I mentioned earlier that the First of the Nine-Nines—the Nine-Nines being nine periods of nine days each, each period characterized by a certain type of winter weather—started on the day of the Winter Solstice, which occurred here in Mongolia on December 21, according to the Gregorian Calendar. The Second of the Nine Nines begins today, December 30. Known as Khorz Arkhi Khöldönö, this is the time when twice-distilled homemade Mongolian arkhi (vodka) freezes. As you will recall, the first of the Nine-Nines was the time when regular, or once distilled, arkhi freezes. As this indicates, the second period should be colder than the first, since twice distilled arkhi obviously has a much higher alcohol content. This morning at 8:30 it was a relatively balmy Minus 22°F /-30º C, however, and it is supposed to get up to minus 4º F / -20º C today, so we seem to be having a bit of a warm spell. The Third Nine-Nine starts on January 8.
8 comments:
Happy New Year, American Style!!
Happy New Year, American Style! Champagne and Kisses!
As I have pointed out numerous times in the past, I am boycotting the Gregorian Calendar and thus do not recognize today as the first day of the year. Nor did I indulge in any unbridled bacchanalias last night, as you no doubt did. However, I will wish you a Happy New Year on February 11, which is the first day of the New Year according to the Mongolian lunar calendar.
Champagne and Kisses? Please, I beg you, no Bacchanalias!
Note to a mes: Good luck in your hovel building. I have always been a hovel person myself.
Even though you're against it: happy Gregorian New Year, too!
Perhaps you will not deny Symeezgurl her champagne and kisses on February 11? : )
-a mes
1.) meatless hoppin' john (leftovers of which will be eaten tomorrow)
2.) smoked salmon
3.) beet salad
4.) sauteed beet greens (might as well eat the whole thing).
Talk about Unbridled Bacchanalias! Whew!
And, that was only the starter course. If only you knew what happened *after* the champange! :)
-a mes
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