You Know What I Mean

The famous groundhog, or at least a member of his dynasty, is up again.

I admit it. I get a kick out of Groundhog Day.

According to folklore, if it is sunny when a groundhog peeps out of his burrow on Feb. 2 and he sees his shadow he will pop back in it for another six weeks nap, signifying that winter will continue while he snoozes.

OK, we live in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. Winter is forever here. And truly, I don’t care if that big, furry creature sees his shadow or not. It is the thought that he can keep millions of people in suspense for a moment that tickles me.

The celebration held in Punxsutawney, home of Punxsutawney Phil, is a kick with all of its pomp and circumstances. Some of my family grew up in that area. My sister won a Halloween costume contest there when she was in grade school. My brother’s first two years of college were on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s campus there.

But, here is the worst of it.

Because of Punxsutawney Phil, I have always had a thing for groundhogs. When I see one munching along side the road I always yell out the window for the fur ball to stay there and move away from the car.

And here is the best of it.

I always hope for a cloudy day so Punxsutawney Phil will emerge from his home and want to play. I’m ready for spring.

Any response? Kick it my way at judye@dailyamerican.com.

It is inspiring and it is sad to think the hope of a nation rests in the sweet smile of a little 9-year-old child who died from a bullet.
Heroes walk among us everyday and we don’t notice them because they are our neighbors, friends and family members.
They stand so someone can sit, they stop so someone who has been waiting can move into traffic, they hold doors, they hug those who simple need a hug, and they cry for a little girl they never knew personally, because she represents all that is good in their lives and in this nation.
May she laugh with the fun and the simple as she jumps in rain puddles in another world, and may we do the same here on earth.