As the light lengthens, so the cold strengthens

Today is St. Brigid’s day, probably because in pagan Ireland the start of Feb marked the start of spring, and Imbolc. Which means its lambing time.
I think today may also be groundhog day? But am not sure about that, besides there are plenty of weather omens related to today, even if it isn’t groundhog day:

the weather on Imbolc should be better than average, but a truly fine day was a bad sign. The prevailing wind on Imbolc would continue for the rest of the year.

The appearance of a hedgehog up and about was a sign that weather would continue to improve. If the hedgehog came out but then returned to its burrow, it was thought that wintry conditions would persist for several more weeks.

A rainy February generally was thought to predict a good summer.

I’ve just started a new blog Cunning Quotes, a collection of interesting quotes from around the blogosphere.

Of course the real event of February is the Six Nations. This weekend sees Ireland v Italy, England v Wales, and Scotlan v France. So, who to cheer for? Well the first match is easy, Ireland all the way. but the second match is a little harder. Obviously, as the “auld enemy” England are evil. But I don’t like that fells who is going out with Charlotte Church, and Wales did win last year. I may actually support England in this match.

In the Sunday match it’ll have to be Scotland. You just gotta go with the underdog, although in reality they haven’t a hope. France will wipe the floor with them^[1] Then again, Scotland are at home… naw. they’ll still lose.

Both Munster and Leinster have been doing really well in the European competition, so with a bit of luck, they will continue with the provincial winning ways, and not the national losing ways.

BTW, if you read this earlier and are wondering where the rugby stuff came from, I hit publish instead of save when I was interrupted by a student looking for a book.