I have spring fever. It really doesn't matter that there is still snow and ice on the ground. It also doesn't matter that it is way too early for signs of spring, I watch closely for the snowdrops to emerge, even though it is still February. The afternoon sun is delightfully warm, even though when I am in the shade it it is bitterly cold. I wander around the lawn and check for sprouting snowdrops in every snow bare patch of lawn, most days.
I long to see the flower seeds nestled into the cut off bottoms of milk cartons lining my window sills, spring to life. If will be wonderfullness to see little lettuce seeds start in the old plastic bucket I planted them in.
I have tried the following information out and, it works well enough for me. Testing this out is a good reason for being outdoors, take someone with you, if need be bring some coffee. Observing the sunset seems a good reason to be outdoors, should you need one.👪🌇⛾
Even though I won't be building another snowman in the meadow, or even a mud man in the creek,I can play Viking traveler at sunset, thanks to Dahlia, who sent me these instructions.
Yes, you can estimate the time until sunset by using your hand. Here’s how:
Find a Good Position: This method works best if the sky is clear and there are no clouds1. If it’s cloudy, or the sun is obstructed by trees, you may have to approximate1.
Get a Clear View: If your view is blocked by trees or other items on the landscape, you’ll need to find some higher ground where the view is better1.
Get into Position: Hold up one arm with your wrist bent so your palm is facing towards you. Position your hand with your fingers together and your palm flat. Hold the bottom edge of your hand (the side of your pinky finger) parallel to the ground1.
Measure with Your Hand: Line up your hand with the horizon1. Each hand-width measurement between the horizon and the sun is equal to an hour, and each finger-width measurement is equal to an additional fifteen minutes1.
Please note that this is just an estimate and may not work for everyone or for most places on the globe2. For instance, in more mountainous areas, the sunset usually is when the sun hides behind the mountains and not just a horizon2. The sun travels exactly 15 degrees an hour across the sky. A ‘Standard Hand’ at arms length is -about- 15 degrees2. If you have mountains in the way, then that’s effectively the horizon2.
Also, the time definitely varies wherever you live2. Someone more into astronomy could probably give a more detailed version (like “number of fingers, plus x if you’re above 45 degrees latitude, and minus if it’s winter”)2.
