Find February Joy February 2024

As the second month of the year, February sure gets a bad rap in northwestern Connecticut, the rough end of the stick, you might say.  Think about it.  Everyone is psyched when January arrives with fireworks around the world and New Year’s resolutions galore.  But poor little February…People seem to want it gone.
 
Remember, February has its fun days.  First, on the second day of the month, there is Groundhog Day.  Lots of anticipation about whether or not the little rodent will see his shadow.  Several of my friends insist that they can never remember what this prognosticator’s experience means.  Just remember:  no shadow = no fear = little guy stays outside of the burrow and spring arrives early.  Perfectly logical. 
 
Next, in the middle of the month, is Valentine’s Day, February 14.  The day for red hearts, chocolates, and flowers mixed in with Valentine’s cards and romance.  (A hint and a February perk for chocolate lovers: Valentine's candy is 50% off on February 15.)
 
Closing out the month will be the magnificently full Snow Moon on February 24, and this year’s special Leap Year treat is February 29, a bonus day added to the end of the month! 
 
Okay, I admit it.  I am in denial that somewhere in and amongst those dates the dreaded February thaw will probably arrive.  But in the meantime, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall will all be above normal this winter in the Atlantic corridor, and the heaviest snowfall period will be mid-February.   So I am putting my faith in the Almanac and expecting February to cast a duvet of white magical snowdown over the Topsmead landscape and offer us opportunities to add joy to February.
 
Joy-full Option #1:  I went up to Topsmead during the last snowfall, and the snow was light, fluffy, and the perfect depth for making snow angels.  So yup.  I did it.  I flopped backward onto the snow in one of my favorite Topsmead spots and swept my arms and my legs to create wings and a robe for my snow angel.  Cleverly, I made sure to dress in a nylon parka and nylon running pants so I wouldn’t get up all snowy; however, I admit that getting up without ruining my angel’s impression was a bit more challenging than when I was a child.  But gosh was it fun! 
 
Joy-full Option #2:  When the snow is heavier, stickier, and perfect for packing into snowballs, why not make a snow creation?  A simple snow person or a snow model of Miss Edith’s favorite automobile, the Packard.  How about creating a snow dog—Jacques, Miss Edith’s mini poodle perhaps?  Or maybe get architecturally crafty and go big—build a replica of Miss Edith’s cottage?!
 
Make-Your-Own Joy-full Option:  What will you do for your snow option?  Share it in the reply box below! 
 
On your next February visit to Topsmead, keep your eyes posted for my snow angels and head to your favorite place to make your own joy-full creation in the snow.  Let’s bring February joy to ourselves and to anyone lucky enough to find our creations. 
 
Margaret Hunt
BlogMistress