Burns’ Night
Di Màirt, 25 Am Faoilteach 2005
On this Burns’ Night it is appropriate that I quote here a verse by the Slovenian poet, France Prešeren, whose life and works are celebrated by Slovenians along with those of Robert Burns each 25th January. This poem just says it all.
I drift in dark unrest and pain.
Where now? you ask, and ask again.
As the wild horses of the sea,
The scudding cloud’s wild company,
As they are whipped when winds ride high,
Scouring the plains of earth and sky.
Not one of them could answer where,
Or guide me out of my despair.
But this I know beyond surmise -
I’ll never more behold her eyes;
Yet …
Welcome to Solmonth
Di hAoine, 21 Am Faoilteach 2005
At last, we are out of the Yule period, and the days are getting noticeably longer. It’s still light at around 4:15 to 4:30 in the afternoon. It’s taking a bit longer to get light earlier in the morning, but the sun is rising at around 8:30 now as opposed to 8:50 at Christmas.
This month is Solmonth (etymology uncertain - possibly either ‘Sun Month’ or ‘Mud Month’), and includes my birthday, on the 4th.
1561-02-01
1st Solmonth 1561
11th Rowan Moon
Pictish Date: 11 Féilliag/Rivros 3103
Pictish Count: 164.6.3.11
Welcome Rowan
Di Màirt, 11 Am Faoilteach 2005
The new Moon is with us, the first complete Moon of 2005, Rowan, which will last for 29 days. At the end of this Moon will be the Chinese New Year (Feb 9th). The Pictish Moon, Féilliag will last for 30 days. The Gaulish equivalent is Rivros (Cold and Ice Moon).
21st Afteryule 1561
1st Rowan Moon
Pictish Date: 1 Féilliag/Rivros 3103
Pictish Count: 164.6.3.1
Farewell Darling Chutney
Di Sathairne, 8 Am Faoilteach 2005
Our faithful and loving companion for these last almost eighteen years, Chutney, was laid to rest this morning. She was one of the best friends I have ever had, better than most people. She was always there, wanting to be with us, waiting at the door when we came home from work, wanting a cuddle. We loved her so much and now we have had to lay her to rest. We are heartbroken but thankful for having known her and comfort ourselves with the knowledge that we gave her the love and care that she deserved, and she had a …