Happy Ground Hog's Day!

 I could make reference to Bill Murray's movie "Ground Hog's Day," which was a pretty good romantic movie with Andie McDowell.  But I'll save romance for Valentine's Day coming up.  How accurate is Punxutawny Phil, you might ask.  He has a 40% probability of being right.  And there are other ground hogs that are almost as famous, most notably Buckeye Chuck.  His record isn't better.  According to the good folks in Punxutawny, PA, there has only been one Phil since 1886, because the ground hog drinks from the "Elixer of Life" which is what gives him his longevity.  Besides which no one discusses a famous ground Hog only living some 5-10 years in captivity.

Ground Hog Day goes back to the Pre-Christian era where burrowing animals emerged from the ground giving them a sign of when Spring planting could begin.  And no, Phil did not see his shadow this morning, indicating we will have an early Spring.  Now after this winter this is good news, as even here in SW Florida, we have had a rather chilly January.  

As to whether Ground Hog Day means anything, the movie by the same name might give us all some kind of feeling that this day might be best as a Twilight Zone episode rather than a romantic comedy.  But then not all of us set our alarms for 6:00AM as Bill Murry's character did in the movie.  But while somewhat dated by today's standard, the movie will be seen by at least some today.  

After a long January, devoid of any winter fun, except for my wife's birthday and Martin Luther King Day, we can begin anticipating the arrival of Spring, regardless of what Phil or Chuck or any ground hogs say.  February 2nd is just a fun day.  Everyone takes note of it being Februrary 2nd and it is a day that has nothing to do with politics or the anniversary of some world event.

We know it as Ground Hog's Day and nothing else.  Except some might just say today is a stupid tradition.  I'm sure there will be voices saying we need to get rid of ground hogs.  They do NOT need their own day.  As a kid growing up in the agricultural Midwest, I, and many others looked forward to this day.  We're less than two weeks away from the most romantic day of the year, except for maybe Christmas and June weddings.  

But regardless of what any ground hog says, Spring isn't too far off.   Spring meant the last days of the school year.  Spring meant Easter and holidays.  For at least a few, Spring means romance.  And for those of us who are older, Spring meant house cleaning.  We throw out old stuff to make room for new stuff.  

There will still be snow in the north, but Ground Hog's Day for most of us is the start of Spring.  Regardless of whether Phil or any other ground Hog has to say otherwise, I believe Spring is right around the corner.  So, I'll smoke my pipe as I wait for its arrival.  It's in the upper 50's this morning, but the sun is shining.  My pipe this morning is my Alpha pipe with some Bailey's Front Porch.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.  Happy Ground Hog's Day!  Should I repeat that?  Just click the link again, if you must.

Dave