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Happy Groundhog Day!

groundhogFebruary 2 is, I believe, one of the most unusual holidays around:  GROUNDHOG DAY.   For those who are sick of winter, this holiday serves as as the six week countdown to spring like weather.

I visited the official groundhog website to collect some interesting tidbits to help sharpen your knowledge of this auspicious holiday.

  • On February 2, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob – in front of thousands of followers from all over the world – to predict the weather for the rest of winter.
  • According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
  • The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, “For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May…”
  • Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob was made on February 2, 1887.

The Washington Post reported early this morning that Phil DID NOT SEE HIS SHADOW…which means spring will arrive early.    Our blog count down (upper right corner) shows days left until the spring equinox.  Phil predicts spring will be arriving sooner than this!

Good news for those of you who aren’t happy with our many inches of new snow!