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, Billie
Houston, Amazon Reader, “I love the warm-hearted tale.”
BUY
LINKS:
AMAZON:
http://amzn.com/B007AS29AO
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-polish-heart
