Tuesday 2 February 2021

A Title? for this mess?

 It’s getting harder and harder to come up with an interesting blogpost. I don’t go out socially, I only meet people very casually on a walk, when we stand and shout at each other from a distance, or the people who come to help around house and garden. The main topic of conversation is Covid and vaccinations, who’s had one and who’s still waiting. I’ve had one, the first of the two Astra Zeneca ones, which are now found to be unproven for the over 65s in European countries. I had mine last Saturday and apart from a sore arm I’ve had no ill effects so far.

So, would you like me to tell you that we had a lovely morning and a very wet afternoon? No, why would you want to know? Would you like me to tell you about the several virus mutations appearing on several continents, two of them in the UK alone? No, you already know that if you are even semi-conscious. Would you like to know that a small bird flew into the window but then must have recovered and flown off again because I couldn’t see a body. (Unless, of course, a raptor chased it and snapped it up for dinner). 

But here’s something which might interest you: shall I tell you that I’ve put on several kilos during the lockdown lockup and decided to go easy on the chocolate and drink less wine in the new year? If I tell you that I lasted less than a week would you be interested? No, of course not, why would you.

So, how about this, seeing that today, the 2nd of February, is Candlemas,’St Mary’s Feast of the Candles’,(’Mariae Lichtmess’ in Germany), officially the Feast of the Purification and the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. Today therefore, in the Catholic Church, lights and candles are blessed and candlelit services and processions are held. In Germany these candles are lit throughout the year during times of sickness and stress and personal hardship. Just the thing for an epidemic, methinks.

Candlemas Day, plant beans in the clay
Put candles and candlesticks all away.

By this season it has grown light enough to do most ‘inside work’ without candles, the verse continues. Really? Not where I live unless people stop ‘inside work' at 5 o’clock. I hardly do any work at all in winter, inside or out, does that mean I don’t deserve light? Sometimes I wish I weren’t quite as lazy and unmotivated, had a bit more oomph. At other times I find laziness suits me.

Of course, today is also Groundhog Day, a weather forecaster not only in the US, although different kinds of animals are used as forecasters, a hedgehog might be the animal being so very unkindly roused from its hibernation in Germany.

If Candlemas Day bring snow and rain
Winter is gone, and won’t come again.
If Candlemas Day be clear and bright
Winter will have another flight.

And if your Candlemas Day brings both sun and rain, as mine did, what is the prognosis then? Wishy-washy weeks? 

And finally, a bit of advice:

A good farmer should have, on Candlemas Day,
half his turnips and half his hay.

Sorry, I have no idea what that means. Also, for the life of me, I cannot see what possible comments this post could provoke.




35 comments:

  1. Ya know, I live in Pennsylvania, but I still don't put much stock in Groundhog day. It just doesn't seem to serve any purpose. Maybe I'll turn to Candlemas Day.

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  2. I love how you were able to sew today a quilt of words about everyday tiny things--- things that many of us have in common even from the other side of the world, like we are. Here, many of us also complaining about gaining weight, drinking too much wine, brief conversations from a distance where Covid is the main topic on everyone's mind. I was quite surprise, though, to learn that Groundhogs Day is not strictly an American holiday. Our Punxsutawney Phi predicted an early spring this year. I hope he's right!

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  3. You and I are in the same boat, so that is my comment. Staying inside. Zoom meetings. I got my first vaccine shot too, but the Moderna. Keep well my friend.

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  4. I am interested in the minutae of your life and that of others (my ever loving family told me 'small things for small minds').
    Covid weight is something too many of us know.
    And I am glad you have had the first dose of the vaccine. Ours is months away with no schedule/timetable announced.

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  5. I suppose a good farmer has half of his hay and turnips left, to be consumed during the rest of winter, meaning that there is still quite a bit of winter to live through before new hay and new turnips will be available.

    Mariä Lichtmess is the day when many put away their Christmas decorations. Mine have gone down on the 6th of January.
    It's been rather mild, wet and windy here, and 14 Celsius is forecast for Saturday. Then a drop to much colder temperatures and probably snow again.

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  6. I can take or leave chocolate but I could not leave wine.

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  7. Hi Friko - I'd be happy to read your thoughts on Spring appearing and reading about your garden coming back to a green and colourful life. while your knowledge about books, poetry is always a delight to see ... we're in difficult times ... but I do find blogging keeps me cheerful and gives me a focus. Perhaps your updates on your difficult neighbours ... stay safe and things will improve ... especially the weather - cheers with a glass of vino - Hilary

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  8. Wine and chocolate huh? i could easily skip the chocolate, but if I lived close by I'd bring a really good selection of cheeses and we could sip and nibble together. Crackers (biscuits to you) would be good, but if I could find a good baker to pick up a fresh baguette on the way over that would be even more perfect. Oops, I forgot, it's COVID time - can't do that!

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    1. Oh can I join in? That sounds perfect, but I’d still need the chocolate, preferably dark

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  9. I always look forward to your posts...both funny and insightful. I think we’ve all gone a little mad with the world the way it is now. I say just enjoy whatever, eat and drink whatever and post whatever comes to mind.

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  10. Your little comment about having half of the turnips and hay left on Candlemas made me curious. I found that saying quoted on a UK farming forum, with variations (half corn and half hay, half grain and half beets, etc.), and some references to Valentine's Day rather than Candlemas. It clearly has to do with estimating the ability to keep animals fed through the rest of the fallow season.

    As for not having anything to write about, if new experiences are in short supply, why not ponder the old? My current post is mostly about Dixie Rose and my past experience of snowstorms. Flannery O'Connor pegged it: “Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days.” And plenty to write about, too.

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  11. It provokes the mutual feeling we are all having. This week we had a huge snowstorm. Now when I talk to people over the phone, we can talk about how many inches of ice, snow and sleet (18") we got and complain about the shoveling and the road plows coming thru and blocking us in again. It is such stimulating conversation! The good thing is it is not about Covid or politics. More snow coming, so we can do a repeat it next week. Spring is 45 days away and then we can converse about dirt.

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  12. Oh Oh, if Candlemas day and our groundhog are proper indicators, winter will be here for a while. Phil saw his shadow and the day here was bright and sunny. Oh well. And I know how you feel about the length of the daylight. Mercy I don't remember the sun going down so early or coming up so late. But since there really is not much to do, perhaps short days are a blessing.

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  13. All these predictions seem futile - winter will end when it ends. I suppose that people like to imagine that we have some sense of control or knowledge of what might be coming. The pandemic has certainly shown us the uselessness of that. I enjoy reading about the daily things of life, and you've composed an interesting post and told us much of what is happening (or not) in your daily life in a humorous way. I love seeing the days lengthening. This morning I went to turn off the light in the hallway and was pleased to see that it wasn't on - the light was pouring in from the skylight.

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  14. I learned something new! I don't know much about Candlemass and I certainly didn't know the rhyme about the weather (we're groundhog people around here). I like that one. We had a very sunny yesterday so I guess we're in for it. Drat. I'm so tired of the early fall of darkness and so many gray skies -- yesterday and today are outliers.

    I'm getting ready to post about past travels that happened eons before blogging because -- well, when you're "in" all the time, not a lot goes on! What have you been reading? And to be honest, I liked all the things you were talking about that you didn't write about! I'm just always glad to see you!

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  15. We just like to hear from you. It is like a visit, and you stay with me all day. Your ruminations are never boring, even when seemingly mundane. Such is life. Connection. You achieve that on the strength of your authenticity and the fondness one feels for you. Carry on. May I call you friend? Aloha

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    1. Claudia says it well. Each of your postings is like a welcome visit from a friend.
      Genie

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  16. I feel much as you do. We are unable top get the vaccine, because nobody knows how,when,or where. Iti s a mess in the US. I read somewhere that iof squirrels build their nests HIGH int he treetops, te winter will be mild. So far, that has proven to be true in St. Louis, Missouri.

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  17. I always enjoy reading your posts, Friko although I don't comment often. If the content isn't startling at least I have the pleasure of reading well structured sentences, written clearly and concisely and am in no doubt about your meaning.
    I know nothing of Candlemass or Groundhog Day but I understand heaviness of spirit and boredom. I also know they will pass, seasons change, your garden will call and flourish again.
    PS I hope that little bird is OK.

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  18. it doesn't really matter and yes, we did want to hear all that. not every post has to be stunningly witty and informative. mine have certainly gotten in a rut.

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  19. Cloudia's comment could have come from my keyboard! I agree with every word. I have had the thought that I would like to have your blog posts bound in book form. It has been a treasured part of my life for years. You are much appreciated.

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  20. Well I enjoyed every word. I had never heard of Candlemas Day until yesterday when someone mentioned it in a post.

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  21. I had not heard these rhymes before
    On Candlemas day I would start my early vegetables indoors as the first step towards spring.

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  22. Well its nice to see you surface and make an effort (unlike me) and always nice to know how you're faring. 😊

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  23. Well , if you’ve not packed away your Xmas greenery by Candlemas then you can only expect goblins on your doorstep now and will be beyond caring about the weather predictions!

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  24. I just retired from working psych for 47 years. This last year was the worst I ever worked. Because of covid, we were instructed by our health region authority to interact with our patients in full gear (Mask, gloves, gown, goggles). My heart bleeds sympathy for my former patients. Looks like "the system" is aiming to get rid of the weak ones ... Looks like 1984 sequel ... Anyway ... In the meantime, I enjoy doing a whole lot of nothing :) Sending love and knuddel knuddel. cat.

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  25. It gives me consolation that my blog ideas sound just as ordinary. For me, though, the connection is the most important thing, regardless of what is said.

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  26. If nothing else, your accounts affirm we all have much in common no matter where we live.

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  27. I don't know about Groundhog Day, Friko. What did he forecast for the spring?
    I'm glad you got your first vaccine, it calms you down.
    I love cocoa, but with milk, especially when it's cold at home.
    It is always interesting to read your posts.

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  28. I always feel so sorry for Punxsutawney Phil. The poor guy is trying to hibernate.

    "and decided to go easy on the chocolate and drink less wine in the new year?" This is me many, many times a year. I last a few days at best.

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  29. You are never boring dear Friko. Ordinary life is made quite extraordinary through others' eyes. We have similar sayings here in Newfoundland but also in Ireland. The meaning is that no candles are required at dusk now as the days lengthen and there should be enough hay and dry goods (half of the stored supply from autumn) available until the first lambing, etc.

    XO
    WWW

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  30. Your blog is the only one I check on infrequently and delight in when finding a new post. The minutiae of life matters and may well be all the ground we have to stand on. Gaining weight and the troubles of losing it will never become insignificant. I got my two vaccinations with no side effects, got exposed to Covid, but thankfully tested negative. Making the inner life count is a challenge for many of us. Be kind to yourself, with greetings from the US Southwest.

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  31. What the heck...you got 32 comments. I would be dancing around (maybe a bit) if that many people read my posts. You are loved, my dear lady, so hang in there and keep on writing.

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  32. Words shared about just daily events may feel trivial but looking back at plays , novels and operas all have parts of daily living in them as it is the common thread of our life . And it is interesting. I do not drink alcohol any more. My body does not feel well if I do. A nibble of chocolate is okay. What I found different during Covid it too much TV and lots of baking using recipes I had long abandoned. I baked Pfaumenbuchteln last week .

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  33. I decided to give up on the alcohol since the new year - no real reason other than thought i might feel healthier! Not missing it so far but we are only just in March!!

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Comments are good, I like to know what you think of my posts. I know you'll keep it civil.