Groundhog Phil Saw his shadow

 Punxatawney Phil is a PA tradition.  The movie Groundhog Day, made the tradition  known to those who live elsewhere in the country. 

thisd year Facebiook is flooded with hil posts.  Everyone wants to get in on the legend.  I grew up knowing about him.  But Feb 2 was also Mom's birthday and we used to ask her if she saw her shadow.  Well every year I am curious what he has to say and this year it was not good news.

BREAKING: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and called for six more weeks of winter. He is now fleeing the scene on foot. Some of the posts show bears chasing Phil, another has a wolf right after him, and others show Phil arrested.

Even here on the MN WI border, people think they have a groundhog, but none replace Phil. The rest are just wanna be's.

Even my SIL a CA born and raised who lives in Denver now sent me a text with Phil on it. Kind of amusing to those of us who are long with this tradition.

These facts were taken from an interesting FB page I follow, PA Thing:

Did You Know? 10 Facts About Punxsutawney Phil

1. Phil is “over 100 years old.”

According to legend, he drinks a magical “elixir of life” every summer that adds seven more years to his lifespan.

2. His predictions go back to the 1880s.

Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney was first officially observed in 1886, and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club formed in 1889.

3. The tradition comes from Europe.

The shadow legend is based on an old European weather belief tied to Candlemas, later brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants.

4. Phil has seen his shadow far more often than not.

Historically, Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter much more frequently than an early spring.

5. There are missing years in his record.

Phil’s prediction was not recorded for nine different years for unknown reasons.

6. Phil has no known offspring (until recently).

For most of his history, Phil was said to have no descendants at all.

7. His favorite food is dandelion leaves.

Especially in early spring, dandelions are reportedly his meal of choice.

8. Phil is much larger than a normal groundhog.

He reportedly weighs about 18 pounds in fall and measures roughly 22 inches long.

9. A baby groundhog is called a “kit.”

In the spring of 2024, Phil’s wife Phyllis gave birth to twins named “Sunny” and “Shadow.”

10. Phil is Pennsylvania’s most famous animal.

He has his own club, his own library, and a world-famous ceremony held every year at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney.

The explanation of this photo of Phil included that he was arrested while trying to flee but just dug himself in deeper. (That's a take on his heritage, groundhogs burrow in for winter.

Just one last mention about Snow Moon

 This from something I folow on FB,  it's a PA thing...

The February “Snow Moon” Has Deep Winter Roots

The Snow Moon reaches peak illumination tonight, February 1, 2026, at 5:09 p.m. EST, but it will already look full to the naked eye tonight, Saturday, January 31. This year’s Snow Moon is also a micromoon—the only one of 2026—appearing about 10–14% smaller than average because it’s near the farthest point in its orbit from Earth.

Where the names come from:

Snow Moon – First recorded by Captain Jonathan Carver in the 1760s, this name reflects February’s reputation as the snowiest month in much of North America.

Hungry Moon – Used by the Cherokee and other tribes, it refers to the scarcity of food during late winter, when hunting was difficult and stored supplies ran low.

Bald Eagle Moon (Eagle Moon) – Attributed to the Cree people, marking the season when eagles begin returning or nesting.

Groundhog Moon – Linked to certain Algonquin traditions, anticipating the stirrings of groundhogs as winter slowly begins to loosen its grip.

So when you look up at tonight’s moon, you’re seeing more than just a bright winter sky—it’s a full moon shaped by centuries of seasonal observation and survival wisdom.

February 2026 , Story about the snow moon

 

Tday another spot on weather forecast, the snow as promised.  I am more than tired of this winter and the whiteness, but there is hope.  The weather forcast indicates some improvement after this week and already being 21 degrees is better than the sub-zero dips we've endured.  But as I posted on Facebook earlier, "here we go again."  There wasn't much snow maybe 1 1/2-2 inches.  I waited till the flurries quit then took the blower out.  Despite the snow being light it was freezing in spots so the blower didn't clear all of it and the cloudy day made it feel worse out there than it was.  After about 30 minutess I was done for this time, the blower battery had run out and although I have another to switch too while it recharges, I quit.  I didn't do a completee clear, leaving some in the driveway and not getting the shovel to clear areas that stuck.  Enough for me for today.  

This is the driveway,  with remnants of snow.  There is a possibility of flurries later, that will likely coat it again.  Since I am not going anywhere today I'm not too concerned.  And maybe later my friend will be here and take care of it.  If not, there's always tomorrrow and if we have sunhine that will help.  Much as I have dis;oled this winter, I knw it could beworse.  Those living in the middle parts of the country have had snow surprises, power outages,downed trees and their homes are not built for winter weather.  Last night another storm hit the Carolinas.

The front walk would look better if I scraped it clear.  I have had to resort to using icemelt this year and I hate how the stuff lingeers and affects the walks.  Sometimes it gets a slushy mess and worse, sometimes it refreezes before thawing, another messy situation.  But it's cleared enough for me for now.  

I saw something interesting on Facebook.  Lately I've been staying away from FB, just too tiresome.  But this caught my eye,  this month, February 2026 is bvery different, something that only happens every 823 years.  There are 4 complete weeks, 4 Sundays, Mondays, TTuesdays, Wednesdays, Thirsdays , Fridays and Saturdays.  This phenomena is called a "Miraclein" a term I've never heard before.  l looked at my calendar, I still keep a paper one on the kitchen cabinet wall, old school.  Sure enough a full 4 weeks. But i Googled the word "miraclein" and learned this is not true, " It is not a real calendar phenomenon. In reality, every non-leap year February has exactly four of each weekday because 28 days divide perfectly into four weeks."     Cannot believe everything that turns up on Facebook or online.  

Other interesting Facebook today were posts about the snow moon, Indian legends.  Tonight we are to have what is known as the snow moon.  I know the moon was bright last night after mass.  Don't know if I'll be able to see much tonight as it is so cloudy.  But here's the legend and photos.  Kind of spiritual.:

"On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 5:09 p.m. EST, the Snow Moon rises into fullness—quiet, steady, and patient, just like winter itself.      This is not a loud moon.

It does not rush.      It does not demand.      It arrives wrapped in cold air and stillness, reminding us that even in the hardest season, light continues its journey. 

Our ancestors watched this moon when snow was deep and food was scarce.

They understood: this was a time for endurance, prayer, and care for one another.   

         The Snow Moon teaches us:   

Even when the land sleeps, spirit stays awake.  Even when paths are buried, purpose remains.       Even when breath shows in the cold, life is strong.       For several nights, this moon will appear full—hovering over frozen rivers, silent forests, and quiet homes—whispering:

“You are still here.

                       You are still walking.

             You are still becoming.”

 Let this moon be a moment of reflection.   Stand outside if you can.  Feel the cold on your face.        Look up.      Offer gratitude for what you’ve survived.  Release what no longer serves you.     Gather strength for what is coming.

 Because after the Snow Moon, the days grow longer.  The rivers remember how to move.  The seeds remember how to rise.

 And so do you.  Ekosi.   And so it continues."

A winter Moon worth looking up for! This evening, February’s Snowy Moon reaches peak brightness, washing heavens in crisp, silver shine. It was titled by early Indigenous peoples for February’s heavy snowfall, and this full lunar phase lands in winter’s core and feels timed for it too today again.

 In open weather, the moon can be seen across the globe and will rest within the stars of Cancer. Scan the nearby darkness as well, because close by you might catch Regulus, a bright blue white star called the Lion’s Heart in Leo, adding extra sparkle to the view above tonight if clouds decide to cooperate.  Walk out, pause a moment, and take in this quiet, timeless lunar scene.

Hunkering inside today

 Just a couple more tundra arctic pics.  These are  taken from my bedoom window which has a screen on, so there's some darkness.  It is sunny and bright but still sub zero.  So much for all that blathering we used to hear about global warming.  Suddenly the noise has gone away.  -12 degrees at Noon.

Weather Woes January 2026

 

8:00 AM  Jan 23 -19 degrees

This morning at 8:00AM from my front living room window, all was very still,  it was -19 degrees when I got up.  This is the most brutal, polar, arctic winter I have ever experienced .  Yet so far no new records set for this area.  I will not be going anywhere today, staying home where it's comfy and warm. Regretting living here in the tundra for now and that I am not someplace warmer.   Being a hermit is the only response to this weather.  By 11:15 AM the temperature was up to -13 degrees.  Sheesh.  I'll keep busy inside. 

 Earlier this week on my Facebook I shared a simi;ar view after I'd been out clearing the driveway and the front walk from snow using the blower.  I had done that about 9:00AM on January 21 and was feeling quite proud of myself.  

January 21 After clearing walk

Using the blower is so much easier than shoveling the snow.  The light snow is easy to clear that way.  So despite being bundled up at least I could get fresh air and accomplish something.  Yay for me. All done gby 10:00AM.  I started to just clear a path to push the recycle bin down to the street, then decided might as well clean it all up.

January 21  Proud of me

Yesterday I was not feeling the same way.  Although we had no new snowfall, the wind was blowing snow off the roof and lifting some from the ground, swirling it and redepositing it onto the driveway against the garage door and onto both steps and entries in front.  Other days I had mentioned it has been like living inside a snowglobe that someine keeps shaking.  That swirling and relocating the snow was far worse.  As soon as it deposited the snow, it glazed over into ice.  Neither the bloer nor the shovel moved it off my front entries.  Finally I got the idea to use an old push broom.  That allowed me to at least clear the entries and steps again.  I shoved the snow off.  The buid up aling the garage door can stay there.  Yesterday just walking down the driveway to get the mail I fought the wind to stay upright, it wanted to swoop me up and away.  

Wednesday Jan 21 10:00AM Cleared driveway

January 22 snow blown onto walk again

Anyway it has been a siege.  I am gratful for a warm home and that I don't have to go out in this below arctic.  I can't wait till we get some thawing.  The coming week is to be cold, temps likely only reaching 12 or 15 degrees.  But no more snow is forecast.  C'mon spring.

Christmas 2025

It's not chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but a prime rib I'm roasting for my solo Christmas dinner.  I might be alone but that's not new to me now, 5 years since Jerry passed.  My friends including the widows all have familues to be with.  I couldn't think of anyone to invite this year, so here I am.  I'll be dining solo but I still will dine elegantly using finest crystal, China, gold utensils.    

In a moment of otherworldly thinking I decided to have prime rib for my Christmas dinner.  It's been years since I cooked one and this will be my last time.  I had to buy 2 bones at Festival and today I must have cut away a pound of fat before putting this 6.6 lb. roat into the oven.  What was I thinking?  I'll have to freeze a couple meals from this because it's way too much for me. And from the looks of the oven now I'll have to run the cleaning cycle tomorrow.  

It's a grey dreary day out there again but at least no snow, rain, nor sleet.  A break in the wintry blasts we've been under since right after Thanksgiving 

For some reason unknown to me our church did not have the traditional 2 Christmas Eve services this year.  First time since I don't know when.  I prefer that 9:000M mass.  Since only 4:00PM was offered or 10:00AM Christmas Day, I went to the 4:00.  What a bad circus!  I knew it would be packed as the Chreasters come in force, that's what we call those who come only Christmas and Easter.  It mystified me why.  So I thought I'd be a little early and went at 3:30PM!  Hah!  Bad mistake.  Packed already.  I parked blocks away.  I nearly left in disgust but figured, oh go on, you're already here.  Fortunately an usher found a seat for me, on the end of a pew towards the back.  The place was a mess!  People crammed in like sardines.  I saw very few parishioners that I knew, just the Chreaster invasion.  Somehow by the Grace of God I endured.  

Last night I wanted to watch at least part of the service from the Vatican, so I busied myself rewatching It's a Wonder full Life while waiting.  It is a good movie, old black and white.  A reminder to be grateful, a timely message of blessing.  But my eyelids kept closing as the news came on and still at 11:00PM no trace or hint of the Vatican service that was supposed to be on NBC.  I gave up and went to bed, late for me. Surprised myself by sleeping in until 9:20 this morning!  I guess compensating for late night.

Well the probe in the prime rib is starting to heat over 100 degrees.  I have it set at 135 for medium rare.  So I best now fix my salad and reheat the twice baked potato I mixed up earlier.  

Wings.

I have always liked chicken wings but have never cooked them.  I will not eat them in any restaurants around here, they do not cook them right.  By right I mean we'll cooked crispy skins like they do in PA and NY.  And since I haven't been back home to PA in over 5 years now I've not had wings.   I suppose I never cooked them because Jerry did not care for them, he tought them disposable.  Made no sense to him why I liked chewing on them.  He would eat drumsticks though.  

So yesterday I bought some wings at the butcher counter and decided I would try to make some crispy buffala wigs ala PA or NY.  Today I did and I nailed it! I will do this again to treat me just as I did today.  They came out perfect, meat fell off the bones and the skins were crispy perfect, spicy hot.  I cooled things off with the traditional carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.  And since I like raw bell peppers and had one in the refrigerator I added some pepper slices too.  That was my dinner,  yum.  Oh and some left over potato salad.  That's another story, I don't know why I buy the stuff.  It is never the way I like it, always too sweet.  So from now on I'll just make my own or do without.  

.;

I had a feast for my dinner and will finish off with some ice cream later.  Our weather turned chilly this week, just like that the summer heat is done.  Finally the other day I gave up my shorts and t tank top and sandals for jeans, a sweatshirt and tennies or skechers slip ons.  It sure seems early to have it this ool. Also switched from the central a/cto heat.  Haven't had to use much heat though as I have it set at 72 degrees and so far the house doesn;t cool below that.  Except yesterday late evening it did kick on a little.  

Today I changedclothes several times from my acrylic long sleeve top and jeans to shorts when I worked down in the lower garden trimming back some ferns, plenty more to go.   I got warm out there in the sun.  Then when I came in the house I slipped into sandals and finally put my jeans back on.  By late afternoon, going to evening at 6:00pm I was back in my sweatshirt too. The sky is varied but it looks decent, though dry.  We could use some rain.   I've had to water some.  Seems not right here in September but then that's the way it is.

 

2025 4th f July and Solo

 

  So here it is, Independence Day, 249 years of American freedom won by patriots with guns and maintained by our devoted  military with guns over these years.  Like so many celebrations, I always looked forward to the 4th!  I used to love fireworks and have seen some magnificent displays in the past on our travels.  Two outstanding memories are of Calgary, Alberta, Canada when we were at the Stampede, way back in late 70's.  When we lived in No, CA and had a group of adopted family/friends we traveled with, all in our own campers.  Another was at Mackinaw MI, just me and Jerry but what a show they put on.  He knew I loved fireworks and enjoyed watching me thrill to them.  If I see any fireeworks this year it will be from those across the river, and I'll watch from my front yard or window.  

I had no invitations anywhere today and couldn't find another widow to invite to come feast with me.  They are all busy with families.  But having none, it's just me.  So while I don't like it, I don't feel despondent.  I keep busy here solo.  I have been watering some with this terrible heat siege we are enduring.  Thi is not our typical MN summer,  it has been hot and humid.  So it feels better inside in the A/C instead of being out there sweltering.  My head and body are drenched in sweat quickly when I'm doing anything outside.  By 10:30AM it is already hot and since I am not a real early bird the weeds are gaining some on me.  

Today I'll have some traditional 4th foods, by myself.  There will be left overs for tomorrow and. One tradition is deviled eggs, I always made them on the 4th.  Today I fixed some for me and thought about Steve, ourson who really liked them.  Now he is with Jerry Beyond just watching me too.  I got a little heavy handed dusting them with the paprika today but since it's just me eating them, not an issue.  I already ate half of one, my lunch as I made them.  I have some baked beans from a small batch I made this past week.  I will grill a couple brats later, braving the temps out there.  Picked up a small potato salad from the deli and doctored it with more chopped onion and celery.  It is not as good as what I make but I was not wanting to cook the potatoes.  It will do ok.  

That seems to be widow words, "it will do."  I have heard from riends, including some widows too,  across the country who are not doing anything or going anywhere today either.  Then there's one in the hospital.  So it could be worse.  Still, I'm thinking of something I read long ago by Beth Moore, long before I became a widow, reminding me to have faith.   "where is the life I planned....   "

Has someone seen the life I planned?
It seems it's been misplaced.
I've looked in every corner;
It's lost without a trace.

I've found one I don't recognize --
Things missing that were dear;
Promises I'd hoped to keep,
And dreams I'd dreamed aren't here.

Faces I had planned to see,
Hands I planned to hold;
Now absent in the pictures;
Not the way I told.

Has someone seen the life I planned?
Did it get thrown away?
God took my hand from searching;
Then I heard Him say --

"Child, your ears have never heard,
Your eyes have never seen,
Eternal plans I have for you
Are more than you could dream.

You long to walk by sight,
But I'm teaching eyes to see;
I know what I'm doing --
'Till then, you must believe.

He's done so much, I felt ashamed
To know He heard my moans.
To think I'd trade in all He's done
For plans made on my own.

I wept over His faithfulness
And how He'd proved Himself;
How He'd gone beyond my dreams
And said to Him myself,

"No, my ears have never heard,
My eyes have never seen,
Eternal plans You have for me
Are more than I could dream.

"Yes, I long to walk by sight
But You're teaching eyes to see;
You know what You're doing --
'Till then, I must believe.

I felt His great compassion --
Mercy unrestrained.
He let me mourn my losses
And showed to me my gains.

I offered Him my future
And released to Him my past.
I traded in my dreams
For a plan He said would last.

I get no glimpse ahead;
No certainties at all,
Except the presence of the One
Who will not let me fall.

Are you also searching
For a life you planned yourself?
Have you looked in every corner?
Have you checked on every shelf?

Child, your ears have never heard,
Your eyes have never seen,
Eternal plans He has for you
Are more than you could dream.

Perhaps you long to walk by sight,
But He's teaching eyes to see;
He knows what He is doing --
Child, step out and believe.

By Beth Moore      
No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived what God
has prepared for those who love Him.
{1 Corinthians 2:9}