Lupercalia was celebrated in Ancient Rome at the ides of February, which is February 15th. The fertility celebration was dedicated to Faunus, god of agriculture as well as to the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Members of Luperci, an order of Roman priests would gather at a sacred cave, the location where Romulus and Remus were born and, as legend asserts, were raised by a she-wolf, or lupa. The origins of Valentine’s Day.
Anyway, the celebrations starts with sacrifices of animals (like so many do) and ends with a mass version of The Dating Game. Much more can be learned about Luperci and the origins of Valentine’s Day at this great History website page.
What women really want for Valentine’s Day?
I was listening to some news program the other day and there were several women featured who were talking about what they would like for Valentine’s day. They said they would take the offer of help around the house – unloading dishwasher, taking out garbage – instead of chocolates or flowers. That would be quite a blow to florists and gift shops. I’m sure they didn’t appreciate the insights offered but there you have it! Help around the house would be the preferred gift for Valentine’s Day.
Super Bowl prediction fail
Well, the team I was mildly pulling for in the Super Bowl did not win. I was rooting for them because a bunch of Penguins from the Cincinnati Zoo picked the Bengals in a little prediction event. Looking ahead, I guess I’m going to be a little more guarded in taking advice from Penguins going forward. I still like them, however, as a bird.
The sun is brilliant today!
The sun is absolutely brilliant today and feels so warm. It is wonderful. I took a catnap in the recliner – caught an amazing beam of sunshine and was out like a light. Great days are ahead of us – and upon us. All we have to do is outlast. And we can do that. It’s in our genetic coding as Minnesotans.
My friend, Richard from Oregon, has been sending me current photos of blooming Daffodils and Crocus. The images are so sharp and crisp you can almost smell the blossoms. Additionally, he sent photos of a pair of Mourning Doves. Lovely birds. Their return to Minnesota will be most welcome. I have a photo of a pair of Mourning Doves from my website, RedBarnProject.com I’ll include below.
It’s all about Springtime
It’s all about Springtime for me now. I have photography plans and can hardly wait to try out some new gear! Actually, gear that I’ve had but haven’t put it to use extensively and not at all in the Springtime. It is the 500mm prime lens I’ve had for less than a year and a 1.4X teleconverter. Combining the two will give me greater reach for waterfowl and wildlife. It will be the equivalent of a 700mm DSLR lens or a 1050mm equivalent in 35mm. Pretty exciting.
Using such a giant lens comes with some downside. Field of view (the width or area one can see in the viewfinder is greatly decreased. Also, light is restricted and camera vibration is amplified to the point an electronic shutter release and tripod are all but essential. The upside, however, is far greater reach – being able to pull in distant subjects and having to do less cropping of the photo should allow for sharper images in those situations.
In any event, I’m pretty excited for Spring. I can deal with Winter in the meanwhile. I just remember every day is a gift and I give thanks for blessings bestowed. Life is good. Repeat after me. LIFE IS GOOD!
Closing
I hope you have enjoyed today’s blog post. I enjoy writing them. They give me an opportunity to air out my mind and share my thoughts with others. Civility and respect of others are important to me. I don’t write with the intention of inflaming another but to uplift and encourage others. Also, I like to share my photography. If you see something you like on this post, or go to my website and find something you can’t live without, please feel free to contact me here. I am very responsive and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Happy Valentine’s day and until tomorrow, Peace.
