No, it’s not an official holiday, but don’t let that fool you as people everywhere eagerly wait to know if the furry animal predicts an early spring or another six weeks of cold winter weather.

If the groundhog comes out of his burrow at sunrise and sees his shadow, winter will be around for six weeks longer. However, if the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, spring weather is on its way!         BUT did you know …

• The tradition of Groundhog Day was brought over by German immigrants in the late 1800′. The town of Punxsutawney, Pa., eventually became the center of the tradition. At the time, the “unburrowing” ceremony was planned by members of Groundhog Lodges, meant for socializing with others and enjoying meals.
• The original custom never involved groundhogs. The Europeans originally used badgers or sometimes bears as their weather forecasters, since both animals hibernate and wake up when the days become longer and the sun’s angle becomes higher.
• Groundhogs are vegetarians. While they do sometimes eat insects, they mostly consume greens, fruits and vegetables. They also drink surprisingly little water. They get most of their liquid from the dewy leaves they eat.

And that is the rest of the story as Paul Harvey would have said … and if you don’t know who that is well I’m older than you … hahahahaha

Until next time, keep it REAL … REAL FUN that is!  Brenda