It’s that time of year again. Groundhog Day. Also known as the woodchuck, the whistle-pig and even the notorious thickwood badger, groundhogs are accomplished hibernators, capable of holing up to live off their own fat and sleep for up to six months. (Is it weird that I’m jealous of the groundhog?). And thus, since 1841, they have been traumatized annually with the tradition of forceful extraction from their protective winter burrows for the sheer purpose of human entertainment.
Also known as Groundhog Day.
(Humans are such assholes.)
Truth? My kids and I have been following this tradition for years. Even though our hearts are always bleeding for the trembling varmint, who is always named “Phil.” We enjoy watching the annual televised festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania so much that, many years ago, we actually fashioned a little version of our own to observe the special day in our household. Of course, we don’t own a groundhog.
You guys already know where I’m going with this, right?
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you … Punxsutawney Milo.
Here’s how it goes down. All family members must congregate with Milo (typically against his will) in the laundry room. The doorway to that room is a central point in an adjoining hallway. Prior to this congregation, a tasty treat has been placed at each end of the hallway. One is labeled Spring and the other Winter.
Here’s what we went with today.
With a simple count of three, Milo is placed on the floor of the laundry room as we wait “quietly” until he is ready to leave. Whichever direction he turns upon exiting determines the coming weather for the next six weeks. It also determines what treat we get to tear into at that very moment.
Editor’s Note: At one time, I considered putting a TASTY treat on one end of the hallway and SOMETHING MOST UNSAVORY (e.g., canned spinach, a list of household chores, a pile of cat poo, etc.) at the other end … to make things a whole lot more interesting. But that just seemed mean. And it also could jeopardize Milo’s safety in the years he chose poorly.
So, what did Milo predict for this year?
Bundle up, buttercup. Looks like we’re in for six more weeks of Winter. And cookies for breakfast!
Happy Groundcat Day, everyone!
OldDogNewTits 
Ha! Looks like Milo agrees with that other dude! 😉👍
What? No treat for Milo? That’s mean. >( 😉
What you should do is put a treat for Milo by each of your treats and see which one he picks.
BTW: I’m basking in the 84 heat down here.
What a great tradition! I especially love that there’s a kitty involved…my kind of groundhog day. 🙂
Visiting from the I Don’t Like Mondays bloghop! I absolutely LOVE this tradition of yours! I may steal it. This tradition will make you infinitely more popular in my household than that damn groundhog in Punxsutawney.
HAHAHAA! And that was too cute!! Yayy for winter…actually yayy for Oreos(I hate winter), lol! Love your family tradition. It’s simple and easy and no one gets hurt! 🙂 Thanks so much for giving me a good laugh and thanks for linking up!
This is too funny! Poor Milo! He looks like: What have I gotten myself into? But I hope he was mistaken. I can’t take six more weeks of winter. I’m dying from this cold!
&**$%&&*$&^&^#^##&&$*%*&%*$, Milo! (And, yes, I’m all over your blog at 2:30AM. What better way to laugh and pass the wee hours of the morning? Sleep is for the groundhogs…and Milos. 🙂
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Go, Milo! I’m not ready for the heat yet either, and I love chocolate mint cookies!! On a different note, it’s so fashionable that you match the floor!!
It took a dozen bottles of Miss Clairol, but I think I finally got the color just right.