February SKI Tips

​February SKI Tips

1. February is a short month because Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus’ ego got in the way. When Julius Caesar was in power, February had 30 days, but Augustus was unhappy that his month, August, only had 29 days while the month named for Julius Caesar, July, had 31. So Augustus took from February to boost August.
2. For icy steps and sidewalks in freezing temperatures, mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and ½ gallon hot/warm water. Pour over walkways. They won’t refreeze.
3. The largest hailstone ever recorded in the United States was found in July 2010 in Vivian, South Dakota. It was almost 19 inches around weighed almost 2 pounds.
4. Start seeds indoors for cool-season vegetables so they will be ready for transplanting to the garden early in the season. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage seeds should be started five to seven weeks before transplanting.
5. Birds will be arriving soon so clean out old nesting houses. Remove old nesting material which can contain harmful parasites.  
6. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the US. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, like children or parents.
7. The first heart-shaped box was created by Richard Cadbury, son of Cadbury founder John Cadbury. He started packaging chocolates in fancy boxes to increase sales. He introduced the first heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1861, and today, more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold each year. That's 58 million pounds of chocolate!
8. Scoleciphobia—the fear of worms. Often because of unhygienic conditions.
9. Do not prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs during late winter to avoid loss of bloom. Prune after flowering.
10. Kites were used in the American Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers.