Monday, February 2, 2015

Winter Is Not Coming...It's Here

I live in Pennsylvania, home of the completely ridiculous tradition of Groundhog Day. The celebration has been around since 1887 so maybe I shouldn't scoff at it. They have their own website a and a group of supporters. You can be an actual member of Groundhog Day but you need a top hat and tuxedo. There are lots of events planned if you're looking for a unique vacation destination for next year. Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, emerges from his den after sunrise. The tradition states that if Phil sees his shadow, we're in for six more brutal weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, we're going to be blessed with an early spring. I'm sure you'll hear it on the news somewhere today. Winter storm is moving through Pennsylvania today so likely no shadow.

February is named after the ancient Roman festival of Februalia, a time for purification and atonement. Is that why I say TV coverage of people doing those plunges into icy rivers and lakes? Shoveling snow is a cold enough purification for me.

Tomorrow is the Full Snow Moon so prepared for a cold night. As I started in January, I plan to share the Chinese Zodiac animal signs with you so you can see how you fit in. These years of birth are the Year of the Ox, or sometimes called the Year of the Buffalo. 1925, 1937.1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009. You are a bright, patient, and cheerful leader. Does this sound like you or perhaps someone you know like your children?

Sign ups for the Blogging A to Z Challenge are flying along. As one of the worker bees behind the scenes this year, I need a few assistants to help me keep track of my section of the challenge list. It's not difficult. I merely ask you to visit a small section of the list and let me know if a particular blog isn't participating or is an advertising entity. We also make adjustments if there is inappropriate content or unlabeled Adult Content. Please email me or leave a note in comments for me.

Don't forget to visit IWSG for today's helpful blog. And Wednesday is our monthly posting day so have all your insecurities ready to share. Hope this latest snow storm missed you.

Do you believe in Punxsutawney Phil? Did you ever do one of the icy plunges in the winter? Are you a buffalo? Wanna be a minion for Susan Says?

43 comments:

Heather R. Holden said...

Huh, never knew the groundhog for Groundhog Day was named Punxsutawney Phil!

The Happy Whisk said...

I am reading a few posts and then headed out to see how much snow, Frosty upchucked on us. You have a great week.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Maybe I'll watch Groundhog Day tonight in Phil's honor.

Pat Hatt said...

Groundhog day is such a umm pathetic thing. I think I'll go walk under a ladder and smash a mirror as well.

The Armchair Squid said...

Japanese New Year is January 1 so there, it's already the year of the Ram. It's my daughter's zodiac year, very exciting. My, how time flies!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I wonder how I would look in a top hat and tails? LOL

John Holton said...

Took almost 60 years, but I finally figured it out: If the groundhog sees his shadow, we'll have six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, spring is just six weeks away.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I heard he saw his shadow this morning which surprised me with this big storm in the northeast. So 6 more weeks of winter.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

You would look great and taller.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

It is pathetic but don't walk under a ladder. They're dangerous.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I saw it was playing on one of the TV channels today.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Oh, yeah, it's a real big deal. I think there's a new Phil every few years.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

We only got about 2 inches but then a cold rain so it's really heavy.

Chrys Fey said...

Groundhog Day always seems silly to me. We know winter is going to be staying for awhile.

cleemckenzie said...

CA could use a little winter if you have some to spare. As to Phil...yes, I'm a firm believer in that little rodent.

Elise Fallson said...

I'm not a fan of the cold, but I'd take it over this dreary, wet, chilly weather we've been having for a few months. As for A-Z, I haven't thought about that yet. I took a break last year and sat it out.... I may sit this one out too if I can't think of a theme...who knows, maybe lightning will strike soon. :)

David P. King said...

Going to watch the Bill Murray movie tonight, because tradition. Stay warm up there! :)

The Happy Whisk said...

We got that crusty frozen top, too. A tad more than 2 inches though :-) but still not enough to wake the snow blower.

Jemi Fraser said...

Any smart local groundhogs were staying put and sipping hot chocolate this morning - it was below -30!

Robin said...

Driving home I thought the moon looked very full AND the temps are dropping. But I live in FL, so I really can't complain. Well, I could, but...

Christine Rains said...

I like the movie Groundhog Day, but watching it is as much celebrating I do today! I'm a rat in the Chinese zodiac. We didn't get snow here, but it's darn cold!

Arlee Bird said...

Thanks to the silly Groundhog Day tradition we did get one heck of a great movie. You can have your winter there and I'll keep our Los Angeles weather. Does that sound fair?

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm exactly with you on that, Chrys.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That little rodent said six more weeks. I would love to send some winter to you out in the sunny west.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Hey, if the lightning strikes, I would love to have you as a minion. It brings even extra attention to your blog.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Stay warm? You're just rubbing it in.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Ouch. We're complaining about the -2 predicted for tonight.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

LOL. Don't complain. It would be cruel.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

We got the snow and the cold. Wish I could send you some of the white stuff.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Wow, you dudes in the warm climates are really enjoying our discomfort.

Maria Zannini said...

Re: Shoveling snow is a cold enough purification for me.

Amen! Shoveling is not for wusses. That said, I chose to live in a less snowy environment. :)

Hope winter is over soon for you.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

Oh, sure Phil is always right on! :O In Texas we don't have six weeks of anything in a row...except for August.
Life & Faith in Caneyhead

Nicki Elson said...

Hey, I just did a little bit of looking into the Chinese zodiac for the story I'm currently working on. :) I'm holding off on signing up for A to Z until I'm sure I can manage it. Perhaps if I purify enough this month it'll happen, hehe.

Nadine_Feldman said...

Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! We never get too hot or too cold here. It's just rainy in the winter. Hope you have a lovely spring, and soon!

I signed up for the A-Z challenge, but it's my first time, so I need to see how this goes first. Should be fun, though.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

We seem to be on a little bit of snow every three days. Brutal cold today.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

LOL. I didn't know that about Texas. The state is so big I thought it had different climate zones.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Hope you decide to join A to Z. I enjoyed your posts last year.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I know you'll enjoy A to Z. If you need help or encouragement, that's why I'm here.

Cate Masters said...

I was surprised how many other states have Groundhog Day too. Why does Wisconsin bother? lol

Gwen Gardner said...

I live in San Diego inland, so our weather's been nice. Upper 70's and even 80. But it did rain a couple of times recently. We lived in Colorado before so I know how long the winters can be. I think Punxsutawney Phil is really cute and it's a fun tradition. Don't worry, Susan, summer's coming!

Stephen Tremp said...

Like Gwen I live in So. Cal. and it's going to get into the 80s soon. But I sure do miss the snow. We might move back to Michigan for a while and spend the next winter there.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I love the movie Groundhog Day. We watch it every winter, like a tradition. The weird part is the movie's full of Canadian actors, which generally means they filmed it in Canada and pretended it was Pennsylvania. I should probably look that up.

J.L. Campbell said...

I've always wanted to know what Groundhog Day is all about but was too lazy to find out. Thanks for the information. :) So, I know I'm not an ox. I'll be following.