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Did
you know that Groundhog Day is almost halfway between the winter solstice
and the vernal equinox? I guess that’s one of the reasons gardeners
celebrate that day. We are on the downside of winter and spring will be
here next month!
I
know of a way we can predict the weather without waking up the groundhog
and get an equal result of the prediction! Leave the little mammal alone
and let him sleep off the rest of winter.
Reliable
weather predictions: On Groundhog Day, in the morning, pick up a medium
sized rock. (about 18" in diameter will do) Place the rock in an area
not shaded from the sun’s position in the sky. Observe the shadowing on
the north side of the rock. If there is a distinct shade, the rock should
be placed in a warm home for the duration of winter because there will be
six more weeks of cold weather. If there is no hard shadowing, there will
be an early spring-like trend to the weather.
See!
We just did the same exact meteorological experiment and we will get the
same scientific results as if we disturbed the groundhog.
By
the way, I have checked with the Quality Co-op headquarters and all of the
Co-op stores will be open on Groundhog Day for those last minute
shoppers. Even if you are just now getting around to reading this article
and Groundhog Day has passed you by, you should still buy that gift! A
note card with a simple "Belated Happy Groundhog Day" is proper,
rather than ignoring the fact that you missed the holiday. You wouldn’t
want to miss someone’s birthday, would you? Whomever you buy the gifts
for will appreciate the fact that you remembered them on Groundhog Day!
Now
that I have got you in the mood for gardening, go ahead! I am…going out
to the garden and getting it ready for spring, that is! I’m counting on
my rock not seeing it’s shadow!
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