Every spring, squirrels make a meal of my crocus bulbs? How can I protect them?

Squirrels are particularly fond of newly planted crocus bulbs. To protect them, place a screen or chicken wire over the planted bulbs. Remove the screen or wire when the bulbs begin to sprout.

What are some of the signs that it is going to rain?

Through observation, there are a number of indicators that it is going to rain. Some of our favorites: (1) leaves show their backsides; (2) birds stay perched on telephone wires; (3) a halo forms around the moon; (4) sound travels farther and wider; (5) sheep collect and huddle. There are many other indicators of an upcoming rainstorm.

I’ve heard that a dog year is equal to seven human years. Do you know if that’s true?

We’ve heard this as well, but after doing some research we found that there is no exact formula for dog aging, as it varies depending on the breed and size. It is agreed that dogs do age faster than humans.

The first year of a pet is, on average, equal to about 16 human years, so at age 2 they’re about 24.

However, the larger the breed of dog, the faster they age. A good rule to remember is that dogs reach adulthood by 2, and many, by the age of 7, start their senior years. The average life span for a dog today is 13 years.

Did a woman invent windshield wipers?

Yes, a woman by the name of Mary Anderson received the first patent in 1903 for a windshield-cleaning device. This invention could clear snow, rain or sleet from the windshield of a car by using a handle inside the vehicle. Before this invention, people would have to stick their heads out of open windows in order to see during inclement weather.

Years later, in 1917, another woman named Charlotte Bridgwood invented the first automatic windshield wiper. Her electric roller-based windshield wiper was called the “Storm Windshield Cleaner.” However, her product was not a commercial success.

Who was the first Ronald McDonald mascot for McDonald’s?

Believe it or not, it was weather reporter Willard Scott. In the 1960s, he was hired to portray Ronald McDonald, after a four-year stint as Bozo the Clown in the TV program “Bozo’s Circus.”

Is there a flower associated with the month of March?

In addition to birthstones, there are birthflowers that coincide with specific months of the year. The flower for March is the azalea. March is the time of year when azaleas bloom profusely in the southern half of the country, while in northern areas they bloom later.

If you have a question about the weather, gardening, history, astronomy, cooking or trivia, e-mail Farmers’ Almanac Editors at syndquestions @farmersalmanac.com.

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