February brings highs and lows

By Alonzo Weston

We may be having unseasonably warm weather here of late but remember we’re in February, perhaps the dreariest month of winter.

February may be the shortest month of the year but it also has the reputation as the snowiest. The full moon in February is called the Snow Moon. But since February is a short month it sometimes doesn’t even have a full moon.

And because February usually has 28 days, one of its quirks is that once every six years it’s the only month to have four full seven-day weeks.

February is more than Groundhog’s Day, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day. This weekend brings Super Bowl Sunday with our Kansas City Chiefs playing in a fourth championship in five years.

February is also an anticipatory month. Many start having spring dreams of baseball. This is the month when pitchers and catchers kick off spring training for the upcoming season.

February is usually 28 days long, but once every four years it has 29. Those born on Feb. 29 are called Leap Year babies as their birthdays only come around once during this cycle. Scientists figured that there is a one in 1,461 chance of someone having a Leap Day birthday.

Whether the groundhog sees its shadow or not, we’re still in the dregs of winter for one more month. Remember sometimes it even snows in April or May.

We have a few warming events left such as Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl parties, You’re lucky if you’re in love and your team is playing in the big game this year. Take advantage of what warmth you can find.

One of the earliest flowers to bloom in February is the primrose, which is the month’s birth flower. The flower often blooms through the snow which is another sign of hope and warmer highs to come.

Enjoy the month.