Rural Pastoral

Imbolc today, Candlemass tomorrow.
Did today's snow foretell the coming of Spring..?


An old Celtic quarter day, Imbolc was traditionally a lambing festival, coming amidst the known 'lean days' of the year which proceeded the festivities of Christmas.
Like Lent, Imbolc grants visions of Spring when snowdrops may be seen, and Oyster Catchers return to Scotland. Cockerels where once sacrificed at cross-roads and the junctions of streams to avert the attentions of evil spirits, and many weather forecasts given....

Today, one should be able to have tea without the lights on as the days should have lengthened sufficiently to make this possible. Here's something nice to have with tea other than a kit-kat.

ROSE PETAL JAM

1/2 pound pink or red edible rose petals
2 cups sugar
4 1/2 cups water
juice of 2 lemons

Cut white bottom off of each petal. Place rose petals in a bowl and sprinkle sugar to coat each petal. Save overnight. In a saucepan place remaining sugar, water & lemon juice. Dissolve contents over a low heat. Stir in rose petals, simmer 20 minutes. Bring to a boil, continue boiling for 5 minutes until mixture thickens. Pour into a clean, warmed jar, cover & label. Store in a cool place.

One last thing, Derby City Hospital seems to be having some difficult patients