"Polar Bears" say "Happy New Year!" with a plunge into icy waters

A chilly New Year’s Day tradition takes place all over the world as people plunge into icy water during annual polar bear dips. Swimming in the ice-cold water like a polar bear on New Year Day is said to bring in good luck.

For these “polar bears,” Jan. 1st is not complete without a brave — or crazy, depending on your perspective – swim. “WHY?” is not an unreasonable question.

Brrrrr… It's freezing!

 

It’s that time of year again. It’s that type of weather again. It’s JANUARY!

For us, this is usually one of the coldest months of the year. However, for many people, winter is a nightmare: snow, ice, hail, minus degrees… Covered by beautiful snow blankets, the sidewalks and streets become dangerous skating rinks and… going outside can be hazardous!

 

EUROPE

The freezing weather across Europe is showing no signs of easing, and many countries are reporting their coldest winters in decades.

The heavy snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius have taken many by surprise and caused widespread disruption: blocked roads and traffic chaos, some airports closed for hours and flights suffered delays. Numerous deaths across Europe are being attributed to the weather conditions.

 

springtime

Spring has returned!  The Earth is like a child that

knows poems.

Rainer Maria Rilke

(original paintings and prints © Ruth Green 2008, Ruth Green.com)

by Ruth Green (original paintings and prints © Ruth Green 2008, Ruth Green.com)

In the Spring the trees wake up from the cold!. . .

João Francisco Loureiro (7ºI)

I like to see the beautiful green trees, the birds flying and singing,

everyone happy with a big smile on their faces, playing and talking with

their friends in the gardens. Spring is a great season of the year!

Ana Isabel Oliveira (7.ºI)

In spring I like to open the windows first thing in the morning  and

wake up with the sun shining on my face.

Helena Sofia  Salgueiro (7.ºE)

In spring I like the sunnier days when I ride my bicycle. I love walking

in the beach and in the park. After the summer, the spring is my

favourite season of the year. The good weather makes me happier!

Leonor Castro (7.ºE)

I like to watch my dog playing with his toys in the yard.

Francisco Novais (7.ºE)

In  Spring I like the sunny days and the flowers.

João Pedro Almeida (7.ºE)

I like to see the children playing in the park.

Ana Rafaela (7.ºE)

I like wearing T-shirts, skirts, tops and shorts.

Joana Alves, 7.ºE)

I like reading books.

Pedro Joaquim Costa (7.ºE)

I like to see the flowers blossom in the trees.

Cláudio Francisco (7.ºE)

Haven’t you been yearning for springtime, too?…

In June as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single

day.  No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore

all of them.

Aldo Leopold

Spring in verses,

Verses in spring.

Violet Gartenlicht

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/springquotes1.html