Groundhog Day In The Country
Helen Dowd


Groundhog day is just a fun-day. But every year I look forward to it. Oh, I know that the ending of winter has nothing to do with a rodent seeing his shadow, but just the same, I am always conscious of the status of the sun on that day.

Maybe you've heard of the story about an old groundhog who wanted to teach his son about predicting the weather. After all, wasn't it a groundhog's duty to do this on February 2nd every year? So he said, "Ellwood, you go on up there and take a look I around. Then hurry on home, especially if you see your shadow."

Ellwood did as his father bid. But it was such a beautiful day, and although he saw his shadow, he decided that he would stay up on top and play for a while. So that's what he did. While he was checking things out, a bulldozer came along and bulldozed his home, with his parents in it. The town had designated the area for a parking lot. Well, it didn't bother Ellwood. He was tired of living at home anyway. He went on to start his own family, and as his sons came along, he taught each of them how to let people know whether or not winter was over, by their shadow.

Another groundhog story is from REAL LIFE.  When I was five, we lived far out in the country, in Northern Alberta, Canada. My dad was in the process of building on to the log shack where we lived. We were to have four additions to the family that winter.  A family of four boys was coming to stay with us, adding to the one boy and four girls already in our family. So after Dad had completed only part of the floor, he moved two of my sisters and me into the addition. We thought it was so much fun sleeping in this unfinished room. We talked and giggled late into the night, then fell asleep.

Next morning I was the first of us girls to wake up. I rubbed my sleepy eyes, and what should I see, but two beady eyes staring at me! I had never seen such a critter before, but I wasn't afraid, and neither was the critter. I called out to my dad, "Daddy, come see what's under my bed, and it isn't a mouse, either."

Dad walked into the room, and there by my bed was this big rodent. "That's a groundhog," he informed me. From then on I have always been intrigued by groundhogs.

Come out, oh tired groundhog,
For February's come.
Please tell us, wise old groundhog
That winter now is done.

Don't see your shadow, groundhog.
Don't run away and hide.
Please tell us spring is on its way,
Don't make us stay inside.

Awake, oh lazy groundhog.
It's time to have some fin.
Come out, oh little woodchuck.
Let's frolic, play, and run.

Helen

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