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March 24, 2020
Got allergies? Why not try herbs for a healing cup of tea? Not only do most herbs grow well throughout the country, but also many calm and soothe those bothersome symptoms. Discover which herbs make a truly flavorful tea.
Why grow your own herbs? You can certainly buy herbs, but homegrown herbs are much flavorful than the herbal ingredients that you can buy. You definitely want your herb tea to have taste and personality, not be bland and flavorless.
Also, most herbs that can be used for tea... more
March 9, 2020
Did you know that the date of Easter—April 12 this year—is tied to the full Moon and the March equinox? Let us explain this curious connection …
Easter and the Paschal Full Moon
Easter is what’s known as a “movable feast”—in other words, a religious holiday that may fall on a different calendar date from year to year.
The date of Easter is tied not only to the full Moon, but to the March equinox (also called the spring or vernal equinox) and the relationship between them, too. Thanks to this,... more
March 8, 2020
Every year, we patiently look for the first signs of spring in the air—leaves budding, birds singing, and butterflies migrating. Tell Us: What are you observing in your neck of the woods?
Even if it’s still winter and your ground is covered in snow, observe closely! There are always subtle signs that spring is on the way. For example:
1. Birds are singing!
Backyard birds are one of the best predictors. There is a weather proverb that states, “Bluebirds are a sign of spring; warm weather and... more
February 12, 2020
Get out your pencils and sharpen your wit—this is the test you’ve all been waiting for. It’s time to prove to your spouse that you know more than she (no, he) does …
1. Married men earn an average of how much more (or less) money than unmarried men?
a. 31% less
b. 31% more
c. 5% more
d. Roughly the same
2. According to The Folklore of Weddings and Marriage, a mother-in-law can test her new daughter-in-law’s housewife-y skills by doing which of the following?
a. Examining a sample of her... more
February 12, 2020
Let’s amuse ourselves with the silly side of romance. Here are 15 pickup lines guaranteed to lose with the ladies, popular terms of endearment, kissing trivia, and the scoop on all things romantic.
Love—and Some Rumors—Are in the Air
In Alaska, where women are outnumbered by men by about 10 to 1 (and by sled dogs about 20 to 1—or they were in 1996), there is a saying about finding a man: “The odds are good, but the goods are odd.” If you ever feel like this in your town, you are not alone!
It... more
January 31, 2020
Get creative—and save money with this year’s vegetable garden plan. We’ll done the homework to help you create a garden with the most efficient spacing, the best days to plant, companion plants to ward off pests, and proper crop rotation principles to avoid re-planting certain crops in the same soil year after year. Let’s get started …
Planning Your Dream Garden
Flowers in spring? Fresh salad in summer? Juicy fruit in fall? Bringing your dream to life starts with a garden plan. We really... more
January 12, 2020
Looking for a recipe that says “celebration”? Look no further than Timpano. If you’ve ever seen the “foodie” movie, Big Night, you will be familiar with this impressive Italian baked pasta dish.
When my Italian-American grandparents, aunts, and uncles visited from out of town for a special family event, I wanted to think of a dish worthy of the occasion. I decided it was time to go “all out” and finally make Timpano. This dish is more of a recipe “project” than a “let’s get dinner on the table... more
January 5, 2020
Where I live, winter temperatures are often in the single digits, but no matter where you live, keeping warm is a basic need that we all share.
Here are some tips—from both Almanac editors and readers—about how to stay warm. These aren’t “big” projects like buying a new heating system—just inexpensive, resourceful ways to help you warm up now!
How to Keep Warm in Winter
1. Dress in layers
Bundle up. Wear long underwear, sweaters, and even hats indoors. Remember the days of “sleeping caps”? They... more
December 27, 2019
New Year’s resolution traditions actually go back to ancient times. So, before you pooh-pooh the idea, let’s remind ourselves why this age-old tradition exists, how to best make a resolution, and how to keep one!
Short History of New Year’s Resolutions
The New Year’s resolution tradition is nothing new. The new year is a natural time to reflect and resolve to change or improve how we live our lives.
In 2000 B.C., the Babylonians celebrated the New Year for 11 days (starting with the vernal... more
December 6, 2019
Weather folklore is a favorite among Almanac readers, and no more so than when it comes to the prognostics of the wintery season. Here are some of our favorite proverbs—including Christmas lore!
When it comes to winter and snow, weather folklore abounds! Look to nature for signs of a cold winter or possibly a very snowy Christmas! Here are some age-old proverbs and adages. Do any of these proverbs ring true to you? Please share observations or questions in the comments below.
Christmas Lore
We’... more
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