February Potpourri

The coming week is packed with holidays and observances, so our newsletter is a potpourri of love, admirable people, chocolate, and more.
 
February 12 — Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
Born in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky, Lincoln was the 16th U.S. president and first Republican one. In addition to his more famous achievements, Lincoln is the only U.S. president to have received a U.S. patent. Read how he described the patent. 
 
February 14 — Valentine’s Day
Although a Christian bishop named Valentine was martyred on February 14 in A.D. 271, there is nothing in this legend to account for the custom of choosing a sweetheart on this day. By the early 1600s, it was a popular custom to send handmade valentines to your sweetheart; cards were usually sent anonymously.
Send one of our free E-cards today!

February 15 — Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday
Born in 1820, Susan B. Anthony was brought up in a Quaker family with long activist traditions. She lived in Rochester, New York, during the most politically active period of her life. It was here where she was arrested for voting in 1872, before women had the right to vote. Read more about Susan B. Anthony.

Everyday Cookbook

Where can you find more than 400 home-style recipes, with timesaving hints that you’ll use every day? In The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Cookbook! Purchase one now.

Click here for a free preview of the Everyday Cookbook.

Consider tempting your sweetheart with one of these special treats.
 
This Chocolate-Raspberry Torte is a flavorful marriage of two luscious flavors.
Bake in heart-shape pans for a special treat.

How can you go wrong with chocolate?
Our Best Chocolate Cake is moist and flavorful.

For an elegant dinner, serve Poached Fruit in Red Wine.

If the way to your loved one’s heart is not through the stomach, remember that handmade gifts are made with love. Surprise a loved one or get your children involved in making a Valentine’s Day gift. Click here for advice on how to make potpourri, note cards, and more.

St. Valentine Weather Lore

February 14 was thought to be a weather and crop prognosticator for the year to come.

To St. Valentine, the spring is a neighbor.

The crocus was dedicated to St. Valentine and ought to blossom about this time.

St. Valentine,
Set thy hopper [seed basket] by mine.