Dec. 24-30 2018

Now groane the Zephyrs;

Poplars shudder, naked

Like the Ears of Asses

Prophesying Storms and Snow.

Now Beasties roll about

And frolick in the Face

of wintry Times!

-Columenus

The Flowering Jessamine Moon wanes throughout the period, reaching perigee (its most powerful position closest to Earth) on Dec. 24 at 4:52 a.m. and entering its final quarter at 4:34 a.m. on Dec. 29.

Although sunrise time remains stable for another week, days start to lengthen at the rate of 60 seconds every 24 hours, thanks to sunset occurring a minute later every day. Venus and Jupiter continue as the bright Morning Stars of early and deep winter; Venus is the brighter of the two.

Orion stands in the evening’s eastern sky throughout early winter and deep winter. Son of the sea god Poseidon, Orion was said to have been able to walk on the water because of the powers of his father. After many adventures, Orion was finally killed by a giant scorpion, and Zeus, king of the gods, placed him in the stars.

Just when the short days and cold weather tell your body to hibernate and rest after the dramatic changes of autumn, the holiday season sends a different message, saying you should be outgoing, happy and thinking of others. The conflict between those two opposing points of view can cause depression and anxiety.

Try to have it both ways; schedule extra quiet time for yourself before New Year’s Eve.

Weather trends

As the old year ends, the chances for bitter weather actually decrease from last week’s chances. Below-zero temperatures are rarely recorded between Dec. 27-Jan. 1. The mildest day of the period is Dec. 29; it brings a 25 percent chance for a high above 50 degrees.

Each day between Dec. 28-31 even brings a 40 percent chance for a high above 40 degrees. Dec. 30 is the sunniest day, opening a break in the clouds six days out of 10. Dec. 28 and 31 are the darkest days, each having just a 70 percent chance for totally overcast conditions.

Chances for snow decline from those of last week, but watch the odds for rain or sleet to increase as New Year’s Eve approaches.

The natural calendar: Multiflora rose buds swell in the sun. The hydrangea heads are drooping, and the Jerusalem artichokes have fallen over. Grasses are pale and bent. Hoary goldenrod and brittle great ragweed have broken. Chicory stalks are leaning. Pokeweed, hollow and empty, rattles in the wind.

The snow and the overwintering robins pull off the last honeysuckle berries. Winterberry branches are bending to let down their fruit. Bittersweet hulls continue to split away from their branches.

The evergreen foliage of the hardiest herbs and flowers collapses tight against the frozen but nurturing ground: sweet rocket, garlic mustard, ragwort, celandine, poppies, thistles, chives and parsley crouch in wait like new seeds for the moons of spring.

Field and garden

The water for your livestock should remain between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the winter. If you don’t have water warmers, plan on breaking the ice every few hours during the coldest spells.

And expect all your pregnant animals to be drinking a lot more as their young develop (if they don’t increase their fluid intake, they may be having problems). Lunar strength and some of the most powerful high-pressure systems of the year continue to create prime conditions for abortions in livestock. Take special care with those animals.

Foxes and coyotes are becoming more active as they begin their courtship rituals. Watch for them frolicking in the fields. And keep the hen house all buttoned up.

Marketing notes: March 5 is Mardi Gras. The month-long carnival season ends on this date with a big party and feast before Ash Wednesday (March 6) and the start of the Lenten fast. Be ready to sell for it.

Fish, insects and birds: Sometimes a fat camel cricket will emerge in the kitchen at night, searching for crumbs. In the chicken brooders, pullets that will produce summer eggs are hatching. Mites and lice, however, lurk around your chicken coop; check your birds regularly for infestations.

In the warmth of greenhouses, bedding plants scheduled to be sold in April and May might have 4-6 leaves. Search for fish and game as the moon moves overhead in the morning this week and the barometer drops in advance of the New Year’s cold front.

Almanac classics

A Surprising Sale

By Donna Craig

New Carlisle, Ohio

My father was a real garage sale and flea market junkie. One afternoon, he was driving through the countryside when he came upon a huge yard sale. He parked along the road and was amazed at how nice the items were.

Stacked neatly on large tables were linens, doilies, quilts and baked goods. As Dad helped himself to some lemonade, he noticed all the ladies staring at him. He asked them who was in charge of the money – since nothing was priced.

Then, to his embarrassment, he found out he was at an Amish bridal shower!