The Shadow, knows

At 7:23 a.m. this morning, February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil, the prognosticator of prognosticators, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of (mild) winter weather.

Apparently, pretenders to the weatherrhodents's throne, Long Island's Holtsville Hal also saw his shadow. Malverne Mel and Staten Island Chuck did not see their shadows. I do not know what General Beauregard Lee (another groundhog) saw, or didn't see.

But no matter what, Groundhog Day has always been my favorite holiday in the entire year! By February 2nd, the stress of the Winter holidays is past, the days are finally getting longer (if not warmer) and this particular holiday is such a hopeful one. After all, six more weeks of cold weather isn't that long to wait until Spring. On groundhog day, no gifts need to be given (although it's a nice idea to send a groundhog day greeting to friends), no rituals need to be performed (other than to watch crazy weathermen and locals get up at 5:00 in the morning in the freezing, Pennsylvania weather to be there for the festivities) and no one gets bent out of shape over Phil's predictions (at least I hope they don't). Even better, what's not to love about a holiday in which an adorable, furry creature is the main feature?

So..enjoy your groundhog day and don't let today pass you by without saying "thanks Phil, for making my day extra special"

and don't put away your winter coats just yet

Happy Groundhog Day from me to you