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The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids, VOLUME 3

Kids can’t put it down. Parents can’t wait to pick it up. The Old Farmer’sAlmanac for Kids blends wacky facts, quirky stories, and edu-tainment intofun for all ages. 192 full-color pages.

NEW IN VOLUME 3:

• “green” pages, featuring

energy alternatives, a trash

trail, and more

• weird weather, pets that work,

the history of pizza, the origin

of chocolate, desert-dwelling

animals

• garden how-to’s:

grow a loofah sponge,

plant a sunflower house,

make a wind chime

The 2010 Old Farmer’s AlmanacWatch family and friends smile with America’s most popular reference book! Every page is “useful, with a pleasant degree of humor,” especially these in this edition:

• mysterious mad stones • gardening

• thrift tips • weather

• the ultimate manure manual • astronomy

• growing salad in pots • best days

• the “right” ways to do things and MORE!

$6.00 each

$10.00 each

And don’t miss our companion Web site, Almanac4kids.com, withits FREE companion ACTIVITY GUIDE and lots more!g

This holiday season, give fun, practical gifts that save time and money!

WE

AT

HE

R

2

3No one has ever seen it rain cats and dogs—but some people have seen it rain fish and frogs.

CLOUDY,C hance ofCLOUDY, With aC hance of

On the afternoon of May 15, 1900, the sky over Olneyville, Rhode Island, became nearly as dark asnight, the temperature dropped more than 20 degrees in just a fewminutes, and lightning crackled. Suddenly, the clouds opened up and dumped rain—and fish—on the town. Most of the fish were 2- to 4-inch-long pout, but residents of some neighborhoods reported being pelted with perch. Children scooped up fish to sell as souvenirs. Some adults wouldn’t go near the fish because they believed that the unusual rainfall was a sign of impending doom.Many families saved at least one fish to display, and a local restaurant showed off one in a tank of water.

Amid the high winds and rain of Hurricane Isabel in September 2003, a man in Berlin, Connecticut, discovered that tiny, gooey eggs with a dark spot in the middle hadlanded on his porch. He thought that they were probably frog’s eggs,and he was right. He brought them inside and kept them in a bowl of water, and, within a few days, they began sprouting tails—the beginnings of pollywogs.

Because September is too late in the season (and too cold) forfrogs to lay their eggs in Connecticut, it is believed that the eggswere picked up in a warmer, more southern state, such as NorthCarolina, and carried north on the winds of the hurricane.

It’s Raining Fish . . .

. . . and Frogs

(continued)

2

The

GOES ONGOES ON

IN

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3

Beets are easy to grow. The most popular beet is red, but they can also be

yellow, white, and red-and-white-striped. The striped variety is called

‘Chioggia’. Beets grow in many sizes, from as small as a golf ball to as big as

a baseball. Small beets are called baby beets and sometimes can be eaten in

one bite!

Beets like full sun and light, sandy soil. Sow beet seeds in the spring, as

soon as the soil becomes crumbly and the daytime temperature reaches 60°F.

Set the seeds 1⁄2-inch deep in the soil, about 2 inches apart. Water lightly

with a spray nozzle on a hose or watering can

(a strong stream of water could push the seeds

out of the ground).

When the plants are 2 inches tall, thin them by

picking out every other one. (If you have space, try

replanting these.) Ask an adult to help you fertilize

your beet plants. Keep the soil around

your beets free of weeds by pulling

the weeds out gently. Water the plants

regularly. With proper care, the beets

will be ready to pick in 55 to 70 days.

Check your seed packet for the specific

growing time.

Leaf ItAlone

Trim off the stems,

chop or tear up the

leaves, and steam

them or eat them

raw in salads.

In ancient times, when beets

were discovered to be edible, people loved them

mainly for their leaves, or greens—perhaps because

it was the only part they could see. Beet greens are

nutritious and delicious, but to many people the

beetroot is the best.

PLUS

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Everyday CookbookGive your family a guarantee of goodness every day with these 425 home-style recipes, all favorites for generations, updated for today’shealthier, busy lives. Special bonus: 180 time- and money-saving tips.

• 16 full-color photographs

• 352 pages

• lay-flat hardcover

• 7-1/4" x 9"

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Every Day Weather JournalWeather enthusiasts will enjoy recording personal weather observations for each day throughout the year. This undated journal includes a full-color photograph for each month, plus weather history, reference charts, proverbs, and explanations of weather phenomena.

$25.00 each

FUND-RAISING With The Old Farmer’s Almanac

B NThe Old Farmer’s AlmanacThe Old Farmer’s AlmanacE V E R Y D A Y

Journal

$15.00 each

• softcover

• lay-flat wire binding

• 7" x 10"

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Every Day CalendarA compilation of curious facts, fascinating folklore, quirky history, useful household and gardening tips, fun puzzles, and timeless proverbs. Also includes Moon phases and holidays. Why, it’s The Old Farmer’s Almanac in a page-per-day format!

• gift-boxed

• plastic easelback

• 5-3/16" x 5-1/2"$12.00 each

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Gardening CalendarOriginal full-color illustrations accompany beginner-to-expert advice, traditional folklore, and nature facts. Plus, best vegetableplanting days and Moon phases by region.

• wall format

• 10-7/8” x 8-3/8”

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Weather Watcher’s CalendarAwe-inspiring seasonal photographs, historic weather events, observations by the “Old Farmer,” and timeless (true!) weather proverbs make this a must-have for weather beginners and buffs alike.

• wall format

• 10-7/8” x 8-3/8”

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Recipe CalendarFor the cook or food lover: Mouthwatering photos of fresh ingredients accompany home-style recipes and a side order of kitchen tips every month.

• wall format

• 10-7/8” x 8-3/8”

1 2 3

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T H E S E V E N T H M O N T H

JULY • 2010Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Canada Day

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Weather Watcher’s Calendar Check the weather forecast and find more fascinating weather facts at Almanac.com.

Lightning flashes in the sky over Cumberland Island National Seashore, near St. Marys, Georgia.PHOTO: RAYMOND K. GEHMAN/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/GETTY IMAGES

�

JU L Y 6On this day in 1997, skies overGreater Vancouver and south-ern Vancouver Island, BritishColumbia, were lit up by over7,000 lightning strikes.

�AS K T H E OL D FA R M E R:

What is a gully washer?

AN S W E R:

A gully washer is a heavyrain shower that carves gul-lies in dirt roads (especially ifthey’re on hills) and clogsthe ditches with debris. Gullywashers come on quickly,possibly creating flash-floodconditions unless they ceasejust as suddenly—which isnot unusual.

As the dog days commence [July 3],

so they end [Aug. 11].

4 Last Quarter

11 New Moon

18 First Quarter

25 Full Buck Moon

Independence Day

Orangemen’s Day (N.L.,Can.)

Nunavut Day (Canada)

Pioneer Day (Utah)

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

JUNE • 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

AUGUST • 2010

$9.00 each

$9.00 each

$9.00 each

28For every fog in October, a snow in the winter.

31Halloween.

To roast pumpkin seeds, spread 2 cupscleaned seeds in a shallow baking pan anddrizzle with 2 teaspoons oil, stirring to coat.

Bake at 325°F. Stir frequently, until theseeds are golden and crunchy, about

1 hour. Serve as is or sprinkle with salt.

To Be a BeeQ:

Can honeybees see colors?

A: Honeybees can sense colors ranging from yellow and green to blue and ultraviolet.They can also detect an ultraviolet-yellow

combination named “bee purple.” The beescan’t see red—it would appear black to them.

Although many chrysanthemum types are hardyperennials, in northern climes they may need win-ter protection of 4 to 6 inches of mulch after theground has frozen. You can also overwinter mumsby placing them in pots after the first fall frost,watering them thoroughly, and then putting themin a dark area where it stays between 32° and50°F. Keep the soil moist.

T H E T E N T H M O N T H O C T O B E R H A T H 3 1 D A Y S

3Sukkoth.

The fragrant citron was cultivated as earlyas 4000 B.C. This citrus fruit is known as

etrog when used as part of the Four Speciesduring the Jewish ceremony of Sukkoth.

4Full Harvest Moon.No two gardens are the same.

No two days are the same in one garden.–Hugh Johnson, English writer (b. 1939)

5Child Health Day.

Carrots can be left in the ground during afew light frosts; the cold will sweeten them.Dig them up before the ground freezes or

mulch heavily to extend the harvest.

18 New Moon.

The wind in the westSuits everyone best.

2010

T H E O L D F A R M E R ’ S A L M A N A C 2 0 1 0 G A R D E N I N G C A L E N D A R V I S I T O U R G A R D E N I N G P A G E S A T A L M A N A C . C O M.

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

NOVEMBER • 2010

S U N D A Y M O N D A Y T U E S D A Y W E D N E S D A Y T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y S A T U R D A Y

O C T O B E R

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

SEPTEMBER • 2010

W First Quarter

I Full Harvest Moon

U New Moon

Y Last Quarter

Child Health Day Leif Eriksson Day

Columbus Day (observed)Thanksgiving Day (Canada)

Alaska Day United Nations Day

Nevada Day Halloween

Always useful, always fun, calendars from The Old Farmer’s Almanac will delight everyone on your holiday shopping list!

J A N U A R Y • 2 0 1 0SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31The Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Calendar • 2010Find more recipes at Almanac.com.

P R I Z E W I N N E R

Cheesy-Chive Eggs1 tablespoon melted butter4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into 4 pieces4 teaspoons chopped fresh chives, divided4 large eggs1⁄2 teaspoon salt, divided1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper, divided4 tablespoons half-and-half, divided6 tablespoons grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided

GARNISH:2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley1 large tomato, seeded and chopped1 medium avocado, chopped and combined with

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Brush fourramekins or custard cups with melted butter.Place one portion of cream cheese in eachcup and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chives overeach. Add one slightly beaten egg to each cup.Sprinkle each egg with 1⁄8 teaspoon of salt and1⁄8 teaspoon of white pepper. Gently add 1tablespoon of half-and-half to each cup. Sprin-kle 11⁄2 tablespoons of cheese over each cup.

Fill a 11x9-inch baking pan with 1 inch ofhot water. Set the cups in the pan. Bake for 20minutes or until the eggs are set. Remove theegg cups from the water and garnish the topswith the parsley, tomato, and avocado. Servewith warm croissants and fresh fruit. Makes 4servings.

–Nikki Peden, Winter Park, FloridaRecipe Contest, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1994

–photo: Anthony Johnson/The Image Bank/Getty Images

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728

FEBRUARY • 2010S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

DECEMBER • 2009 Is It Fresh?To test an egg for freshness, put it gently into a bowl of cold water. If it sinks to the bottom, then it is suitable for use. If it floats, it is too old.

WFirst

Quarter

IFull Wolf

Moon

UNew

Moon

YLast

Quarter

Epiphany

New Year’s Day

Benjamin Franklin’sBirthday

Martin Luther King Jr.’sBirthday (observed)

ENGAGEMENTENGAGEMENTENGAGEMENT

For ap i t

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Country CalendarThe country comes to life in full-color photographs and through “country wisdom,” holiday lore, history, and quirky facts. Plus, best days for fishing, planting, setting eggs, and more each month.

• wall format

• 10-7/8” x 10-7/8”

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Engagement Calendar

$10.00 each

$15.00 each

The perfect package: daily advice,history, folklore, or wisdom in aweek-at-a-glance format, with amplespace for appointments and notes.Plus, 2011 and 2012 advance planners, and address, anniversary,and emergency contact pages.

• high-gloss hardcover

• concealed Wire-O binding

• 7” x 10”

I wandered lonely as a cloudThat floats on high o’er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,A host of golden daffodils.

–William Wordsworth, English poet (1770–1850)

MarchS M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30

APRIL • 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728

FEBRUARY • 2010

A Canada goose surveys a sea of daffodils.

Photo: Carl Englander/Workbook Stock/Jupiterimages

1 2 3 4 5 6

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2010 Country Calendar Visit Almanac.com for more country wit, wisdom, and weather.

Moons in March Country Wisdom� There is a kind of joyous nonsenseabout. In the puddle at our lawn’s edge,black ducks splash, happy as in a sen-sible marsh. . . . Our native woodcockwaddles, like a wet doughnut, throughthe snow to find a worm. Oh, Springdays—so mad, so brief—enchanted!

–The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1970

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31On This Day

COMMONWEALTH DAY is a day for the 53Commonwealth countries to acknowl-edge their shared values, their diver-sity, and their combined contributionsto international harmony and prosper-ity. Since 1977, this day of observanceoccurs in Canada on the second Mondayin March. The Royal Union flag is flownat many federal locations, and studentslearn about the Commonwealth via spe-cial activities.

Best Days in March

FOR PLANTING

Aboveground crops: 23, 24Belowground crops: 4, 5, 31

FOR SETTING EGGS

2, 3, 29, 30

FOR FISHING

15–29

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Did You Know?Mozambique is the

only Commonwealthmember that was never

part of the British Empire or linked

administratively to another Commonwealth

country.

�There are 25 species of daffodils and morethan 13,000 hybrids.

2 0 1 0

NOTES AND REMINDERS

Texas Independence DayTown Meeting Day (Vt.)

Commonwealth Day (Canada)

Andrew Jackson Day (Tenn.) Vernal Equinox

Seward’s Day (Alaska)

St. Patrick’s DayEvacuation Day

(Suffolk Co., Mass.)

MARCH 7

Last Quarter

MARCH 15

New Moon

MARCH 23

First Quarter

MARCH 29

Full Worm Moon

Daylight Saving Time begins at

2:00 A.M.

Palm SundayFirst day

of Passover

NOTES AND REMINDERS

• The Old Farmer ’s Almanac •

Wide open spaces and comforting places.

2 0 1 0

10_CountryCal_cover layout 8/27/

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THE OLDFARMER’SALMANAC

FEBRUARY

13/14

If a robin is the first bird

a lady sees on the morning of Valentine’s Day,

then she will marry a sailor.

14thValentine’s Day

THE OLDFARMER’SALMANAC

MAY

12