O Mystic Groundhog. Thank you for this gift of six more weeks of winter. Ice and slush may not be ideal for walking or driving, but I will take it any day over sizzling on the griddle for four months. No, heavy socks and cozy food are more my speed. I love climbing into bed with a good book and listening to the wind howl.

The Washington Post states the prognostications of Punxsutawney Phil have been correct 80 percent of the time. CNN’s reportage places the figure closer to 39. (Phil’s handlers claim it is 100.) That’s still better than the actual professionals who whip everyone into a frenzy at the first prospect of the humblest dusting. From now on, I get all my forecasts from the groundhog.

Story in the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/02/groundhog-day-2015-punxsutawney-phil-sees-shadow-predicts-six-more-weeks-of-winter/

CNN (with video):
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/weather/02/02/groundhog.day/

The Punxsutawney Phil song, by David C. Perry: