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Can spring ‘spring’ early?

Adri's Adventures

After last weekend’s onslaught of ice, cold temperatures, and limited travel, I am counting down the days until spring. I am ready for green grass and sunny skies, even if it means melting snow and mud puddles.

Did you know that spring officially begins on March 20? That means we only have to endure two more months of winter (I hope). This means no snow, no ice, and warm breezes wafting through town.

Although the official start of spring is in March, our Iowa “springs” often times involve more snow storms and severe weather than the winter season itself. In my 24 years, I’ve even seen snow storms as late as May. I am hoping and praying that this spring we see more rain than snow.

One tradition many across the nation use to predict the spring weather conditions involves one of our furry animal friends, the groundhog.

Groundhog Day falls on Feb 2. Each year thousands gather at Gobbler’s Knob to watch Punxsutawney Phil come out of his hole after winter hibernation to look for his shadow. According to Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, if Phil sees his shadow, he “regards is as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole.” If Phil doesn’t see his shadow, “he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.”

2017 will be Punxsutawney Phil’s 131st year of predicting the coming weather. Legend has it that the one Punxsutawney Phil has been able to increase his lifespan by drinking “the elixir of life”, a secret recipe according to the official Groundhog Day website.

Whether or not you are a believer in the established holiday and tradition, it’s a fun way to look towards warmer and brighter days.

As I enjoy the warm weather spring brings, I’ll be hoping (in good fun) for Phil not to see his shadow on Feb. 2.

Until then, I’ll wear my fuzzy socks, boots, and many layers until the cold and snow subsides.

We’ll see what the adventurous groundhog has to say about it.

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