Well, at least the snow is pretty while it is falling. I’m not thrilled with the appearance of things after a few days, when plow trucks and freezing rain have had their way with it. Snow itself is not the problem, of course. We all expect that we should be able to continue with our normal schedules despite the weather. But this year most schedules have been disrupted by one storm after another, so that it seems it’ll be May till we get back on track! School teachers have been especially frustrated in their attempts to provide consistent, orderly plans for presenting material and assigning work for the students to accomplish. The recent snow days will mean fewer days off at regularly scheduled breaks throughout the spring.

Ash Wednesday is coming up in two weeks. Most Christian churches observe this day as the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and preparation for Easter. Worldwide, the day (or days) preceding Ash Wednesday are celebrated as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, or Carnival. Christians were expected to clear their houses of fats and sweets to eliminate the temptation to overindulge during Lent, so a party was the best way to use them. Of course, this has evolved into an excuse for celebrations that far outstrip the observance of the weeks that follow. But the human spirit loves to indulge and gather with friends. Locally, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is among those who hold an annual Fasnacht Dinner of pork, sauerkraut, and spaetzels, (reflecting the German background of the denomination). This meal has become an outreach event and donations gathered are used in a variety of ways for local beneficence.

This winter has led me to the re-discovery of the joy of “working” jigsaw puzzles! There’s something appealing about the process of taking a jumbled mess and turning it into a finished picture. I suspect that many would say there are other ways I could be using the time, but it is fun when I allow myself to indulge. If you enjoy jigsaw puzzles, visit the Hughesville Area Public Library, where there is always a puzzle in progress, and where you can exchange or purchase (for a small donation) slightly used puzzles. It’s just one of the many things you can find in the library that will brighten your day and stretch your mind.

Please be careful when you venture outdoors, check on your neighbors, and make sure that pets are well-sheltered and warm.

Hughesville Events

Saturday, Feb. 7, 4-7 p.m. Spaghetti supper fund-raiser for the Hughesville High School Drama Club, held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 South Main Street, Hughesville. Tickets are available from any Drama Club member or at the door. Take-outs will be available.

Tuesday, Feb. 17, Fasnacht Dinner at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 South main Street, Hughesville