Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Groundhog Day 2016: Fun Facts! #groundhogday



It’s Groundhog Day! If the groundhog sees his shadow, it’s another 6 weeks of winter!

This tradition grew out of Europe and it’s based on Candlemas. Candlemas is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The English rhyme went like this:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

I suppose some ol’ groundhog woke up on Candlemas, saw his shadow, and freaked out. Bam! Now you’ve got groundhog’s day.

The most famous groundhog of all is Punxsutawney Phil and he lives in a burrow on Gobbler’s Knob. Phil had his first opportunity to shadow watch in 1887.  Since 1993, Phil has been right 13 times and wrong 15 times.  I suppose it depends on his mood.  After all, Phil is in a state of hibernation.  I’m sure he doesn’t appreciate being woken up in the middle of the long winter nap to look at his shadow.

Fun Facts:
A groundhog is a woodchuck.

They are good swimmers.

Groundhogs weigh between 12-15 pounds.

Groundhogs eat greens, fruits, and veggies.

Phil goes into his hibernation state in October.  He usually wakes up in late March or April.

You can visit Punxsutawney Phil at his website:

Question:  Do you have a groundhog day ceremony where you live?


A POLISH HEART:


BLURB: 

Darrin Riverton, an architect from the United States is assigned to a challenging project which requires a trip to Poland. Sofia Buraczynski is assigned as his translator and his first sight of her heats his blood.

With Sofia as his guide, Darrin discovers Poland and many new things about himself, as well. When a chance is presented for him to remain in Poland, will he leave behind family and all that is familiar to follow his heart?

EXCERPT:

A tall, handsome man with broad shoulders, wearing a long-sleeved polo shirt, walked toward her holding a bouquet of poppies and orchids.
Her teeth nipped at her lower lip as she ran her eyes over this beautifully proportioned man, her body warming at the sight of him. He looked tough and lean, and his handsome face kindled with a sort of classical beauty she hadn't seen on a man before. His leonine stride radiated self-confidence. His hair was sandy blond in a short, neat cut and his cobalt blue eyes pierced her professional armor.
He stopped in front of her and held out his flowers. "Dzien dobry."
A wide grin crossed her lips and she dropped the sign she was holding. "Hello, Mr. Riverton."
A look of relief passed over his face. "You know, I practiced that phrase all morning on the plane."
"I admire the effort. Are the flowers for me?""Yes." His smile was full of pride.

Reviews:
5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader, “A totally enjoyable read.”
 5 Stars, Nancy Levine, Amazon Reader, “My grandfather was from Poland, but I have never been there, so I enjoyed reading about it as well as the customs about the Easter basket, etc.”
5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reader, “I love the warm-hearted tale.”

BUY LINKS:

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-polish-heart


3 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing those fun facts about groundhog day.

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  2. We do have one near my house in Howell. The woodchuck wouldn't leave her stump and so they are predicting more winter. She also predicts the Superbowl winners. :)

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