color will be gone,
Replaced by snow someday.

-Ruth H. Underhill

This is Raven- as the crow flies

August Where Did You Go?

Here we are again. Another summer month quickly fading away. I must keep in memory, and dear to my heart some fond recollections of a beautiful summer day in August. Perhaps that may slow down the race to summers end. But the reality is time marches on.
I did not accomplish a fraction of what my daydreaming mind embraced. And because life is so short we may feel everyday is a once in a life time day lost forever. But in the new world we will have forever! Won't that be grand?

I was able to accomplish painting the walls in my living room - thats it. The ceiling and woodwork didn't get done. Hopefully, I will have a sense of achievement before the summer ends.

August is "Beach Plum Jelly" month. Will I beable to fulfill this traditional culinary delight? I sure hope so. I will let you know. That along with toasted sourdough bread on a cool autumn night , or a cold winter day with a cup of tea, is assuredly a delicious, comforting delight. Here is a piece of sourdough bread designed to look like a cute little cat. Compliments of Sparrow. He's too cute to eat! And of course below is a jar of my delicious home made Beach Plum Jelly.

The greatest delight this month was to hear announced 3 more regular pioneers. Sue, Kyle, and Reiner. Congratulations! What great joy that brought us, and evidence of Jehovah's spirit and blessing upon the congregation. We look forward to a busy, but happy new service year with you.

-
I will close this blog with a touching poem that makes us want to hold on tight to summer, not to let it go so soon. Hope you enjoy it.

"Let me enjoy this late - summer day of my heart while the leaves are
still green and I won't look so close as to see that first tint of pale
yellow slowly creep in. I will cease endless running and then look to
the sky ask the sun to embrace me and then hope she won't tell of
tomorrows less long than today. Let me spend just this time in the
slow-cooling glow of warm afternoon light and I'd think I will still have
the strength for just one more last fling of my heart." - John Bohrn, Late August

William Shakespeare put it nicely when he said, "Summer's lease hath all too short a date."

This is Raven - as the crow flies!

Good-Bye July!

July went by faster than the "crow flies". I couldn't let July go by without a blog, it just wouldn't be right. Small as this blog may be, I hope to get it done before August arrives.

So how has your summer been so far? We had some pretty hot and humid days. There were some days that were a perfect "10". Do you realize summer is more than half way through? There is so much to do and so little time to do it. One of my goals is to work on my return visit book. It is a disaster! We are growing a beautiful bunch of weeds this summer in our vegetable garden. Does anyone like to pull out weeds? Then there are many chores to do inside and outside the house. Scraping, painting, repairing. Cleaning out closets, and drawers in the dresser. The list could go on. But summer is here and I'll have plenty of time to do it--yeah right!!! It's hard to get things done in the summer. First of all it gets pretty hot at times as you can see on our out door thermometer. Also, the kids and grandchildren are home, we go on vacations to visit family and friends, and lets face it we just want to have fun, and somehow, "deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."
Of course summer is a time of busy spiritual activity. The District Assemby, our circuit overseers visit and with summer vacation many young ones as well as older ones are auxiliary pioneering, and that brings much joy. Infact, it is very exciting to know that some in our congregation are contemplating regular pioneer service. We are so happy for you and you have our whole hearted support, and more importantly, that of Jehovah's.


We are still in the summer season, and I hope you will be able to accomplish all your goals spiritual and othewise. And remember this, "It will not always be summer: build barns."

I will close this blog with a prudent and truthful poem.

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." - John Lubbock. This is especially true when we meditate appreciatively on the one who made it all.

This is Raven- as the crow flies