It's Groundhog Day!

So, today was Punxatawny Phil’s big day. He got dragged out of his nice warm stump and held squirming up in the air in front of thousands of people in the cold light of an early February dawn. No wonder he has predicted 6 more weeks of winter 97 out of 112 times this has happened. I’d be cranky enough to predict 6 more weeks of winter, too! He did give a shout out to his Pittsburg Steelers, though.

While in the U.S., Phil is the most famous groundhog, there are several other weather-hogs to look to if you don’t like Phil’s outlook.

There is Staten Island Chuck, the less-known, but no less beloved winter prognosticator of New York. Staten Island Chuck says that Phil is full of it and spring is on the way.

There is also Wiarton Willy, who is the Canadian Groundhog Day seer. Will says:

His Shadow Did Appear

There was a shadow on the ground.
Which means that spring will not come round.
Six more weeks of winter fun.
Hopefully we’ll see some sun.
Children laugh as they ride on their sleds.
Blankets warm us while we curl up in bed
Fires will roar while the tea kettle steams
Arenas awake as hockey fans scream
Snowflakes fall from the sky up above
Valentine’s Day it’s the season of love.
Soup, casseroles, chili, homemade bread
Perhaps you prefer a restaurant instead
We have lots of great one’s from which you can choose
So get in your car you’ve got nothing to lose.
Head for the North, South, East, or West
Which ever direction will bring you the best.
Four seasons of fun is what you get here.
With plenty to do throughout the whole year.
There are just two things that you really must do
Visit our Willie and bring a camera too.
C. Wyonch

If you prefer a groundhog with a little more southern flavor, check out General Beauregard Lee.

I now know more about groundhogs than I ever thought I would.

So who do you believe??