So I'm A Day Early...Sue Me!

So...6 more weeks of Winter? Who knows? Do I look like

a Groundhog? Do I have beady little eyes? A furry face and body?Wait...don't answer that.

Noooo...this is NOT a photo of me. The braces took care of the whole over bite thing. It IS a picture of a groundhog. Ask HIM about that whole 6 weeks of Winter business...

And if he won't tell you, just watch this and giggle. Can't hurt right?

Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular

tradition in the United States. It is also

a legend that traverses centuries, its origins

clouded in the wispy mists of time with ethnic

cultures and animals awakening on specific dates.

Myths such as this tie our present to the distant

past when nature did, indeed, influence our lives.

It is the day that the Groundhog comes out

of his hole after a long winter

sleep to look for his shadow. If he sees it, he regards it as an omen

of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole. If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes

it as a sign of spring and stays above ground. Or something like that...actually, it is also a day to have a lot of fun in Pennsylvania!

One of these years I hope to be in the little town of Punxsutaney, Pennsylvania, celebrating with Phil himself, cute little bugger that he is! Punxsutawney is one of the most famous small towns in America thanks to this furry little guy. Every year on Groundhog Day, thousands of people make the wintry trek to Gobbler's Knob to hear Punxsutawney Phil's prediction for the length of winter.

The 1993 movie "Groundhog Day" starred Bill Murray as weatherman Phil Conners. Phil is sent to Punxsutawney to cover Groundhog Day and finds himself the victim of a horrible fate - he is trapped in the town, unable to leave. And, lessons are learned and lives are changed and romance ensues...but isn't it that way for all of us on Groundhog Day? No? Not a day for romance you say? Ah...but it is cold. Cold outside means cuddly up time inside, hot chocolate, a roaring fire...instant ambiance. Now, make a Groundhog face and romance is a sure thing! You will be irresistible!

Okay, so I am only irresistible to Kipper and then only if I am eating a roast beef sandwich but hey...a gal takes what she gets okay?

If you, like me, can not make it to Punxsutawney, PA for all the festivities this year, make a big batch of popcorn, swaddle yourself in a cozy, furry throw (You might actully look a little like Phil that way!) and watch "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray. At least we will stay a bit warmer than we would be out on Gobbler's Knob. Less likely to have frost bite! I hear that laughter raises your body temperature. So, fire up that internal furnace with a good old fashioned chuckle! And NO! I am NOT having a hot flash thank you very much! Sheesh...

Happy Groundhog Day to all! Celebrate the joy of Winter no matter what Phil sees or does not see! There is beauty and joy to be found in every season. Just bundle up well before heading out to search for it tomorrow!