Proserpina's WunderBlog

February odds and ends

Posted by: Proserpina, 12:27 PM GMT on February 01, 2013

'Les Tres Riches' by Heures du duc de Berry

Afternoon in February

The day is ending,
The night is descending;
The marsh is frozen,
The river dead.
Through clouds like ashes
The red sun flashes
On village windows
That glimmer red.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Why, what’s the matter,
That you have such a February face,
So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?”

(William Shakespeare, Much ado About Nothing)

FEBRUARY -

February was originally Februarius, the last month of the year.
Februa is the Roman festival of purification, held on February fifteenth. It is possibly of Sabine origin.

February’s official flower is the violet.

Violets are said to be a symbols faithfulness, modesty, and chastity. These meanings are connected to the Greek myth that explained their origin. According to the Greeks, the goddess Artemis changed one of her nymph companions, who had sworn to remain a maiden forever, into a violet to protect her from the unwanted attentions of the god Apollo.

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February.

February Facts and Trivia

• The Supreme Court of the U.S. met for the first time on February 1, 1790.

• Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809.

• The first United States president and founding father George Washington was born on February 22, 1732.

• On February 14, 1859 Oregon became the 33rd state to join the Union.
• February is the most misspelled of all the months.
• The U. S. acquired the Florida territory from Spain on February 22, 1819.
• On February 8, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was executed.
• Sir Frances Drake became the first known Englishman to sail the Pacific. He sailed on February 11. 1578.
• On February 10, 1962, Astronaut John Glen Jr. became the first American to orbit the earth.
• The Boy Scouts of America incorporated in February in 1910.
• Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February.
• Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth on February 6, 1952.
• The astrological signs for February are: Aquarius, January 20 - February 18 and Pisces, February 19 - March 20.
• The U. S. Senate ratified the peace treaty ending the Spanish-American War, February 6, 1899.

• Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2, came about because of a German superstition. They thought if a hibernating animal cast a shadow on February 2nd that winter would last for another six weeks. If there was no shadow, spring would come early.

"I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake and stretch, go out and play.
Down in my burrow, down so deep,
Time to wake, from my long winter's sleep.
Grumble, grumble, scratch, scratch,
Grunt, grunt, yawn.
I'll eat my breakfast in your front lawn.
I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake up and stretch, go out and play.'
- Author Unknown

valentine-hearts Pictures, Images and Photos

"Valentine's Day is thought to have evolved from a spring holiday celebrated in the days of ancient Rome. The feast of Lupercalia was actually celebrated on February 15 and honored the god Lupercus, who protected the people and their herds from wolves. On this day, dances were held for all the single young men and women. A man would draw his partner's name from a piece of papyrus placed in a bowl. The man not only danced with his partner but was also obligated to protect her throughout the new year, which began in March. In many cases, the partners became sweethearts and were soon married. When the tradition of these dances was later revived in the Middle Ages, a man would wear his sweetheart's name on his sleeve. Even today we refer to someone quick to show feeling as "wearing his heart on his sleeve.""
- Valentine's Day Legends

May your month of February be a good one.

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151. spathy 2:54 AM GMT on February 25, 2013
Pros. Thank goodness you got most of your Data back(especially the genealogy). Extra special congrats to your Freshman Grandson that just made Varsity Baseball,and even most importantly,kept his grades up in the process. Good to see you back up and running Pros. Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

152. GardenGrrl 10:54 AM GMT on February 25, 2013
Congrats to your Grandson and his parents. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7248

153. Proserpina 2:02 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
Good morning Spathy, GG, Bug, Alley, Shore. We have a sunny morning and by the afternoon the temps will be in the low 50s, definitely a golf day. And maybe some painting for me. I feel a little rusty in falling back to a posting and blogging routine, at least the anti-virus program is up and running. Wishing you all a fantastically nice day. By the way Sandi, I love the poem. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

154. sandiquiz 3:13 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
When you say turn on automatic spell check do you mean in WORD? If so I found you this website which will show you how :) If it is WUnderground you want to turn on, it should have remembered your setting when you log in, but if not.... In a comment box "right click" to open a menu box. You will see Spell checker options, with a black arrow off to the side. Slide your cursor over the arrow and you will see another box. Click USA English and also tick "Check the spelling of Text Fields". Anything else? Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22414

155. Proserpina 3:23 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
Sandi, you are a computer genius. I will try what you suggest. As to Word, yes, I need to update the Word that comes automatically with the computer. It has limited capacities. I am making a list of things to be done, programs to buy, etc. to get back to the capacity of the old computer. By the way my new computer is an expensive one but one still needs to upgrade certain programs. Yesterday we upgraded the genealogy program (via on-line, and also a new disc will be sent to us). Then we uploaded the retrieved genealogy info. I have not discovered what the upgrade is since it all looks the same to me..... The upgrade was necessary as we lost the old info needed to contact the company to reload the old program, but by upgrading we did not have to 'remember' anything. Yes, I am taking the easy way out, I do not need added aggravations. Ok, ready to try your instructions. Thank you Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

156. sandiquiz 3:34 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
Sandi, you are a computer genius. I will try what you suggest. I have been called some things before, but never a genius! lol What I actually am is a good detective on Google - it is all about how you ask the question you want to find the answer for. As for Wunderground that was easy, I just tried right click and there it was... I found that also works for Flickr, too:) You may need to buy the upgrade for Word, Excel etc. They allow you a thirty days trial, at least mine did, then you have to buy it, or loose it. I didn't bother with the top professional grade, only the "student and home" upgrade that gave me all I would ever need. Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22414

157. NEwxguy 7:54 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
Pros, I saw your comments on Mass's blog and just wanted to clarify,she is no longer banned,but was banned for about 24 hrs,but I haven't seen her since,probably because that upset her. Without getting into too many details she had voiced her opinion about certain bloggers on here who had forced Juslvn to leave the WU blogging and I guess her comments upset some people,so there was a short period where all her comments disappeared from everyones blogs,which means she was banned,they came back the next day,but she hasn't been around.I'm pretty upset the way some long time respected bloggers are being treated.They are being driven off one by one. Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 816 Comments: 13105

158. Proserpina 8:26 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
NEwxguy, I am beginning to think that it was a good thing that my computer died on me and that I was oblivious to the going-ons on WU. Too bad that sometimes the idea of 'love one another' is not put into practice. And too bad that nice people are drawn into the malicious web woven by those who cannot 'love one another'. Thank you so much for the info. Hopefully Mass will come back soon, and hopefully peace on WU will reign. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

159. NEwxguy 8:38 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
I agree,I've been a part of the WU commmunity for a long time now ,and I learned a long time ago,to avoid conflicts and have developed a nice circle of friends.Unfortunately that circle becomes compromised. And unfortunately two of my close friends have left. Yes,sometimes computer problems can be a blessing in disguise.Hope your computer problems have been resolved. Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 816 Comments: 13105

160. NEwxguy 8:39 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
Pros, quick question what type of dog is that in your blog picture? Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 816 Comments: 13105

161. Proserpina 9:34 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
Hi NE, it is a Bichon Frisee. It is Koko, my little sweetie who is now gone. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

162. NEwxguy 10:38 PM GMT on February 25, 2013
Thanks,since we lost our sheltie in August,my wife would like a little lap dog,and she is looking Bichon Frise.Have heard nothing but good things about that breed.Obviously you would recommend that type of dog. Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 816 Comments: 13105

163. Proserpina 12:02 AM GMT on February 26, 2013
NE, I absolutely recommend Bichons. They are sweet, love to be with people, amusing, etc. They are costly to maintain as they need to be groomed about once a month, I never tried to do this myself. I also provided her with everything and anything that would make her happy and healthy. By the way, Koko was so endearing to the neighbors that some of them have sent sympathy cards. I have received some cards from people whose name I do not recognize but I am sure that they are some of the walkers we used to bump into as K and I took our own walk. Please let me know what kind of dog you and your wife decide to make a member of your household. Add: My sympathy for the loss of your Sheltie. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

164. SBKaren 12:45 AM GMT on February 26, 2013
Pros I'm here to help - I hope, and only if you are using Mozilla Firefox as your browser. This should help you set up spell check when you are typing in the blogs. Go to your toolbar way up on top and choose Tools (should have file-edit-view, etc). You should get a drop down menu and choose Options. When you get the Options window open look to the far right for Advanced (don't let that scare you). Click on the General tab in that new window and look for the option under *Browsing* - check my spelling as I type. Click the box next to it and choose OK and get ready for the red underline!!! Member Since: February 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14182

165. spathy 2:53 AM GMT on February 26, 2013
Big Smiles from Me. So glad to hear you posting again. Pros Please keep us informed on the varsity season as it progresses. Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

166. Ylee 5:06 AM GMT on February 26, 2013
Hi, Pros! Glad to see you've made it back! I'm confident that when you have the new computer line out, you'll wonder why you put up with the old one for so long! :' ) More rain for us, it seems. Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11307

167. NEwxguy 7:05 PM GMT on February 26, 2013
Quoting Proserpina: NE, I absolutely recommend Bichons. They are sweet, love to be with people, amusing, etc. They are costly to maintain as they need to be groomed about once a month, I never tried to do this myself. I also provided her with everything and anything that would make her happy and healthy. By the way, Koko was so endearing to the neighbors that some of them have sent sympathy cards. I have received some cards from people whose name I do not recognize but I am sure that they are some of the walkers we used to bump into as K and I took our own walk. Please let me know what kind of dog you and your wife decide to make a member of your household. Add: My sympathy for the loss of your Sheltie. Pros, Same here when we lost Prince people from all around the neighborhood sent sympathy cards,it was very touching.I will let you know when we acquire our new member of the family Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 816 Comments: 13105

168. Proserpina 1:46 PM GMT on February 28, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR OLDER SON! Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

169. sandiquiz 2:18 PM GMT on February 28, 2013
Happy Birthday Oldest Son! :-) Hi Pros! Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22414

170. masshysteria 4:15 PM GMT on February 28, 2013
Good Morning, (((Pros))) ~ All is well, not to worry, not leaving WU, just been busy at home, but wanted to stop by with hearty reassurances, love, big hugs and happy birthday wishes for your eldest son! Hope you're all able to enjoy his special day! Will send a regular email to you as soon as possible to further explain last week's WU debacle. Truthfully, no big deal, received much positive support by others and I'm at peace with myself! TO PROS' ELDEST SON!! Member Since: June 21, 2006 Posts: 52 Comments: 7127

171. WunderAlertBot (Admin) 9:32 AM GMT on March 01, 2013
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