Beech Tree News Network

For many years, my late husband read The Old Farmer’s Almanac (with a yellow cover). I haven’t seen the 2015 issue of that publication. But, while shopping last month, I picked up the Harris’ Farmer’s Almanac 2015. Although Harris’s book contained calendar information, it was also packed with other information.

Some information was provided about foods. One article contained recipes, for example Sassafras Tea, Sassafras Jelly, and Old Hot Brown. I would sample any of these recipes, but would probably only choose to cook the Hot Brown recipe. The Hot Brown recipe directions were clearly written, and the ingredients were all familiar: it actually sounded easy. In another article, I learned some details about edible perennials. Remembering my mom’s rhubarb cobblers, the rhubarb plant information held my attention. Rhubarb needs a winter with freezing temperatures, and although the stalks are edible, the leaves are toxic. The summer flower heads should be cut off so the plant puts its energy into the roots, and the stalks may be harvested from spring until July.

Daily fishing predictions were indicated using the descriptions of great, good and fair. But, some days had no description; I believe these dates must mean the day could be a less-than-average-fishing-conditions day. January 14-20 will fall into the “less-than” category. January 21-28 was predicted to be fair, and January 29 through February 1 was predicted to be good. The next great dates predicted were February 2-4. Of course, a caution was included above the chart warning that other conditions such as weather, etc., should be considered.

Sky-watching information was provided as well. Eclipses and meteor showers for 2015 were listed. Two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses – unlikely to be visible in our region – were predicted for the year. Ten meteor showers were anticipated for 2015, the next one beginning April 22. It was expected to last for two days and may best be viewed before sunrise (approximately 15 meteors per hour). The year may also be a good year for planet watching.

Finally, the long-range weather forecast (compiled by meteorologist Edward W. Pearl) for our area in January included temperatures slightly above normal and precipitation near normal. Predicted coolest days for the month were 1-3, 7-11, 17-20, and 28-31; possible rain and snow dates for the month were 1, 6-9, 16-18, and 27-30. The prediction for our area in February is slightly below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation – a cloudy and breezy month.

Harris’ Farmer’s Almanac 2015 contained much information. But, who knows how accurate the predictions will be. These predictions are reminiscent of American sports journalist Joe Posnanski’s comment, “Every day I make predictions that don’t come anywhere close to the mark” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/predictions_2.html). We can’t know whether the almanac’s predictions will come close to the mark. But, the book reminded me of my late husband’s January reading habits – providing an enjoyable nostalgic experience.