"My day" sort of sneaked up on me this year. I have always had an affinity for Groundhog Day, Feb. 2.
It was the day I got out of the service... in 1946.
Grandfather Groundhog was my favorite character when reading stories to my children. He was clever, with common sense, and homespun humor.
When I studied "hibernation" in science, groundhogs were the principal test creatures. The professor in charge later switched to chipmunks which hibernate just as well and because...well, he said, "Do you know just how much poop a laboratory full of groundhogs can produce?"
I like groundhogs because they are perverse... like me. If the ground hog sees his shadow, that means more winter. You'd expect the opposite. You'd think if it was overcast when he pops out of his burrow, he'd think that meant more winter.
And most of all, Groundhog Day means that days are going to be getting longer, warmer, and no matter what he sees, the worst of Winter is past. Spring is on the way.
Groundhogs are sometimes called Woodchucks. Have you ever even seen a Woodchuck, Chuck? No.
I've seen Prairie Dogs though. How come they don't have their own day? They live in burrows and come out in the spring. Let's declare March 2 as Prairie Dog Day.
3 comments:
today is my birthday so Groundhog day has a special meaning for me too
sandra
seen and ate chuck, chuck!
Did you know the Punxsutawney prognosticator is actually wrong 69% of the time. I remember you liking the groundhog and the movie "Groundhog Day". I was watching it last night as it was on TV. LOL Take care, G'pa Groundhog! Love, Val xox
http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason
Post a Comment