SpringSnowflakes: January 2025

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Robbie Burns

https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/burns-night-alexander-mccall-smith-pens-new-version-of-robert-burns-classic-to-a-mouse-4492012

Writer Alexander McCall Smith new version To A Mouse.

To a mouse, again

Poor creature, modest and undemanding,

Inhabitant of a murine world

Whose citizens ask little enough:

A scrap of cheese, even discarded rind,

Is a banquet for these small folk;

Your footprint on our shared earth

Is so tiny, undetectable to most eyes,

Usually obliterated by our stamping around,

By our destroying of all the little corners

In which your civilization flourishes;

By our covering with concrete of all your hidey-holes,

Those nurseries in which you raise

Your timid, bright-eyed family.

A gulf keeps us apart – the immensity

Of our pride, our greed, our lack of interest

In small and furry beings who cannot

Be made to pay in some way;

We shall never meet, you and I,

On equal terms, in friendship,

And yet I send you this – my love,

Although it may mean nothing to you,

And say, as well, I’m truly sorry;

Perhaps one day we’ll learn at last

To tread a bit more carefully, perhaps.

- This poem has been written specially by Alexander McCall Smith for a fundraising auction being held at the Edinburgh Lord Provost’s Burns Supper on Friday, January 26 in aid of OneCity Trust. All funds raised to go to grant making activities in 2024.

January 2025 source:

https://www.alexandermccallsmith.com/story-calendar/story-january-unusual-burns-night-perfect-passion-company

The below extract comes from Alexander’s newest series, The Perfect Passion Company. This novel tells the charming story of Katie who runs a matchmaking bureau in Edinburgh’s New Town. This extract follows Katie and her helpful neighbour William with one of their clients George, who has recently started a relationship with Emma. They attend an off-season Burns Night, a traditional Scottish celebration typically held in January.

_______________________________________________

Katie spoke again to Emma as she and William walked with her to the Hutton Hotel. It was one of those settled, benign nights that an Edinburgh summer can occasionally conjure up, when latitude seems immaterial, the air is still, the sky is clear, and darkness, even at eight in the evening, is still almost three hours away.

“I’m not entirely comfortable with this,” Katie said. “In fact, I think the whole thing is slightly ridiculous. But . . .”

Emma and William both turned to look at her as they walked along.

“But?” prompted William.

“But George wants it,” Katie went on. “He doesn’t want his mother to interfere. He’s jumpy. He knows that you have to see her at some point, Emma. And you want that too, I suppose.”

“Yes,” said Emma. “I do. But, like you, I don’t like the idea of a relationship – any relationship being concealed. It goes against the grain.”

“Poor George,” said William. “He’s scared stiff of that mother of his.”

“I can’t wait to see what she’s like,” said Emma. “A real dragon, do you think? Fire-breathing?”

“We’ll soon see,” said Katie. “But Emma, I think it’s really important that you keep a low profile. Don’t be tempted to do or say anything that could make her suspect that you and George are an item. Please don’t.”

Emma bit her lip.

“She may still feel she can see off anybody who threatens her relationship with her son,” William said. “People like that can be pretty confident of their powers.”

“And she’s done it before,” Katie pointed out. “She probably imagines she can do it again easily enough.”

They continued with their journey in silence. The Hutton Hotel was only twenty minutes or so from Cumberland Street, where Katie and William had met Emma at her flat. Now they were only a few minutes away.

“You’ve never been to a Burns Supper before, have you, William?” Katie asked.

William shook his head. “I went to a St. Andrew’s Night Dinner in Melbourne once, but that was different. They had a piper and so on, and somebody sang ‘Jock of Hazeldean,’ but that was about it. My father likes to go to those things. He loves formal dinners. He can’t get enough of them.” He paused. “What happens at a Burns Supper?”

Katie explained. She started by reminding him that to have a Burns Supper in a month other than January was highly unusual, so it was possible that the format could be quite different. But if it followed the normal pattern, she said that there would be a piper who would pipe in the haggis. “The chef brings it in, held high on a plate,” she said. “And then the person addressing it, sticks a knife in through the casing, which I’m sorry to say was traditionally a sheep’s stomach.”

William made a face.

“Nowadays,” Katie went on, “it’s a sort of artificial sausage skin.”

“And then?” asked William.

“Then we get our haggis, served along with turnips – or neaps, as we call them. And there are more addresses. There’s something called the Immortal Memory, where somebody speaks about Burns, and there are usually songs and so on. It’s all very Scottish. You’ll enjoy it. It’s very sentimental.”

Emma agreed. “I used to go to them,” she said. “When I was at university in Glasgow. I was in a club that used to have them. We had a speaker once who went on for almost an hour.”

“I doubt if that will happen tonight,” said Katie. “This is mainly for tourists. I suspect many of them won’t know that Burns’s birthday was back in January and that this will be the only Burns Supper in Scotland taking place off piste.”

“But what you don’t know, you don’t fret over,” said William.

“Precisely,” agreed Katie.

They arrived at the hotel, where there was already a small crowd in the entrance hall. The dinner itself was to be in the large dining room that had been added to the side of the house in late Victorian times. This room was effectively a very large conservatory, with French windows giving out onto an expanse of lawn and a walled garden. There was a top table, set for twenty or so, and a further twelve tables at which six guests would be seated. Because of the light still visible in the sky above the glass roof, there was no real need for lighting, but candles had been lit at each table. Near the open door onto the garden, these candles guttered, and in some cases had been

extinguished.

There was a seating plan, and because they were among the last to arrive, they went straight to their table and did not help themselves to the drink that the other guests had been offered. There were two spare seats at their table, but a waiter came and wordlessly removed these.

Katie looked around for George, and eventually saw him ushering guests into an anteroom off to one side. These were those who were to be seated at the top table, and when the piper struck up, these guests were piped in, all walking in a long line with a tall, rather imperious-looking woman at their head. All the other guests stood up to welcome the official party, clapping in time to the pipe tune.

“Margaret,” whispered Katie, nudging William, who was seated beside her.

William followed her gaze. “Yes,” he whispered back. “That’ll be her all right.”

Katie glanced at Emma, who had reached the same conclusion as she had. Emma gave her a half-smile, a conspiratorial acknowledgement. She mouthed a word silently, that Katie thought was probably Mother.

The haggis arrived, greeted with a cheer by some of the guests. The visitors were conspicuous by the photography in which they now engaged: every moment of the ceremony was accompanied by small flashes from phones held above heads. Then the platter was carried off by the chef, steam rising from the spilled entrails, to be divided out in the kitchen. An excited buzz of conversation now arose, as the foreign visitors discussed what they had seen.

Margaret rose to pronounce the welcome. “This supper is one of Scotland’s great traditions,” she said. “This is how we recall the memory of our great national poet and pay him homage. We are honoured to share this with all of you – wherever in the world you come from.”

This extract comes from The Perfect Passion Company, available now. The sequel to this novel, Looking for You, will be published in the UK in February 2025.

https://www.jewelsunderthekilt.com/

Friday, January 24, 2025

Robbie Burns Day

https://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/burns-night-decorations.shtml

https://quaichshop.co.uk/whats-a-quaich/

What’s a quaich?

The quaich, Scotland’s cup of friendship, has been used through the centuries to offer a welcoming drink at clan gatherings, and other family occasions, and to friends and visitors.

“Quaich” is a Scots rendering of the Gaelic word “cuach”, meaning cup. The two-handed design of this drinking vessel incorporates trust, on the part of both giver and receiver.

Quaichs were used most commonly to contain whisky and brandy but larger quaichs were vessels used for drinking ale.

What are quaichs made of?

The bases of some quaichs are made of glass, allegedly so that the drinker could keep watch on his companions as he supped.

The romantics amongst us prefer the tale of the design of quaich which had a double glass bottom, containing a lock of hair snipped from the owner’s lover, so that he could always drink to his lady love from his favourite quaich.

In 1589, King James VI of Scotland gave Anne of Denmark a quaich as a wedding gift.

Traditional quaichs

Traditionally quaichs are made of wood, and some early quaichs were stave-built, like barrels. The staves were held together by bands of willow or silver with two, or sometimes three or four, short projecting handles.

Other wooden quaichs were made out of a single piece of wood, turned on a lathe. In addition to wood, quaichs were and are made from stone, brass, pewter, horn, and silver.

The origin of quaichs in Scotland seems to have been in the Highlands – quaichs did not become popular in the large cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow until the end of the 17th Century.

The silversmiths of the local guilds in Inverness and Perth frequently mounted quaichs in silver, as evidenced by the hallmarks on existing objects.

From humble origins, the role played by Scotland’s cup of kindness has grown, as an integral part of our most important celebrations.

Pewter quaich with solid celtic handles

Unproven theories suggest that the quaich may have been based upon 17th Century bleeding vessels, or have evolved from the use of scallop shells as drinking vessels.

Pewter quaich with brass insert

Nowadays, quaichs are used ceremonially, and as gifts, awards and trophies, to mark events of special significance.

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Stags head quaich

Historical evolution of the quaich

So the wooden stave quaichs of centuries past evolved into silver-mounted, and entirely silver, versions and Sir Walter Scott and Bonnie Prince Charlie have been amongst their illustrious owners.

In the 19th Century, Sir Walter Scott is said to have dispensed drams in silver quaichs. One of the quaichs he owned was known as the Waterloo Tree Quaich. It was made in part from wood Scott had taken from the Waterloo Elm – the Duke of Wellington’s command post – when Scott visited the battlefield, shortly after the Battle of Waterloo.

Sir Walter Scott’s quaichs

Scott is known to have also owned some other quaichs made from commemorative wood: one made from Falkland Oak, another made from Queen Mary’s yew and yet another from the Wallace Oak. One was particularly precious to him, as in 1745 that quaich had travelled from Edinburgh to Derby with Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Pewter toasting quaich

Silver quaichs for Scottish ladies

Silver quaichs were first mentioned in the 1660s, and the making of quaichs was a highly regarded profession in 17th Century Scotland. Silver quaichs were thinner and more delicate, allowing fine Scottish ladies to drink from them more easily.

Quaichs for everyone

The quaich’s simple, yet beautiful, form has ensured its longevity as a vessel offering kinship and love, from the humble Highland crofter, through proud Clan Chiefs to the Kings of Scotland.

The quaich’s unique history is shrouded in myth and mystery, and such vessels are often amongst the most treasured possessions of those with family links, or other associations with Scotland.

Quaichs at ceremonial occasions

More recently, quaichs have been used as favours at many Scottish weddings, being presented to everyone at the top table. The happy couple may also drink from a ceremonial quaich, to toast their vows.

Quaichs have also been used at births, to drink to the baby’s health and celebrate the new life, and at christenings. In Kilmuir in Scotland, there is a wooden quaich which was formerly used as a baptismal font – quaichs have now also become a traditional baptismal gift.

Commemorative quaichs

Commemorative quaichs awarded as prizes, or given as gifts, are more commonly made of pewter or silver – these prize cups are rarely used for actual drinking.

Present-day use of the quaich as a gift or trophy carries with it and preserves this link with Scotland’s proud and ancient heritage. Engraving can personalise, or record for posterity, virtually any special occasion or event.

If you would like more details about quaichs, or have some special requirements, please feel free contact us.

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Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Argyle Day+ Stephen Hawking'sBirthday+Take the Stairs

Today is National Argyle Day! Are we ever delighted to share a favourite song with you. Kindly listen and sing along to: https://youtu.be/KaQe09P5Qzo?feature=shared

It has been noted that, "these diamond designs in different patterns are also used in various other things like investments, golf suits, etc. The argyle pattern has been derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll. The Scottish Highlanders have been wearing it (known as “tartan hose”) since at least the 17th century as Argyle is used for kilts and plaids and from the patterned socks. " Source: https://happydays365.net/national-argyle-day-january-8/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Famous-Scientists-Reading-Comprehension-Bundle-Einstein-Darwin-Newton-Tesla-4406504

Teamed with https://funclassroomideas.com/free-stephen-hawking-worksheet/

It is also National Take the Stairs Day. We

Professor Noggins Facts

After creating our post for National Bird Day I thought it would be great to share with any readers enjoying our homeschool blog how valuable and unique the information is found on each card. Every school day for this semester we will be playing our Professor Noggins games and we will share one interesting fact each time on this posting.

From the Birds of North America game Barron found that the American Kestrel is not a songbird nor a shorebird, but is a bird of prey. I discovered that the white-breasted nuthatch is one of the only birds that can walk down a tree trunk upside down. Learnt on January 7th, 2025.

From the Inspects and Spiders game Barron found that ladybugs have wings and are sometimes called ladybirds. I thought mosquitoes were interesting because they can be dangerous to humans because they spread diseases. Learnt on January 8th, 2025.
The Insects and Spiders game had Barron learning about caterpillars and the fact that they spend most of their time eating, however we thought it would have been turning into a butterfly. I learnt that woodlice are also known as a sowbug and a pillbug. Learnt on January 9th, 2025.

We took a break and are now returning on January 20th with our World of Pets game. Barron selected the snakes card learning that when you pick up a snake it is not safe to grab them by the tail, instead a firm grasp on the head to support the body is best. My card on lizards tells us that you should never pick up a lizard by the tail because the tail may fall off, on some species the tail will grow back.

January 21st Barron learnt from our World of Pets about pedigree cats and how siamese cats are known for their usual slanted blue eyes and I learnt about herding dogs and the fact that a bergamasco sherpdog's coat is long and shaggy like a mop.

Today January 22 we played our Wonders of the World game and Barron got the Great Pyramid of Giza and learnt that it was the world's talkest building for over 3,000 years. I got the Stonehenge which is located in England.

Chiefs Season Over Til Divisions

The Chiefs have done well only losing two games during their regular season. We are waiting for the next stage before SuperBowl.

To celebrate we were inspired to do some pumpkin painting recommended from: https://www.bhg.com/halloween/pumpkin-decorating/painted-pumpkin-ideas/ We are lucky dad said to keep our pumpkin to see how long it would last so we never carved it, so far it has only loss some of the firmness it usually has.

The worst loss happened at the Chiefs vs Denver Broncos on January 5th 0-38 and the best win was tied for two matches Chiefs vs Carolina Panthers 30-27 on November 24th and Chiefs vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 November 4th. It has been a lovely season. An update has been shared and the NFL playoffs for 2025 occur as follows: Wild-card round: Jan. 11-13 Divisional round: Jan. 18-19 Conference championships: Jan. 26 Super Bowl 59: Feb. 9

Monday, January 6, 2025

Old Rock Day+ Bobble Head Day

We found this neat websource: https://digitalhygge.com which reveals which days have special events, they also have free resources available for various needs, we thought this one was interesting to make one more mindful of what you are doing with your days. We are all given the same amount of time each day- 24 hours: https://digitalhygge.com/wheel-of-life/

According to that websource today is National Bobble Head Day these are 3 of our Funko Pop Bobbleheqds given by dad:

It is also Old Rock Day. It is explained that, "We celebrate Old Rock Day on January 7 every year to remember the Earth’s incredible history and to pay tribute to the amazing geologists who help us understand it. We’ve been dependent on rocks since we first walked the Earth, and today it’s no different, with rocks forming the foundation of our daily lives." Source: https://nationaltoday.com/old-rock-day/

We decided to pick a place on earth that we are fond of and learn about an important geologist from there. Barron selected Arnold Henry Guyot who was a Swiss-American geologist and geographer and was born September 28, 1807 in Boudevilliers, Switzerland. He died at the age of 76 on February 8, 1884 in Princeton, N.J., U.S.A. He did a lot of meteorological observations which led to the creation of the U.S. Weather Bureau. It has been shared that, "The guyot, a flat-topped volcanic peak rising from the ocean floor, is named after him. He studied at the College of Neuchâtel and in Germany, taught at Paris from 1835 to 1840, and became professor of history and physical geography at the Neuchâtel Academy in 1839. In 1838, under the influence of the famed naturalist-geologist Louis Agassiz, he took up the study of the structure and motion of glaciers. In 1848 Guyot settled in Cambridge, Mass., and until 1854 lectured on geography and teaching methods for the Massachusetts Board of Education. He wrote a series of geography textbooks that served as models of the kind used in American schools for many years. In 1854 he became professor of geology and physical geography at Princeton University. Guyot developed topographical maps of the Appalachian and Catskill mountains. His published works include The Earth and Man (Eng. trans., 1849); Creation, or the Biblical Cosmogony in the Light of Modern Science (1884); and Tables, Meteorological and Physical (4th ed., 1887). " Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Arnold-Henry-Guyot

To refresh our memory Barron did a free worksheet from: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/FREE-Layers-of-the-Earth-Labeling-Worksheet-3049920 Barron recognized the mantle area, the outer and inner core, and the crust.

A simple, yet important reminder, from Jack Hartmann's video called On This Earth-Earth Day Song for Kids at: https://youtu.be/NbbqFyrbHEA?feature=shared that we are given so much so we need to take care of this Old Rock of ours. His lyrics are:

"On This Earth

On This Earth, trees are growing

Give us fresh air to breathe

On this Earth, springs are flowing

On this Earth, springs are flowin

Give us water to drink

On this Earth, the sun is shining

Gives us warmth and gives us light

The Earth gives us so many gifts each day

We have to take care of it and appreciate

Trees are growing

Springs are flowing

The sun is shining

So many things

All on this beautiful Earth

On this Earth, birds are flying

On this Earth birds are flying

Singing happily

On this Earth, fish are swimming

Giving balance to the sea

On this Earth we are living

With friends and family

The Earth gives us so many gifts each day

We have to take care of it and appreciate

Birds are flying

Fish are swimming

We are living

So many things

All on this beautiful Earth

Reduce, reuse, recycle plastic bags and cups

Use water carefully and when you're done shut it off

Turn lights off when you leave a room, it saves energy

Look around each day where you live and see all nature's beauty

Trees are growing

Springs are flowing

The sun is shining

So many things

Birds are flying

Fish are swimming

We are living

So many things

All on this beautiful Earth

All on this beautiful Earth"

3 Kings Day+ National Cuddle Day

January 6 was also 3 Kings Day and National Cuddle Day. To acknowledge Cuddle Day we thought a hug was a nice way and we found a free online colouring page aling with sharing a real life embrace.

Barron made the first masterpiece and I created the second:

If you like this free opportunity to colour a page online like Barron did, visit here: https://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages/hug?colore=online. This is also a good chance to remind you to hug a tree every chance you can!

To celebrate 3 kings day

There is a free word search available at: https://wordmint.com/public_puzzles/215731

WWE Monday Night Raw on NetFlix

Tonight was a first ever event live on Netflix. We were able to watch an extremely good introduction, a greeting from the famous and cherished Dwayne the Rock, and an OTC match between Roman Reins and Solo Sikoa.