Farmers’ Almanac notes found while clearing out files:

Get the compost off to a good start, add wood ashes from fireplace.

Air bubbles in seawater over clam beds indicate rain.

Expect good news if your right knee itches.

A baby causes its parents to lose 450 to700 hours of sleep in its first year.

It’s good luck to meet a chimney sweep on the way to your wedding.

If your cat is snoring expect foul weather.

Rain is on its way when chickens roll in the sand.

The narrower the band on the wooly bear caterpillar, the harder the coming winter.

To soothe an ant bite rub it with a slice of cucumber.

To avoid nightmares, smell your socks before going to bed.

To remove rust stains, boil rhubarb for 20 minutes then remove stalks, add garment and let soak ’til rust disappears, then wash as usual.

If windy on St. Stephan’s Day (December 26) it will be a bad year for grapes.

A dream of doughnuts may mean you will soon be taking a trip.

Groundhogs can climb trees.

Rub knife with cooking oil to prevent sticking when chopping dried fruit.

A shark’s favourite sandwich is peanut butter and jellyfish.

With thanks to Wikicommons for the image of Rosanna Forster from Kent, England, a chimney sweep, carrying on her husband's business while he serves abroad during WWI.

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