Candlemas! Pancakes!!

So fixated am I on Lent and so in denial am I about it being early this year that I nearly forgot today is: 1) The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord; 2) The Feast of the Purification of the Virgin; 3) Candlemas; 4) All the above. Good thing Google Reader just delivered Sweetness and Light!

Candlemas is traditionally when all ceremonial candles that will be used in the coming year are blessed. And aren't you blessed if you belong to a parish that observes this lovely tradition. If you don't and can't find a church nearby that does, then eat pancakes. Huh?

Pancakes are traditional fare for Candlemas. Their sunny color and shape supply gustatory support for this English proverb:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,

Winter has another flight.

If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,

Winter will not come again.

Well, it's currently 41 degrees Fahrenheit and somewhat bright, so I'm heading out to IHOP. Since I know that anything eaten in a car while driving is devoid of calories, I'll see if I can get a short stack to go.