Welcome January 2024

What’s happening in January 2024? Have you anything planned? We have quite a few family birthdays this month, so are looking forward to continuing the Christmas, and end of year 2023, get-togethers with some more during the first month of the year 😊

Did you know that this month was named after the Roman god Janus, who fittingly represented new beginnings. January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways, who symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future. What a fitting symbol for this first day of the year; this month is our door into the new year. The Romans often made promises to Janus and exchanged good wishes, so start the first month of the year right.

Even in astronomy, there is a sense of new beginnings. In the Northern Hemisphere, the days are starting to get longer again, and we look forward to the light’s re-emergence.

Perihelion: Earth Passes Its Closest to the Sun
On January 2, 2024, Earth reaches perihelion, which is the point in the planet’s orbit where it is closest to the Sun. At perihelion, Earth will be 91,403,034 miles from our bright star.

January’s Moon is called the Wolf Moon. The Saxon word for the month was Wulf-monath or “wolf month.” This year, the full Moon reaches peak illumination on Thursday, January 25th.

The Quadrantid meteors appear in the early January sky, producing up to 25 meteors per hour at their peak. They’ll be at their best on the night of January 3 into January 4. For the best chance at spotting them, venture out between midnight and dawn, if you can stand the cold! 

Coming back down to earth ... January's birthstone is the garnet and the months birth flowers are the carnation and snowdrop.

Words and image above taken from article here 

Keep warm this January with a nice mug of

Spiced Parsnip Soup with Coriander and Chilli Pesto

please see recipe/more details here

~ Have a lovely January and a wonderful start to the year ~

We bring a variety of articles and recipe ideas to this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan