It’s Groundhog Day!

February 2, 2012

Groundhog, also known as woodchuck. Wikipedia Common

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day, that most awaited of winter days when the famous Punxsutawney Phil is dragged from his warm borrow and into the cold light of day to determine, undeniably, whether or not we will have six more weeks of winter.
If the groundhog spots his shadow, which he did, he returns to his hole and winter continues. If not, spring will come early.
We predicted that the precocious Phil will not see his shadow this year, as the temperature was already 61 degrees in New York City. We were wrong.
We should note, however, that Phil is only right about 40 percent of the time, which makes you wonder why we have this ritual at all.
For those not in the know, a groundhog is more commonly known in this area as a woodchuck. It is the largest member of the squirrel family and hibernates during the winter.