Happy Groundhog Day

[Catherine]

I found an article that explains the date in astronomical terms. Feb 2 is the halfway point between winter and spring. 
Every day after this brings us on day closer to spring. In the winter weary north that is no small thing.

https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essential...undhog-day

If we cope with winter by having a little fun with groundhogs predicting the weather, do you blame us. It is a pretty bleak time of the year. 



A little fun and celebration never hurt anyone and sometimes the groundhog is right.

[Tobi]

I heard on the radio news today that a "Groundhog" (actually I think it was probably a man (?)   Came outside ....I think in Pennsylvania somewhere....and cast no shadow! meaning the weather was cloudy) So he announced that Spring would be early this year !!   We will see....

Snowdrops are everywhere, in gardens and the countryside where I live. I even found seven Daffodil flowers blooming in a planter at the entrance to a house! They are the very first I have seen.

[Catherine]

There are a number of groundhogs in different locations making predictions about spring. The one you heard about was Phil.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020...pring.html


My closest groundhog is Wiarton Willie.

https://youtu.be/AeVKnxb1bTA

Willie of course promised us an early spring. 

It is all in good fun.

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/grou...19a4b0dff6

I have never heard of Fred La Marmotte before. He must be a new groundhog.

https://globalnews.ca/news/6494040/groundhog-day-2020/


One way or the other, six weeks from now we reach the spring equinox. I hope the weather is spring like, but even if it isn't it will still be spring in astronomical terms.

Snow drops Eh, the only snow drops I have are the kind that fall from the sky and we have them everywhere right now.

I am afraid our spring weather is way behind yours.