Day 6, 359 to go

Dear Punxsutawney Phil
I know that you are a groundhog of distinction, a rodent of principle and you stand by your convictions concerning traditions. However, Mr Groundhog Sir, I am appealing to your good nature that if perchance you happen to see your shadow tomorrow morning (Feb 2nd) could you possibly find it in yourself to abstain from returning to your burrow (that is what you creatures hibernate in isn't it?) and spare us all from an additional six weeks of winter.
We all have those mornings where we wake up to a dull overcast morning when the sun refuses to shine and we wish that we could just roll over and go back to sleep. But we can't! Life has to go on regardless of the weather. The world would be a mess if we all did that  - OK scratch that, the world is a mess, but you know what I mean. Anyhow, you see the thing is sir, many of us have a touch of SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder) to a greater or lesser degree and we could all do with a little cheering up. In addition, I have this lovely garden that is  just waiting for some mild weather to start springing forth its beauty. My garden, sir, is a source of power and energy for me. Through it I come alive, I produce, we eat, I meditate, I communicate with God  (Have you met the Lord - Sir?)

So, please give this some serious thought and follow your heart when making your decision tomorrow.

While we're on the subject of Groundhog Day there's something that I'm hoping you'll help me to clear up. Growing up, there used to be an expression called De-Ja-Vu, we all know it and have felt it - ""wow, this happened before!" So in 1993 a movie by that same name was made, starring Bill Murray. It basically chronicled a series of events in some man's life that kept on repeating. The day that kept on repeating happened to be Groundhog Day. It could very easily have been Valentine's Day, Christmas Day or the man's birthday. Since then, and I know you must have noticed, ( your ears have probably been ringing insanely since 1993) people have been using Groundhog Day as an expression synonymous with De-ja-vu. How can we get people to stop it? Can you imagine if the man's experiences had fallen on Ash Wednesday?
Groundhog Day refers only to the day that Punxsutawney Phil sees (or doesn't see) his shadow. That's it! Spread the word, your furriness, sir. And thank you in anticipation of your kind gesture tomorrow.

Image:coreybrinn.com