February 2, 2017 (Thursday)
Today is Groundhog Day.
What is a groundhog? It’s a rodent. It’s a specific type of ground squirrel. It’s also known as a woodchuck.
Groundhog Day is the day the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where crowds as large as 40,000 have gathered to celebrate the holiday since at least 1886. The groundhog there is known as “Punxsutawney Phil.” You can watch it all live if you go to themorningcall.com for live streaming of the ceremonies starting at 6 a.m. Click here for the stream.
Groundhog Day became famous around the world in 1993 when Bill Murray made a movie about it. The movie is shown all day today on AMC.
Since the groundhog is also known as a woodchuck, he is also famous for a Mother Goose rhyme, “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? As much wood as a woodchuck could chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood.”
I’m thankful for this special day today, because it will take our minds off the whirlwind world of politics, at least for a few minutes. It will enable us to think about the lighter side of life for a little while.
The Bible says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”
I want to be happy
But I won’t be happy
Till I make you happy too.
Life’s really worth living
When we are mirth giving
Why can’t I give some to you
..Jeff Berlin