Phil, the Rodent

Happy Groundhog’s Day! Since the first official day on February 2, 1887, locals and the eyes of the world have gathered in Punxsutawney, Pa. to watch a woodchuck stick his head out of a hole and determine if we need to switch our clothes from one closet to another. And to think so many go to college to learn these skills.

Punxsutawney Phil was the brainchild promotional creation of the owner of the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper to help promote the town and region in hopes to increase business. Phil, whose full name is “The Sear of Sears, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary,” is the official grand-poobah groundhog and has made appearances at the White House and on Oprah (I bet he didn’t jump and flail on her couch).

Well, it would appear that Phil popped from his hole this morning, saw his own shadow, was so startled by the series of events that he vacated his bowels and plunged back into his hovel. According to legend, we are now set for another six weeks of winter (it will probably take that long to get the mess off of his fur). Since his track record over the last 100+ years has only been about 40% accurate, I think I am going to pack up at least a few sweaters now!