I looked at the African Violet plant that I was watering. The blooms on it are amazing! Yet, here in Alabama, some of our outdoor bloomers, like camellias have somewhat suffered due to some really cold and icy weather…for us.
Then I wondered about spring. Are we in for another 6 weeks of winter? What did Punxsutawny Phil, the Groundhog…what does Phil’s shadow forecast? According to the reports, Phil “predicts” 6 more weeks of winter for Alabama.
There’s a really interesting article on the 5 most-accurate Groundhogs according to the new NOAA rating system. (Have to have “prognosticated” at least 20 times, etc.). Unfortunately Punxsutawny Phil only received Honorable Mention since he was rated at 35% accuracy BUT he has 129 predictions (under his belt) so to speak. Phil has made a reputation for himself!
According to NOAA (related to accuracy, etc.) the top 5 are: 1. Staten Island Chuck, 2.General Beauregard Lee, 3. Lander Lil, 4. (tied)- Concord Charlie and 5.Gertie the Groundhog.
So get ready to cover up those camellias or other blooming and young plants or make those plans for spring on a day when the weather has turned cold once again. For Phil “seeing his shadow” (or not) is but a reminder of the roller-coaster of the seasons. We just have to be prepared….
Janine C. Hagan, Spiritual Systems, Inc. 2025.
(Source : article by Leigh Morgan, al.com. Feb.2, 2025)