Like any human being awaken by an alarm clock early on a cold winter's morning, rising on a wintery day such as today must be difficult for groundhogs as well. But, thanks to whatever alarm clock nature has programmed into their brains, arise they do on this day every February second, and, despite the cold, leave their warm winter shelter and perform the duty that nature has thrust upon their species.
Like clockwork, the nation's official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, rose at sunrise this morning and, after crawling out of his warm bed, nodded at the crowed assembled before him, sniffed the air and looked upon the ground to see if his shadow was visible.
Sure enough, Phil's shadow was visible to both him, his handlers and Bill Cooper the President of the Punxsutawney association responsible for Phil's upkeep. Where upon President Bill Cooper proclaimed to the assembled crowd which included representatives of the world's press:
Six more weeks of winter it will be!
And so, the news has been flashed around the world that winter will linger in North America for another six weeks. With his duty done and the world informed, Phil crawled back into bed for another six weeks of sleep and the little town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania settled back into obscurity for another twelve months.
More Groundhog Day Links:
The Origin of Groundhog Day A brief account of the origins, history and traditions associated with Groundhog Day.
Official 2007 Groundhog Day Forecast Includes photo and information about Canada's Official Groundhog Wiarton Willie
Candlemas - The End of the Christmas Season Learn about the link between Groundhog Day and the Christmas Season.
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