Seriously?
Do we really believe it's up to ol' Mr. Groundhog? When I was in grade school, I remember hearing about Groundhog Day on the radio - when my mom was driving me to school. I didn't ask any questions.
But imagine the thoughts that ran through my young mind. A groundhog? I had never seen one and imagined just that - a ground 'hog'. I thought he must live in a big burrow and have a time of it, trying to get out to let us know what weather we would encounter for the next six weeks. I wondered if he sat in his recliner eating nuts or smoking his pipe, the second day of February wondering...'should I or shouldn't I? It's up to me. All I have to do is step outside my burrow.' I used to wonder how scientific the appearance of a groundhog was. I thought it was amazing that grown-ups believed a groundhog was predicting the weather. (Ah, the mind of a child).
People all over America (and elsewhere) await the appearance of the groundhog. If he doesn't see his shadow, there are exuberant shouts, "Spring is in the air!" If he sees his shadow, it's "Bah, six more weeks of winter."
We are funny people. We want a reason to celebrate and a reason to complain. Leave it up to a groundhog named Punxsutawny Phil to make sure we have something to talk about. (Hmmm.... could it be that our weathermen/meteorologists anticipate the second day of February to be able to rest from taking the blame for the weather for six weeks each year?)
What would happen if Mr. Groundhog went on strike and decided not come out for his usual holiday? Think about it. With all the publicity, he hasn't gotten any great perks for his appearances! After all, he still lives in that burrow.
