Originally there were only four signs of the zodiac, each one marking a solstice or equinox. [In March,] there was the Bull, plowing up the heavens and the new year; the Lion, indicative of summer heat from the tropic regions … Continue reading →
In the north of Italy the country people carefully notice the weather of the first twenty-four days of this month, which they call “Zomi endegari,” or “Calende,” and from them deduce prognostications for the whole year. They begin with New … Continue reading →
Rachel Field, in her poem about wild geese, said that they know when to fly south to avoid the frost and snow of winter. When she lived in New England, she saw the geese form their squadrons each autumn and … Continue reading →
Candlemas, February 2, is called Groundhog Day in this country. As everyone knows, if the day is sunny, the winter is supposed to last another six weeks. If on Candlemas day it be shower and rain Winter is gone and … Continue reading →
It is easy to get the impression that the Boise area receives little snow, but long-time residents have experienced winters that prove otherwise. Snow lovers’ yearly anxiety over whether Bogus Basin will open for skiing by the holidays may lull … Continue reading →
Dog lovers may wonder what dogs have to do with the hottest days of the year: the dog days of July and August. Actually, the inspiration for the term “dog days” is not some hapless hound but a star: Sirius, … Continue reading →
Of course it’s not Texas or Arizona, but southwest Idaho can boast of some hot summer days. Sheltered by mountains and adjoining the desert, the Boise Valley averages about 5 degrees warmer than other spots in America at the same … Continue reading →