We've passed the midpoint of January and finally the weather has moderated. Area youngsters were finally able to get in the first full week of school this year and meetings which had been canceled began to resume. There's an old Ozark superstition that the first twelve days of the year set the weather pattern for the upcoming twelve months. If that is true, we're in for another May snowfall this year as we had a good snow on Jan. 5.
The Chinese observe New Year's between Jan. 21 and Feb. 19, so their celebration is just getting started. Since early civilization, man has celebrated the new year's beginning. In the early days of Christianity, New Year's rites were soberly religious, in contrast with the pagan goings-on of nonbelievers. Hindus had it both ways, first offering sacrifices to the god of wisdom, then moving on to more frivolous activities. English Puritans scorned the "pagan" holiday, an attitude they brought to America in the 1600s.
An old custom in Scotland was called "first footing." According to Scottish superstition, the first guests who crossed their thresholds in the new year were the most important. It was good fortune for the household if a dark-haired man came first. Bad luck would follow if the first footer happened to be deformed in any way, a redhead or a woman. Guess we're in luck if that were true because our first visitor was the fellow who came to help Jim remove our old stove and he has dark hair.
We talked with a friend in Siloam Springs recently and he commented it was almost time for gardening. I did see a garden in Gentry that's already plowed and, just like the income tax forms, the colorful seed catalogs begin arriving early in the year.
American writer, Hal Borland, once said, "There are two seasonal diversions that can ease the bite of any winter. One is the January thaw. The other is the seed catalogs."
It might be well to remember, though, that winter is only slightly more than a month old. We've jumped the gun a few times, gotten a little too anxious and planted our veggies too soon. That only forced us to come back and replant, so sometimes it's best to exercise patience.
When I was studying American literature, I always loved reading the John Greenleaf Whittier poem, "Snowbound." It sounded so cozy to be snugged up in the big old farmhouse with towering snowdrifts all around, a fire ablaze on the hearth, apple cider and nuts waiting to be consumed. Although we weren't quite so confined during our recent winter weather, we did stay pretty close to home while the snow and ice were on the ground. Our new heater keeps the living room nice and warm and we just throw a blanket over our feet, grab a good book and settle down for the evening.
It's really nice to have a husband who likes to cook. Jim has been the chef for several of our meals during the cold days at home. One week he made a big pot of goulash, a few days later some delicious spicy chili and a couple of weeks ago he prepared a pot of potato soup. Campbell's has a new chunky soup flavor, baked potato with cheddar and bacon bits, that's mighty tasty but I think Jim's has it beat. Then again, I may be a little prejudiced.
Whether you call it a po-tay-to or a po-tah-to, or by its nickname the spud, potatoes are one of America's favorite foods. Many prefer them in the form of a basic baked potato. (Dieters can trim calories by substituting salsa or yogurt for the popular butter and sour cream). And, of course, French fries or tater tots are a standard accompaniment for your lunchtime burger. And what would Sunday dinner be without a bowl of Grandma's creamy mashed potatoes?
Best of all, potatoes are good for you too. Dietitians tell us one large baked potato provides a half-day's supply of Vitamin C. It also contains dietary fiber, potassium for proper functioning of the heart and kidneys and niacin for converting food into energy. For maximum nutritional value, leave the skin on.
We've grown several varieties of potatoes in our garden, but one we've come to prefer is the yellow-fleshed Yukon Gold. Their firm texture and mild buttery flavor make them ideal baking potatoes, but they're also great for mashing and roasting.
Susan Holland, who works for the Westside Eagle Observer, is a lifelong resident of Benton County. She may be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 01/29/2014