Baker's snows, eating black-eyes and some worthwhile resolutions

We're beginning to dry out somewhat from the heavy rains which closed out 2015 in our area but now we are faced with frigid, cold temperatures. We had no doubt that winter was really here when the thermometer registered only 12 degrees when I went out to get the newspaper Sunday morning. That followed on the heels of wind-driven snow flurries off and on during the day Saturday. The Farmer's Calendar section of the 2008 Old Farmer's Almanac says we don't mind not having to shovel out from under a two-foot snow but suggests we might miss these little "baker's snows."

When a real old-fashioned winter gets going properly, the almanac states, there is no day without its snow. In the deepest winter, especially on the hilltops, mornings reveal a light fall of snow. This snow won't amount to an inch and is so dry and soft its removal calls less for a shovel than for a feather duster. The writer calls these baker's snows because "the Lord of Winter is not a king, but a baker who each night sifts down over the fields, woods and homesteads the finest, whitest flour in his shop."

Members of our quilt class enjoyed a lovely dinner on Saturday, the 2nd, at Cleta Whitman's home. I made a batch of easy Butterfinger candy on Friday and took it as my contribution. I found the recipe in a Dining Guide section of the newspaper and, with only four ingredients and the "cooking" done in the microwave, it was a simple and quick confection to create. Cleta sent a plate of her fudge with black walnuts home with each of her visitors.

I don't know whether there's anything to that traditional notion that eating black-eyed peas on the first day brings one good fortune in the new year. I really like black-eyed peas, so I always try to eat some just in case. I figure I have things pretty well covered this year as I ate black-eyes three days in a row. They were a part of our takeout meal from the Senior Center on Thursday, along with a pork chop and collard greens. I opened a can of black-eyes with jalapenos on Friday and then my friend, Lou Ellen, brought some to our gathering at Cleta's on Saturday.

Most folks vow to turn over a new leaf and take steps toward a healthier, happier, more organized life at the beginning of each new year. Well wishers on all sides seem to have suggestions for ways we can make improvements in our daily routine and our lifestyle in general. Unfortunately, most of those good intentions we have soon fall by the wayside and we're back into our same old rut. We shouldn't be too hard on ourselves though, just do our best to make positive changes whenever we can. After all, even giant accomplishments are usually made one small step at a time.

For those seeking really worthwhile New Year's resolutions, noted author, Robert Louis Stevenson, offered several over a century ago. Here are a few of his suggestions: 1) Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things. 2) Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't think that somehow you should be protected from misfortunes that befall others. 3) You can't please everybody. Don't let criticism worry you. 4) Don't let your neighbors set your standards. Be yourself. 5) Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish enmities, grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy. 6) Don't be one who never gets over things. 7) Keep busy at something. A very busy person never has time to be unhappy.

Last Saturday we had a family get-together at nephew Dustan's near Centerton. Sister Nancy baked a ham and a trio of pies, Dustan smoked a brisket, and other family members prepared veggies and brought soft drinks. We had a bountiful meal and a good visit. I ate two platefuls of food and took home a piece of pumpkin pie for later in the evening. Nancy and Marlin brought me a dozen eggs, a scarf and gloves with Razorback logos and some souvenirs from their California trip, postcards and a bag of bear poop from Big Bear Lake. The "bear poop," actually chocolate pralined peanuts, was a gag gift which gave the youngsters great delight.

Susan Holland is a longtime resident of Benton County and a reporter for the Westside Eagle Observer. She may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 01/13/2016