The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their

size.

- Gertrude S. Wister

We've got January under out belts - officially the most depressing month of the year. So, what can we make of

February? We're still in the clutches of winter... is there anything good to say about February? There's Pancake Day on Tuesday 5 February, Valentine's Day on Thursday 14 February,

and an extra day for the leap year on Friday 29 February. Some people may be giving up vices (or,

in the modern style, taking up virtues) for Lent, which begins on Wednesday 6 February (Ash Wednesday).

It is said that if the weather is fine and frosty at the close of January and the beginning of February, there is more

winter ahead than behind¹. Another piece of weather lore says that February 12 - 14 are days that are 'borrowed' from January. If they are stormy, the year will be favoured with good weather; if fine, the year's weather will be foul.

So, for this week's Talking Point, we want to know:

• What's good about February?

• Can you recommend FIVE things people should do this month?

• Do you have any special memories of Februarys past?

• Can you share some trivia about February?

• What do you love most about Pancake Day?

• How will you celebrate Valentine's Day?

• Will you be asking anyone to marry you on Friday 29 February - 'leap day' - or have you done so in the past?