NEWS FROM THE HILLS
February is the shortest month in the year, yet sometimes it seems the longest. It is that gap between winter and spring, and is often dreary, with tired patches of snow turning black along the edges. It is cold, and unpredictable, and sometimes downright miserable.
There are still bright spots in this month. Today is Groundhog Day, and whether the little varmint sees his shadow or not, it is only six weeks until spring officially makes her debut. The days are growing noticeably longer, and it won’t be long before the songbirds will return.
Our gang of cardinals has clustered around the feeder all winter, and some of the robins have stayed here. I’ve heard the fable that birds mate on Valentine’s Day, and whether that is true or not, it is a romantic thought.
One thing that I love about February is the fact that it is time to dig sassafras roots. When the ground has thawed enough to dig, and before the sap starts to come up in the tree, is the perfect time. You can have your sulphur and molasses or castor oil for a spring tonic; I will take sassafras tea anytime.
It takes the big roots, scrubbed clean and boiled in water until they turn a deep red, to make the aromatic tea. There is no commercial potpourri that can compare with the scent of sassafras perfuming the whole house. Mom always said that it thinned your winter-sluggish blood. I don’t know about that, but I do know it is one of the most enjoyable tonics a person can find.
This February is Leap Year, which has been the traditional time when a woman can propose marriage. Today, it is accepted that women can do that at any time, but this was not always the case. Long ago, the rules were much stricter, and women were only allowed to pop the question on February 29.
The first account we have of this practice goes back to 1288, when a law was passed in Scotland that allowed women to propose to the man of their choice on February 29. It was also a law that any man who declined a proposal could be fined—this could range from a kiss to the purchase of a silk dress or a pair of gloves.
This day is sometimes referred to as “Sadie Hawkins Day” with women being given the right to propose. “Sadie Hawkins Day” originated in the comic strip “Li’l Abner” by Al Capp.
Sadie Hawkins was a homely old maid who despaired of ever finding a husband. Her father instituted a race in which the unmarried women could chase down the unmarried men and drag them to the altar where “Marryin’ Sam” would perform the wedding ceremony.
I remember a “Sadie Hawkins Day” that we had when I was in high school. I wore a dress fashioned from a white feed sack with the lettering “Pillsbury’s Best” printed across the front. I can’t remember catching anyone though.
So—we can cheer up through the gloomy days of February—we have a lot of things to make us happy, from sassafras tea to Valentine’s Day. Each day is a gift from God, and we should be thankful.
Here is a song that was requested some time ago, and supplied by several folks. Charlie Raines of So. Charleston sent some background about it. “I’ve got a Home in that Rock” is actually titled “River of Jordon” and was originally sung by the Carter Family. Many thanks to everyone who sent in the words.
RIVER OF JORDON
I’m going down to the river of Jordon (Oh, yes)
I’m going down to the river of Jordon, some of these days, hallelujah
I’m going down to the river of Jordon,
I’m going down to the river of Jordon some of these days.
I’m going to eat at the welcome table (Oh, yes)
I’m going to eat at the welcome table, some of these days, hallelujah
I’m going to eat at the welcome table,
I’m going to eat at the welcome table some of these days.
I’m going to sing in the heavenly choir (Oh, yes)
I’m going to sing in the heavenly choir some of these days, hallelujah
I’m going sing in the heavenly choir.
I’m going to sing in the heavenly choir, some of these days.
I’m going to put on the silvery slippers (Oh, yes)
I’m going to put on the silvery slippers, some of these days, hallelujah.
I’m going to put on the silvery slippers,
I’m going to put on the silvery slippers, some of these days.
I’m going to sit down by my Jesus (Oh, yes)
I’m going to sit down by my Jesus, some of these days, hallelujah.
I’m going to sit down by my Jesus,
I’m going to sit down by my Jesus, some of these days.
I also have a poem that I’d like to share. It was written by Ray McCune of Fort Wayne, Indiana, in honor of his late cousin, Jennings McCune. In addition to his many other honors, he was a true outdoorsman.
THE WOODS RUNNER
by Ray McCune
Give me a bowl, a spoon,
And a spot beside a stream.
A pine bough to lay my head,
Where I may sleep and dream.
A canvas above to keep me dry,
A fire beside which I lay.
A pot of tea, a bit of grub,
The stars to guide my way.
A canoe in which I go,
From lake, to stream, to sea,
With my axe, my knife, my gun,
My dog, my blanket, and me.
I have but one request,
And forgive me when I say,
“Please go away and let me be;
Come back another day.”
At that time I will be gone,
Leaving nothing that I was here,
I will be gone but I’ll remain,
As a memory and a tear.
I’ll be happy as I often am,
Going about my way.
Just God, and me, under sky and tree,
Dreaming of things far away.
Life has been good to me,
And I’m glad that I was there.
I’ve made some happy; I’ve broke some hearts,
But I’ve always tried to care.
Hang a wreath upon my door,
Pretend that I’m not dead,
I’m only resting beside God’s fire,
For that long trek ahead.
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