traveling up and down the blind highway

The month of February has an odd history. The original Roman calendar had only 10 months. The winter season was not marked with months.It had 304 days in the year with around 61 days in the winter season. Romans used the winter months to visit with family and friends. Road construction and military training were conducted before spring campaigns. The Roman week was 8 days in length
In changed the calendar in the year 321AD to seven day week, and added the months of January and February. Also decreed that Sunday would be the first day of the week. The Emperor’s conversation to Christianity in 318 AD after reporting seeing a vision of a cross with the inscription, “The Son will conquer.”, leading Constantine to convert. The months were based on a solar rather than a lunar cycle.
January was the first month of the year and February the last. Romans considered even months as unlucky. The month of February with 28 days was dedicated to purification and festivals honoring the dead.
This form of marking time was used until the late 16th century. Pope Gregory decreed that ten days be added to the calendar to assure the spring equinox occurred on March 21st. A leap year was added every four years with an added day in February. The Gregorian calendar is used by most of the world. The Greek Orthodox base their holy days on the Julian calendar. There are only four countries that don’t follow the Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia, Iran, Afghanistan and Nepal don’t use the Gregorian calendar.
A popular myth is that the dayFebruary 29th is unlucky except for those born on that day.Another myth is that an angel visited Adam and Eve after they were thrown out of the Garden of Eden.The story occurred in the month of February.
In February, we celebrate President Day, Valentine’s Day and Ground hog’s Day, many people see this month as one to endure rather enjoy. Take courage. February will not last!
***. poem
February
Flu shot
Eager for spring
Birds start to migrate
Ready for sunshine
Use indoor gym another month
Air damp with fog
Rather read a book
yearning to put away winter boots
carolaspot@aol.com. copyrighted 2/3/25

This my second attempt to post this blog. My apologies if you are receiving this twice.
Carol
Under the waters of Lake Michigan, off the shore of Traverse City, is a circular formation constructed by man. It is believed to be over 9000 years old. This was a time when the glaciers were retreating. The Great Lakes waters levels were lower than today. The lake basins were carved by the retreating glaciers. There is evidence of ancient man by stone tools found in and around Lake Michigan.
In 2007, Mark Holly, an underwater archaeologist from North Western College, discovered the ancient site while searching for shipwrecks. Under 40 meters of water, he found the stonehenge . On one of the stones, is a carving of a mastodon. They disappeared about the same time. Probable causes for their extinction are hunting along with a change to a warmer and dryer climate.
The site measures around 300 meters in a circular formation similar to Stonehenge. The site currently has 92 granite stones, some weighing several tons. Sonar has been used to map the location and measurements between the stones. Skilled divers can explore the site. The placement of the stones like Stonehenge, have correct astrological and lunar knowledge of the sky movements.
In Lake Huron, a ridge runs across the lake bottom from Alpena,to Point Clark Ontario. It continues along the shoreline to gradually disappear.
John O-Shea a archaeologist from the University of Michigan, discovered an elaborate construction of blinds and herding structures, along a ridge continues along the shore before gradually disappearing. It is believed that hunters used the structures to hunt caribou on their yearly migration across Lake Huron. Blinds and herding pens were found on the underwater ridge, giving insight to ancient people’s hunting practices.
Though no large structures like those found in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, have been found in Lake Superior or Lake Erie ,there is evidence of campsites, cleared land and stone walls to mark the presence of man in the great lakes area. Because of the location the sites have been studied only with sonar readings. The mysteries of the Lakes wait for more studies to discover the past.

***. poem
Hidden Mysteries

Underwater off the lake shore.
Stands a 9000 year old mystery.
Structures remain of hunting and knowledge of the stars.
We study to meet our ancestors.
from a far.
carolaspot@aol.com 1/27/25 copyrighted

Under the waters of Lake Michigan, off the shore of Traverse City, is a circular formation constructed by man. It is believed to be over 9000 years old. This was a time when the glaciers were retreating. The Great Lakes waters levels were lower than today. The lake basins were carved by the retreating glaciers. There is evidence of ancient man by stone tools found in and around Lake Michigan.
In 2007, Mark Holly, an underwater archaeologist from North Western College, discovered the ancient site while searching for shipwrecks. Under 40 meters of water, he found the stonehenge . On one of the stones, is a carving of a mastodon. They disappeared about the same time. Probable causes for their extinction are hunting along with a change to a warmer and dryer climate.
The site measures around 300 meters in a circular formation similar to Stonehenge. The site currently has 92 granite stones, some weighing several tons. Sonar has been used to map the location and measurements between the stones. Skilled divers can explore the site. The placement of the stones like Stonehenge, have correct astrological and lunar knowledge of the sky movements.
In Lake Huron, a ridge runs across the lake bottom from john to Clark Point Ontario. It continues along the shoreline to gradually disappear.
John O-Shea a archaeologist from the University of Michigan, discovered an elaborate construction of blinds and herding structures, along a ridge continues along the shore before gradually disappearing. It is believed that hunters used the structures to hunt caribou on their yearly migration across Lake Huron. Blinds and herding pens were found on the underwater ridge, giving insight to ancient people’s hunting practices.
Though no large structures like those found in Lake Michigan, have been found in Lake Superior or Lake Erie ,there is evidence of campsites, cleared land and stone walls to mark the presence of man in the great lakes area. Because of the location the sites have been studied only with sonar readings. The mysteries of the Lakes wait for more studies to discover the past.

***. poem
Hidden Mysteries

Underwater off the lake shore.
Stands a 9000 year old mystery.
Structures remain of hunting and knowledge of the stars.
We study to meet our ancestors.
from a far.
carolaspot@aol.com 1/27/25 copyrighted

We decided to travel to the Straights of Mackinaw in mid-January. A normally busy summer resort town was deserted on this early frosty dawn. blustery dawn morning. Even the McDonalds perched on the lake shore, was closed for the season. Walking past the empty parking lot, we climbed over snow and sand piles. Finally, we made our way to the beach. A rising sun reflected a lone cloud floating balloon like , close to our shore. It felt close enough to touch. As we watched, it paused in it’s journey towards us and reversed direction, it floated to the opposite shore. In the warmth of the sun, the cloud thins and slowly disappears. The scene reminded me of a lost child searching for his parent. The rest of the sky remained a brilliant blue.
***. poem

Winter Sailing
dawn peeks over the water.
ice asher sky,
frigid stillness,
One small cloud sails quietly towards me.
Rising sun, vapor hovers.
pausing,
changing course,
Silver/white sails unfurl.
It steers to the far shore.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 1/20/25

Tonight is the first full moon of the new year. It is named by native people as the Wolf Moon. In parts of The Upper Peninsula wolves can be heard on the cold clear nights. Popular myths tell of wolves howling at the full moon. The truth is that wolves are nocturnal animals. They raise their face upward to have their howl travel farther. Wolves are social and intellectual. In groups or packs, they can be highly affectionate with family members. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula there estimated to be over 600 wolves. On a clear night you can hear the wolf calls and replies.
In the 1980’s wolves were reintroduced to Isle Royale National Park. Historically, the island in Lake Superior has supported a population of moose and wolves. Currently there are over 30 wolves and 840 moose. The majority living on the eastern edge of the island in the National Park itself. The ratio of predators to prey helps maintain a healthy eco balance on the island.
While there no roads on the island, a ferry runs twice a week to transport visitors to the island to explore it’s natural beauty. These ferries run from the end of May through the second week of September. There no human visitors in other months of the year. Small boats can visit the island for a day. Access from Copper Harbor to the island is 60 miles as the crow flies.
Natural beauty, isolation and seeing moose and wolves in their habitat is a draw to this nation park.

***. poem
Wolf Moon
first full moon, in January night.
Wolves hunt moose dense forests, small lakes.
high ridges left from glaciers past
a delicate balance of nature is cast.

carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 1-13-2025

Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over the certification of Donald Trump as the next president. One recalls the turmoil four years ago when then president Trump urged his supporters to protest at the certification session, ending with violence and injuries. The certification is a formality for the change in the president. Vice President Harris will gavel her opponent into office. The certification of the 2020 election saw capital guards, overwhelmed as members of the joint House and Senate scrambled to safety in the underground. What is important to remember is the certification did occur, despite violence. The system works and regardless of one’s personal political opinions, the gavel was passed to the electoral winner.
Though the violence was new, the objections at the certification was not. There were objections at the certification of George W, bush as Vice President Gore presided over the process. Al Gore conceded the victory to Bush despite objections from his party.
Disputes were voiced in the 1800 and 1912 elections. With some discussions, the elections were certified. We wait and watch to see how this new leadership work with both parties to make concessions and fair policies for all Americans.
***. poem
Allegiance
We pledge to the system , not the person.
All voters had an equal say.
With out violence, certification will occur.
Watch closely, we wait and see.
carolaspot@aol.com 01/06/25 copyright

That is so appropriate for your final card/poem.

I love it – I had to laugh as you call it “Play” and I called it “reaching

the finish line.”

We have played our way on the journey to the finishing line.  Ha ha

Lynda

Closed Door, Open Window

2024  closing

four binders of work

window opens on 2025

review, read, polish

reflect a year’s play.

   This has been a year of growth, experimenting and learning from fellow poet and artist Lynda Lambert. A year ago, I asked Lynda to consider writing a poem a day. She challenged me to produce a piece of art  on the reverse side of the postcard. My painting skill was limited but I was able to paint and use cutouts and photos to make a art on each of the cards I sent. The last card and poem is above. Along the way, I have found a lasting friendship. Lynda and I will keep you updated on our progress as we take on the task of compiling over six hundred art and poetry postcards. Stay tuned for updates on our progress towards publishing this work of friends.

Carol Farnsworth 

Carolaspot @aol.com

copyright 1-1-2025

Fellow writer and blogger, Alice Massa, wrote about her family’s recipe for Butter Horn cookies here is her blog address. http://alice13wordwalk.wordpress.com/. The. cookie recipe is December 21st.
I recall my Mother making small loafs of gumdrop cakes for Christmas. So not to tempt eager samplers ,she made the majority of the treats when we were in school. After cooling, she wrapped them in aluminum foil. thin red ribbon was tied to each cake with a red bow in the center of the ribbon’s crossing ties. They would keep for weeks in the freezer .They would remove them a day or two before giving them to friends and family. As we grew, the recipe was changed from gumdrops to spice drops. Fruit flavors were replaced with cinnamon, cloves, anise wintergreen and mint.
I found the original recipe on his computer. It was for making a large bundt cake or 3 larger loaves of cakes. I made a half of the recipe when we found a pound of the candy on sale.recipe. It made enough for three small loaves of cake. The cooking time decreased to one hour, not two.on my husband’s computer. The recipe makes 6 snall rectangle cakes. The cooking time is 250 degrees for ninety minutes. Our cakes were cooked at 60 minutes. This is to keep the candy from changing shape.
Mom would keep a supply of these cakes to hand out during the Christmas season. The recipe is below. The only change was to use butter instead of oleo or Crisco. My apologies Mom. They brought back fond memories of digging out the candy to eat first.I will give one to my younger brother when I see him after the New Year.

Rita’s Gumdrop Cake

1 cup butter or Crisco or oleo
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups of hot apple sauce with 1 rounded tsp of soda
2 well beaten eggs
2 cups of flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
2 pounds spice drops
1 pound raisins
2 cups of nuts
Cream oleo and sugar. Add hot applesauce. Then add
well-beaten eggs. Sift dry ingredients together.
Roll gumdrops, raisins and nuts into 2 cups of flour.
Add this to the mixture.
Grease and flour pans
Bake at 250 degrees until toothpick comes out dry. 1 to 2 hrs depending on the size of the loaf.
This makes a large angel food pan or 2 or 3 small square pans.
Also you could make 1/2 of the recipe.

carolaspot@aol.com copy right 12/30/24

My first memory of Christmas cards was watching my mom as she sat with a stack of colorful cards at the kitchen table. She had a small address book with her list of people to send greetings. Each envelope was addressed with small flowing cursive. In each card there would be a personalize note of greeting. I was allowed to help by licking and attaching a stamp to the top right hand corner of each envelope.A return sticker was attached to the back side of the flap. Mom would work for several evenings to ready the cards for an early mailing. We would walk to the post office to mail the whole battch at one time. Then we would wait for the return cards to appear in the mail box.
Our mailbox was a flat rectangle with a flap on the top. There were two two curved hooks attatched to the bottom of the box for larger magizines and circulars. Often the post person had to ring the doorbell if the mailbox was full or the mail was too large .
My job was to open each card received and keep the envelopes to later check for changes in addresses. We would hang each card from a cord. The cards would start on the wall by the piano, travel across to the wall by the sofa across the mantle and finally across the top of the large picture window. Extra cards were hung on the hallway wall.
Each card was held in place with a tiny red clothespin. Later, ribbons and pins replaced the clothespins to secure the cards.
One year I took an old Readers Digest, folding the the top of each page to form the shape of a tree. I colored pages with green and red crayons. The front and back of the digest were glued together to form a 3D tree. Christmas cards could be slipped between pages for easy display and rereading.
When buying postage stamps, we always selected a group of stamps with an artistic rendering of the Madonna and Child. Our Catholic school sold decorative stamps for raising money for the missions. I recall that selling or buying five dollars of stamps would buy a baptism for a mission child. We could choose a name for the babies baptismal name.
These days, cards come from the older generation. Young family members, text or e-mail starting a thread or send photos from their computer. I still enjoy opening mail to find Christmas Cards.
For the last several years, I have enjoyed receiving mail with greeting in Braille. I enjoy the cards that were hand made by the sender.
Whether a one of a kind or a Christmas letter, all are read and hung from a ribbon in our family room. They will be the last remnants of Christmas to be taken down.
***. poem
Tradition
I sit, write, place a stamp
remembering mailing in the past.
assemble or work alone
Christmas greetings not by phone
cards felt with your hands
loving thoughts from land to land
carolaspot@aol.com copyrighted 12/23/24

When I was a young child, my Mom would surprise me by bringing tea and snacks to the picnic table. Items included a small copper tea pot, two expresso cups and doll dishes with cereal pieces. We would sit and drink Luke warm tea and eat cheerios. It was not the food and drink but a chance to spend a few minutes with my mother.
Tea sharing has always been social for me.
We started out as a bible study group. wanting to do more, we formed a smaller group of knitters that knitted for charity throughout the year. This group knitted rectangles to edge and sew together to make security blankets for children. We meet every other week to gather at a host’s home, have coffee and a snack and socialize, while knitting on a project. On my own, I have produced several dozen knitted felted animals to donate to charity.
So what has this to do with Christmas tea?
One of the women has a large home and enjoys baking traditional foods served at high tea.
So once a year, Pam hosts a Christmas tea for our group. So for many years, we discard our needles and take up the fork and spoon for this special treat.
This year, I wrote down the incorrect time for the tea.
Pam messaged ,”Where are you?”
“Home ,tea is at two”
” It is at one”
” Be there in 10 “
I came with apologies and poetry books, one for each lady.
Some of our projects are smaller and more simple but after 20 years we can multitask.
So we tell stories as knitting pieces lengthen and form useable items.
I call our group the knit Wits.
** an acrostic poem

Knit Wits
Knitting needles in hand we cast on.
Nonstop conversation hums.
I. smile feeling each lady’s project.
Time flies as knitting lengthens.
We gather in December for Christmas tea.
It is a special time to share.
Twenty years of friendship binds us.
Such events build fond memories.
carolaspot@aol.com 12/16/24 copyrighted