January is officially over today and with it a number of unresolved resolutions. A few stalwart souls continue to work on one or two of these hopeful goals that were forged out of the best intentions. The beginning of February brings forth another celebration of sorts that starts with extricating one of the largest and most famous of a giant variety of North American Ground Squirrel.
Bearing the name of the town that created this local folktale, the unsuspecting creature is hauled out from his winter’s snooze to help predict the length of the winter weather. Every seven years in Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania, a new groundhog is presented to the town as part of the festivities at the summer Groundhog Picnic. The honoree takes a drink of a special elixir that is said to extend his life and he is said to become their favorite shadow-caster(or not) for the rest of his days. His sleepy unwitting act that predicts an early spring or six more weeks of winter is watched by thousands of folks in person and those who use his prediction to make guesses about their own weather. With increased knowledge and technology in the field of meteorology, as well the rise in being able to make accurate predictions, no one could possibly assert that turning to a groundhog to get some insight into the future was wise.
While some of us in the Mountain West are not used to early spring weather, unless it is sporadic and short-lived, there must be a local variety of ground squirrels that could make their own predictions so the winter sports enthusiasts here could feel good about their plan to get out in the high mountain powder longer. Maybe our own Mel the marmot will appear suddenly. The old movie, Groundhog Day, first released on Feb. 12, 1993, is a popular film that has the main character, Bill Murray, traveling back through time, over and over. Although most viewers found it hilarious, the thought of stopping time to experience something so silly makes one think how frustrating it would be. The common answer we all give when nothing exciting has happened during a day is “same-old, same-old.” One day in the life is enough.
Happy Groundhog Day.
By Dolly Viscardi
