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Monday 21 March 2016

Sheila's Brush

As every Newfoundlander knows, winter is not over until Sheila's Brush has swept over the land. Sheila and her brush are a part of Newfoundland folklore. She is associated with St. Patrick's Day because Sheila was connected to Patrick, such as his sister or his mother, or so the story goes. The supposed affiliation keeps the lore associated with Sheila connected to March 17th.


                                                                   Calm before the storm

When Sheila sweeps her brush, there is a storm on or after Saint Patrick's Day, covering the earth with snow in the last blast of winter weather. Every year, the dreaded Sheila creates a stir as people are tired of snow by this time. She is generous with her deposits and often creates a whirl with high winds. Her brush has created severe storms on occasion.


                                                                                                  Environment Canada Weather Warning

When we moved to Prince Edward Island we took our folklore with us and Sheila has not relented. Last week, on St. Patrick's Day, the snow was gone. We were excited about an early spring but dreading Sheila. Then, Friday we had snow, though not a storm. Today, we will have a storm, high winds and a heavy snow fall.

The mysterious Sheila has had her say again. "Don't go gettin' too excited 'bout spring," she said. "I got a bit o' snow fer ya yet."

That Sheila...

12 comments:

DJan said...

I never heard of her, but once she's had her brush, isn't it then time for spring? It's almost here, just one more storm. Right? :-)

ADRIAN said...

Not good news at this time of the year. It will soon melt but what do I know about it.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I've never heard the expression "Sheila's Brush" before, but I love it! And after visiting you down East, she has come west to see us. We're getting snow in Edmonton this morning! Gee thanks, Sheila.

Marie Smith said...

Let's hope she all done for another year.

Marie Smith said...

It should elt soon. Let's hope so anyway.

Marie Smith said...

That Sheila is a...

Angela said...

We got some snow here as well but it's all melted now. I am really ready for Spring! Wishing you a wonderful Easter!!

Marie Smith said...

We are certainly ready for spring. Happy Easter to you too, Angela.

Anvilcloud said...

It's cold here, and we are expected to get quite a "brushing" later this week.

Mage said...

What a delightful custom....except for the sweeping.

Marie Smith said...

That Sheila... She gets everyone.

Marie Smith said...

The sweeping of snow is terrible but the folklore is wonderful.