Is February the cruelest month?

Many of us look forward to the beginning of February, for we know that warmer weather and Spring cannot be far behind. It is the only month of the 12 that has a day added every four years making it a Leap Year.

Someone suggested February is one of the most dangerous months to speculate in stocks – the other months are January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.

It contains several holidays – Lincoln’s birthday and Washington’s birthdays that have been combined into President’s Day; Valentine Day; Chinese New Year; Black History month; Ash Wednesday in the Christian tradition generally falls in February; and then there is Groundhog Day. This is the day, according to the Germans, when the Groundhog peeps out of his winter habitat and if he sees his shadow, returns to his habitat which means there will be another six weeks of unwanted winter, and if he doesn’t see his shadow, the weather will be rather moderate.

In southeastern Pennsylvania, the day is celebrated with food, speeches, and drama for entertainment. In some Pennsylvania towns, Pennsylvania German dialect is the only language spoken at the event, and anyone who speaks English must pay a penalty, generally a nickel, dime, or quarter per word (a novel idea that might well be adopted at other holidays!).

Few people take Groundhog Day seriously, it just serves as a time to have a little fun, and for the moment to forget about the major issues of the day.

We need those kinds of days, and then we get back to the serious business of living.

Utility work causes partial closure of campgrounds

Due to scheduled utility work during the month of February only Loop A with 40 campsites will be available for camping at Fort Pickens.

“Though we should still be able to accommodate the majority of visitors who like to camp at Fort Pickens in February,” Acting Superintendent Nina Kelson stated, “on some nights the campsites may fill, especially on fair weather weekends.” Details: 934-2622.