spring – commonplacebook.com

Reasons I’m Looking Forward to Spring

Post author:HFM
Post published:February 22, 2007
Post category:Journal

Can race in and out of gym for water aerobics in a t-shirt and shorts, rather than having to drag my coat and winter gear through the locker room.
Can leave water aerobics with wet hair and not feel cold the rest of the evening.
200+ bulbs we planted in the yard will be blooming, and I can start on vegetable garden planting.
Maybe, finally, our roof, gutters and balcony porch will be done — and we’ll be able to read and have tea on the balcony at night, looking at the stars.
More wedding planning.
Route 66 planning.
Long walks with the dog around the neighborhood, taking pictures.
Getting started on one of the furniture refinishing projects in the garage.

So — how about you? What are you looking forward to?

Groundhog predicts early spring

Post author:HFM
Post published:February 2, 2007
Post category:Odd Holidays

According to the AP, Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow for the first time in several years.

Punxsutawney Phil predicts early spring
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — A new pair of hands pulled Punxsutawney Phil from his stump this year, so it was only fitting that the groundhog offered a new prediction.

Phil did not see his shadow on Friday, which, according to German folklore, means folks can expect an early spring instead of six more weeks of winter.
Since 1886, Phil has seen his shadow 96 times, hasn’t seen it 15 times and there are no records for nine years, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The last time Phil failed to see his shadow was in 1999.

More than 15,000 revelers milled about in a misty snow waiting for the prediction, as fireworks exploded overhead and the “Pennsylvania Polka” and other music blared in the background.

A couple of Stephanie’s friends got engaged at the Pennsylvania festival, and are getting married today.