“Where there is great love there are always miracles.”

– Willa Cather Winter is upon us. We live the winter’s beauty and the winter’s gray. February weather arrives crystal clear and sunny or lead gray and cold.

The early morning after the previous Friday’s storm, our world was a breathtaking, beautiful sight. My window overlooked the winter wonderland that quietly whispered of peace and winter’s warmth. Everything was blanketed fluffy white. Beneath the winter sky, the snow covered every naked bough, treetop, street and yard. Glistening in the sun, everything looked like a shimmering, sparkling fairyland. The view was enchanting. I gazed in amazement and delight.

Imagine my surprise when a red cardinal settled on the white branches of my pussy willow bush! A red flame amongst all the white.

February is a splendid month to be favored.

What does February have in store for us? Oh, we have the joy of Love’s Own Day. The 14th of February has, over the centuries, evolved into a high-spirited holiday when sweethearts can express their affection for one another. Cupid’s bow and arrow have an annual celebration.

This month makes history come alive, providing an opportunity to discuss the lives of the only two American presidents honored with a national holiday: George Washington, born Feb. 22, and Abraham Lincoln, born Feb. 12. We can instill in our children the love of American history and the knowledge of our country’s needs.

Especially in Maine, we have the steady, reassuring rhythm of the natural world: the four-season cycle and the ebb and flow of the tides. To lovers of nature, each season brings its own unique, splendid treasures.

Now I am going to move on to other subjects. We will all be aging. The trend today toward advanced age is remarkable and expected to continue. Many of the characteristics of growing older come as a surprise.

Research has already contributed to the revolution in longevity. These studies maintain that close social relationships as we age may help protect against declines in awareness, cognitive and physical function, as well as positively affect longevity.

At the Sam L. Cohen Center of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, they are creating better days for older adults with dementia and those who care for them. The new Sam L. Cohen Adult Day Center, located at 30 Barra Road in Biddeford, provides members a chance to foster their own creativity, take part in old and new hobbies, and socialize with others. You are invited to join them at an open house on two Saturdays, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 283-0166 for more information.

Also, when the weather is cold, there is indoor walking through the Seniority Program of Saco Parks and Recreation. This Friday, there will be indoor walking at the Maine Mall. After the walk, they will have lunch buffet-style at the Great Wall Chinese restaurant; lunch at your own cost. The bus will leave from Saco Community Center at 9:30 a.m. and return at 2:30 p.m. The trip fee is $2 for members and $5 for non-members.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.

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