Fuerteventura Moon
Di Dòmhnaich, 30 An Giblean 2006
10 Thrimilch 1562
3 Milk/Geamhain 3105
Here are a couple of pictures I took of the three day old moon in Fuerteventura. At the time, it was very high in its orbit and, as Fuerteventura lies pretty close to that latitude (around 29 degrees north) its path took it almost overhead in the sky. After sunset it was stll quite high in the sky and as can be seen from the pictures, it was showing an unusual “smiley face” pose (i.e. face down towards the horizon) - at least it is not how we are used to seeing it in Scotland.
Welcome to Milk Moon
Di hAoine, 28 An Giblean 2006
8 Thrimilch 1562
1 Milk/Geamhain 3105
Today is the first day of the fifth lunar month, Milk Moon. This name is connected, presumably, with the solar month name of Thrimilch (Three Milkings) and coincides with the Celtic month of Geamhain (pronounced g-YOW-an), the month of germination or, possibly, winter’s end, signifying the beginning of the summer period of the year. This is the time when the flowers grow and the trees begin to come back into leaf, and the cows produce plenty of milk.
Other Calendars
The new month in other lunar calendars will be as follows:
Hebrew: Iyyar (2)
Islamic: Rabi’al-Akhir (4)
Celtic: Geamhain (Winter’s …
Wise Words on Microsoft Access
Di Màirt, 25 An Giblean 2006
5 Thrimilch 1562
27 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
I work a lot with Microsoft Access. It has its faults and it has its benefits, most of which are well documented on the Interweb. However, I must link to this article by R Baumann on some of the myths about Microsoft Access. It is the msot well written and considered article on it that I have ever seen. It is quite long, so have not quoted it, but I might add it as a page on this blog if I get a chance as it is too good to lose, in my opinion.
Are comment spammers bloody stupid?
Di Dòmhnaich, 23 An Giblean 2006
3 Thrimilch 1562
25 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
Isn’t it obvious that NONE of your comments are reaching the blog? They don’t even get read by me. Spam Karma mops them up and all I get is the figures. So, don’t you think your efforts are all a little wasted? It seems really sad that there are people in the world who feel that going to all this effort is worthwhile. I really find it most puzzling.
Welcome to the Month of Thrimilch
Di hAoine, 21 An Giblean 2006
1 Thrimilch 1562
23 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
The fifth month of the Anglo-Saxon year, Thrimilch is so called because it was apparently a time when the cows could be milked three times a day, “three milkings”. It is a time when summer is beckoning and would probably have marked the coming of the season of Beltane, running from mid-month until the solstice, but now officially occurring on the evening of April 30th into May 1st.
The “Real” Easter
Di Ardaoin, 13 An Giblean 2006
24 Eastermonth 1562
15 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
Today is the “real” Easter, i.e. the first full moon following the northern Spring Equinox. In Saxon times this was known as the Egg Moon, symbolising the rebirth of nature after the long winter, which is how it feels at the moment. The word Easter comes from the Pagan goddess Eostre, thought to be cognate with godesses from other cultures, e.g. Astarte and Ishtara.
Happy Easter.
Margaret Ewing
Di Ciadain, 12 An Giblean 2006
23 Eastermonth 1562
14 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
Very sad to hear of the death of Margaret Ewing, former MP for Moray (there is a by-election soon so I am obviously late hearing this news - sometimes I am so out of touch). I met her once at her home on business and she seemed a nice lady, and her death is a great loss to the Scottish political scene.
Feeling Shitty
Di Màirt, 11 An Giblean 2006
22 Eastermonth 1562
13 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
I’m feeling pretty shitty today. The nasal problems I had when I was on Sudafed, which had cleared up after I stopped using it, have returned and I am really peed off about it. I didn’t get much sleep last night and now I am trying to get through the day without falling a sleep. I hate air-conditioned buildings as well, as the air does not have the proper moisture in it and my nose just dries up. And it is either too hot or too cold.
I’m going straight to my bed tonight when I get …
April High Moon
Di Màirt, 4 An Giblean 2006
15 Eastermonth 1562
6 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
The high moon for the month takes place tonight, with around 19¾ hours above the horizon.
New Mayan Haab
A new Mayan haab year begins today with the first day of the first month, 0 Pop. The haab year is 365 days long and consists of 18 months of 20 days, with the days numbered from 0 to 19, and a period of five days called Uayeb at the end. As there are no leap years, the haab moves in relation to the Gregorian year by around 24 to 25 days every century.
Champions Reading
Di Sathairne, 1 An Giblean 2006
12 Eastermonth 1562
3 Egg/Gaoithean 3105
With a 5-0 win against Derby County, Reading have clinched the Championship title. What a marvellous season for the Royals. I can’t wait to see the fixture list for the new season when it comes out in the summer, to see all the big names that they will be playing.