topic Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024! in Community Chat

Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

beach-mom — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:05:13 GMT

DH is from the Punxsutawney area. We have family there, and we get up very early to watch the ceremonies. One of his friends growing up was the handler and is still active in the Inner Circle. He is usually the one who "talks" to Phil.

We know the mayor well. He always talks about how Phil and Phyllis' home is next to his office and bigger than his office.

I've been to Gobbler's Knob a few times - in JULY! LOL!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

meallen616 — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:29:32 GMT

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

Grade1Teach — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 10:10:23 GMT

Happy Groundhog Day!

This is always a fun day in my Kindergarten classroom!

We started learning about the holiday on Wednesday by reading nonfiction stories about groundhogs and writing facts about them. Yesterday we read a fun fiction story, made our predictions through drawing and writing, and then we voted on whether or not Phil would see his shadow. Yes, the kids know that this holiday is just for fun, but they are still having a great time with it. It's a good distraction from this dull and dreary weather we've been having.

This morning we will make "Happy Groundhog Day" headbands and watch the news clip of what happens with Phil. Most kids have never seen or heard of this before and it's always funny to see their surprise when all of these men in suits and top-hats pull Phil out of his "burrow." They have no idea what is being said during the Proclamation, but I always explain it in simple terms. We will follow up with a cute directed drawing of a groundhog to go with their writing from this week.

What a great day to be 5!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

cheriere — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 10:14:26 GMT

@beach-mom Gobbler's Knob 😂. I love Bill Murray in that movie! HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY everyone!!!

I sure hope he doesn't see his shadow!!!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

Pezzie — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:37:21 GMT

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

ninjawife — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:41:18 GMT

Phil did not see his shadow. An early spring is predicted. 82% of the time Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter.

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

MorningLover — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:44:00 GMT

Punxsutawney Phil declares an early spring

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

maximillian — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:46:54 GMT

Over the years, the record shows that Phil has only predicted correctly 39 % of the time.

Don't put away the big coats yet!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

LTT1 — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:28:12 GMT

@beach-mom

@maximillian @MorningLover @ninjawife @Pezzie

Early spring!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

Pandalady — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:30:03 GMT

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

MorningLover — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:51:09 GMT

Good Morning!

Punxsutawney Phil Has Spoken!!

BRING IT ON !!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

Still Raining — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:03:56 GMT

Way to go Phil!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

on the bay — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:57:19 GMT

First of all, Isn't Phil soo cute!!

I just love groudnhogs!

And just this morning sitting outside, I was thinking, it looks and feels like spring is coming!

There were so many Robins outside, enjoying whatever they are enjoying.

And though it was so nice to see, I am still hoping for snow!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

Elodie2 — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:13:36 GMT

I'm all for an early spring but we'll see.

@Grade1Teach, just wanted to say that you sound like a great, fun and creative teacher!

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

drizzellla — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 16:19:41 GMT

@beach-mom Thanks for sharing the information.

I used to work with a guy that went to Penn State - Main Campus. He used to go to Gobbler's Knob every year. It was a tradition. He started going with friends when they attended Penn State. So they continue to meet up for Groundhog Day every year.

FYI - AMC TV station is showing "Groundhog Day", the movie all day today.

Re: Happy Groundhog Day - February 2, 2024!

beach-mom — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:44:11 GMT

We were up to watch live at 6 a.m! They changed a few things this year. I'm not a fan of the signs they were holding up on stage; I found them distracting. The dancers this year were great and enthusiastic! Years ago when our nephews were in high school one of the dancers was one nephew's friend. The girls that year acted like they didn't want to be there!

DH's friend wasn't there. He may have retired. About 5 years ago DH's family dentist the whole time he was growing up was still part of the Inner Circle. This year his son, also a dentist, was on stage. We did hear them welcome the mayor. I was trying to see him, but he was on the other side in the back from where the governor was.

Phil is a baby groundhog. Of course they have more than one. Two stay in their home next to the library/mayor's office. There is a big picture window overlooking the town square. One visits schools. One is at the Weather Center.

It was 34 degrees this morning. That's a "heat wave" for Punxsutawney, where the average temperature this time of year is usually around 10!

People come from all over the states and the rest of the world for this! No one is allowed to drive up; buses take people up starting shortly after midnight, and back down most of the day.

Our nephews were always happy school was closed for the day!

@drizzellla - It is a tradition for a lot of people. I went to a doctor (specialist) some years ago, back when doctors had time to talk to you! He asked me where we were from. He was excited when I told him about DH. He said his daughter took him up for his 50th birthday. They stayed a few days. They went to the Ball and stood in the cold early in the morning at Gobbler's Knob. He loved it, and since then made it an annual tradition!

DH and the rest of his family have never been. When I mentioned it years ago they looked at me like I was crazy. I probably would have enjoyed it when I was young!

@Elodie2 - I agree! @Grade1Teach - Both of our children wore their T-shirts to school every year, and I think DD took our groundhog statue and a book in to share with her class during her early years of school.

When the TV coverage was over, I planned to nap a few more minutes. Then I looked at the time. No nap for me; I had to get ready. I was not very peppy this morning. I'm glad it's Friday!