I'm guessing more than just Edinburgh felt that way this morning. At dawn, it was clear and crisp, certainly not 'spring predicting' weather. Yet on this day, February 2nd, American rural folklore proclaims, "If the groundhog sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter." I was surprised to learn the legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: "If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year." Funny how interconnect we all are.
Despite the arctic weather, Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow. (He was probably thinking, as I was, that it was a duvet day.) The thaw is on its way!
-Loopy (sister-in-law's kitty), 01/2007In honor of our illustrious spring predictor, I thought I'd post a few pics from Tumwater, Washington, USA. While visiting my family, we were treated to some of the worst weather on record. According to my mum, this lunchtime, not much has changed... record cold temperatures with freezing fog and icy roadways. But, its so pretty.
-Back garden, freezing fog, 01/2007
-Back garden, freezing fog, 01/2007For more information on Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney, PA:
1)http://news.uk.msn.com/groundhog_day.aspx(news summary);
2)http://www.groundhog.org(Punxsutawney Phil's official site);
3)http://www.punxsutawney.com(Punxsutawney, PA official site).
On a personal note, the photos you see are the first from my new toy. As most will know, I've been a bit of a stalwart about the roll of digital photography in an artist’s portfolio. After months of research, increasing film processing fees, and dwindling 35mm stocks, I took the plunge and bought a dSLR - the Nikon D80 with an 18-135mm lens. It is taking some get used to, and I certainly don't know how to use all the bells and whistles yet, but it may be my new best friend. My Minolta, rather than being relegated to the closet, has been reserved for black and white as I pursue my other passion - dark room manipulations. I hope you enjoy this new era with me. And, as ever, if you borrow an image, please attribute it. =)
And with that, I hope Spring arrives quickly wherever you are. I'm tucking into a nice glass of wine and the Bill Murray homage to second chances, "Groundhog Day."
4 comments:
I loved your pictures and what I way with words. Will check your site often to see whats up with you.
mousenurse
Practice makes perfect on the writing front. So, I'll practice practice practice.
2nd of January is known as 'küünlapäev' here alias 'candle day' or candlemas. Women are supposed to drink some red booze to keep our cheeks rosy:) And it also means that winter's backbone has broken, i.e. half of the winter is over. Hope so. It was -15 Celsius outside when we left home in the morning, which is rather chilly!!!
Hi Pille. Thanks for the information. I love learning about local traditions. =)
It seems its cold everywhere... -5oC right now (0945) in Edinburgh with a brisk NE wind. (I've elected to work from the comfort of my lounge wrapped in a duvet rather than brave the walk to a cold office.) Wonder if we're really going to have that early spring after all???
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