Groundhog-ness!

Our family has celebrated Groundhog Day for 50+ years.  It started when my youngest siblings came up with the idea.  Dad was the only member at the time... He paid his "dues" in nickels.  Somewhere along the way, mom created meatloaf shaped as a groundhog.  Improvements happened each year... Olives created realistic eyes... Shredded wheat as his bed and raw spaghetti as whiskers. The celebration grew and grew!

It was coincidental that I ended up in Sun Prairie, the official Groundhog Capital of the world!  At one time Sun Prairie had a large groundhog cut-out welcoming people to town.  It was "kidnapped" many times by a neighboring high school and eventually was retired.  There is a ball each year (I've never attended) and a huge gathering on G'hog Day!  Jimmy's prediction end is whispered into the mayor's ear...  He relays the official word to the semi-frozen, yet always enthusiastic crowd.  The celebration in town has taken on many personalities... And is always a good time!  Yes, it's hard to get up so early and face the cold... And, yes!  It's always worth it.  

If the Grogan clan doesn't party each year together, we continue to hold the holiday as a special event. We start watching for signs of spring, always taking Jimmy's prognostication seriously!

Jimmy and me

Hope sees her shadow!

Jimmy, looking quite dapper

I used to be afraid of all animals... Yet here I am cuddled up to Jimmy!