Groundhog Day 2010

Punxsutawney Phil, looking somewhat startled by all the commotion--Reuters photo

Six more weeks of winter.

That's the verdict from Phil, the hibernating groundhog pulled from deep sleep to give a weather prediction that's probably as accurate as any television weather wizard can give.

As a matter of fact, our local station broadcast the moment of truth "Live". (It is, after all, pretty darn important news) Perhaps weathermen around the world took notes as Phil looked at the crowd and studied current conditions.

He looked reasonably calm, despite the hub-bub that included more men in top hats than seen at a 1950's presidential inaugeration. And after a few minutes of being held up for the viewing pleasure of the crowd, a serious consultation was held between Phil and the hatted heads.

Suddenly the top top-hatter stood tall to read a proclamation that announced, "Six More Weeks of Winter!" A few disappointed observers booed at the news.

Hey folks, don't kill the messenger!

Now Phil's brief day in the sun (literally) is over. He can return to his burrow and snuggle down for a few more weeks of slumber.

H'mmm. Warm and comfy at home? I think Phil's got the right idea.

Six More Weeks

It's February 2, the day when we all watch as the most famous groundhog of all, Punxsutawney Phil makes a critical weather prediction. As he is pulled (rather rudely in my opinion) from his burrow, if he sees shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not, spring is on the way. Alas, today Phil's shadow appeared, so I suppose we must prepare for an extended winter season.

This interesting Groundhog Day tradition has been going on for well over 100 years. Phil has a team of top-hatted handlers, who care for him and his "wife", Phyllis, year round in a climate controlled den at a local library in Pennsylvania. Phil even has his own website, full of fun facts, games, and trivia. Check it out at www.groundhog.org.

By the way, you might be interested to know that groundhogs (also called whistle pigs for the shrill alarm sound they make), are rodents and the largest members of the squirrel family. They can be a serious enemy of farmers and gardeners due to their habit of ravenous feeding in fall and summer. This is a necessary phenomena, allowing the animal to become sufficiently "fattened up" for his long winter's hibernation.

As a weather predicter, Puxsutawney Phil's handlers claim he is 100% accurate. I'm convinced he's at least as good as our local weatherman!