For Monday, February 2nd, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2015

46 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:38 am

Sunset:  5:45 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Groundhog Day is celebrated in the U.S. each year on February 2and. On this day in midwinter, the groundhog awakens from a long winter's nap, and goes outside of his den to see if he sees his shadow. This tradition is big, on an otherwise cold and dreary midwinter's day.

According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow, a sunny morning, there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If however, he does not see his shadow, cloudy days, he plays around outside of his hole for a while. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner.

The Groundhog's Day tradition comes from German roots. German immigrants brought the tradition with them from Germany. As they settled in hills of Pennsylvania, they began the tradition of using the Groundhog to predict the the arrival of Spring. The tradition is based upon Candlemas, the day that is the midpoint between Winter and Spring. A famous Candlemas poems goes:
If Candlemas be fair and bright, 
Winter has another flight. 
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, 
Winter will not come again.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Old Groundhog stretched in his leafy bed.
He turned over slowly and then he said,
I wonder if spring is on the way,
I'll go and check the weather today…

Author Unknown

I’m thinking if the ground hog sees his shadow today, it will probably be a miracle.  At least here in my part of the world, it is very snowy and there is no sunshine at all.  

Officially and unofficially there are six more weeks of winter.   I’m happy to know that Spring is just 6 weeks away.  We all know just how fast time flies but at this time of year it does seem to slow down a bit.  The picture above was taken on Saturday morning when we last saw the sun, it hasn’t made an appearance since. But we sure have had a lot of snow.

We are so very cold out here too with sub zero temps making us want to hibernate.  However someone has to clear the driveway and walks so I have ventured out.  Don’t worry though I hurry right back in to my cozy home.

I hope you all have a great start to this new week.  Happy Monday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it. 

Patrick Young

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it seems as if I’m repeating a lot of things that I’m thankful for, but no moment is really ever the same and every day is a new beginning.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2456. for the fact that there is only six more weeks of winter to endure

2457.  for good cup of hot coffee that not only wakes me up but warms me up too.

2458.for our snow plow drivers that keep the roads clear

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. 

Maori Proverb

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma