ACE’S 2012 Almanac for February
according to b.b.c.

This month is known as ‘February Fill Dyke’ in the U.K., because of all the rain that falls there. In the County of Yorkshire, farmers say that the February rain is as good as manure. Here in Andalucía, it does not rain so prolific, but it is still appreciated never the less. “Si no llueve in febrero, ni buen ganado ni buen sementero” (If it does not rain in February it will be bad for the livestock and bad for sowing). That reminds me! Now is the time, all you gardeners, to plant your asparagus and watermelons.

The Latin word ‘februo’ means to purify and February is the month of purification. The 2nd February is the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary but it is also known as ‘Candle mass’ following the ancient practice of throwing away the old winter candles and stocking up with the smaller, new candles ready for the shorter nights of spring. Ash Wednesday – the beginning of Lent – falls on the 22nd of February this year and, as this is the time of fasting, the week before is given over to devouring the entire foodstuff left over from winter. On Collop Monday, a feast of meat is the order of the day, and Shrove Tuesday sees all the excess dairy produce being utilised to make pancakes (which implies a race against time, as if you give a toss).

Historical events:

-  Simon Bolivar liberated Venezuela from Spanish Colonial rule in February 1814 and went down in history by magnanimously allowing the defeated army to withdraw from the country still bearing arms.

-  February 1791 is a date to note as Charles J. Sax invented a new musical instrument which he called his ‘Saxophone’ – since then, jazz musicians have been having a ‘wail’ of a time.
 
- Carol King, the American singer, songwriter and pianist was born on February 9th 1942, and I would like to close by sharing with you, one of her famous quotations - “Smile, and show the world that there is love in your heart and you will be as beautiful as you feel”