February 2nd

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to ancient folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter-like weather will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks. We have a freezing fog alert today.  Or at least that is what weather bug said this morning on my phone.  I can't imagine that the ground hog could see his shadow.  Last night on the news the weatherman said that the Ground hog's accuracy in the past is 39%.

Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow. In south eastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges celebrate the holiday with fersommlinge, social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more g'spiel (plays or skits) are performed for entertainment. The Pennsylvania German dialect is the only language spoken at the event, and those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form of a nickel, dime or quarter, per word spoken, put into a bowl in the center of the table
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The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day, already a widely recognized and popular tradition, received widespread attention as a result of the eponymous 1993 film Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and portrayed Punxsutawney Phil.  This year Phil saw his shadow.

Well, whether he sees his shadow or not I think that we are in for 6 more weeks of winter.  This is Minnesota for crying out loud.  If they are anything like what we have all ready had I'll take them.