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GROUNDHOGS, SPRING, & HUMAN NATURE...


Today is Groundhog Day, 2009, and the most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow when he emerged just after dawn today from his home near Pittsburgh, Pa., predicting that winter will last for six more weeks...

But, New Jersey's own prognosticating rodent, Essex Ed, came to a different conclusion when he emerged from his box at the Turtle Back Zoo this morning. With no shadow in sight, Essex Ed let the crowd know -- through his translator, zoo director Jeremy Goodman -- that spring will be here soon.
"No more red noses and cheeks, the daffodils will bloom in just a few weeks," Goodman announced to applause from a small crowd...

So, which groundhog to believe? I am sure most are gonna go with Phil, as he is the most famous of the two, and has been more accurate than not...

This tradition comes from the Germans which goes as such: according to German superstition, if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2 -- the Christian holiday of Candlemas -- winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says, spring will come early...

Ah, Spring! Especially after a Winter such as we have experienced here in the States and Canada this year! To see the first bloom, to wake up to green grass, the fresh smell of nature's renewal, to hear the robins sing, to feel the warm of the sun, and to feel the effects of it all, like a tonic which will rejuvenate us wholly, body, mind, and spirit!!!

I keep reminding myself that Winter serves its purpose in the balance of life, and that it refreshes the Earth, rids of germs, bacteria, and heals the soils, that they are richer for the bounty to follow in the warmer months, but, it is so difficult to make it through this season, as it is cold, long, and often, too dreary, which keeps you tired, and in a state of lull, all making for a less than exuberant person...

Spring and Summer! Yes, those are the times! So much to see, so much to do! Our senses, all of them, are full of activity, scent, and excitement. We become more healthy, we have more fun, we play, we rest beneath the shade tree, we dream, we scheme, and we create much more, as the elements enhance us entirely, freeing bogged beings from their Winter weariness...

I can't wait! If it is only 6 more weeks, that is nothing! Though, last year, Spring never really came to these parts; the cold became cool, and the dreariness, dragged on, then suddenly, it was HOT! Which we took graciously, as we were exhausted from waiting for Spring which never came...

So funny, like we have a choice anyway! Well, we kind of do, we can move, we can go somewhere to experience what we are missing, but, mostly, because we are bound to our lives, we live in phases of anticipation for nature to cooperate with our wishes... Hahahaha, human nature, always a laugh...

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