6 More Weeks of......?

Groundhog Day

February 2^nd; “If the groundhog emerges and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. But if he doesn't, there will be six more weeks of spring.”

Nonsense, right? Well....hold on a moment. Hear me out and see if this doesn't make sense.

Having lived, nay, survived, many winters here in the Northwoods, I can tell you that on a clear, sunny day in February, it may look nice outside, but don't believe the hype, your Tauntaun will freeze to death before you reach the first marker....or something. The wind howls and whips the snow into ever-higher drifts, cars won't start and the air hurts even to breathe. On the other hand, if we go a week without seeing the sun, while people may get crabby, we have rather mild temperatures—sometimes even above freezing—as a consolation prize. I'll take the warmer weather every time.

This past December we had almost 3 weeks of mild temperatures and it was great. When people would complain about not seeing the sun, I would immediately 'shush' them. But what has this to do with an old tradition and fat rodents? I was coming to that.

On a bright, clear, sunny and cold day, you—and any groundhogs that happen to be nearby—will easily see your shadow cast upon the ice in your driveway, unless you are snow-blinded first. Whereas, on a cloudy and warmer day you will have no shadow—and neither will your handy groundhog.

So, it is pretty easy to see what this is about, if you are having sunny days in early February and the weather pattern holds, then you will have cold weather ahead--”six more weeks of winter”. But if you are having cloudy days, then you have warm weather ahead--”six more weeks of spring”.

I know all of this is very obvious and it seems silly to even mention my little thoughts on the subject, but then again, an awful lot of times I am surprised by people telling me that 'they hadn't thought of that', so I share.

Enjoy your Groundhog Day and I hope you get six more weeks of spring!

This guy won't be seeing any shadows--6 more weeks of spring every year!

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