Weather, Whether or Not

It’s Groundhog Day!

Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow today there at Gobbler’s Knob, thus predicting six more weeks of winter? Or will no shadow be visible, indicating an early spring?

Having heard (but not experienced, thank heavens) this year’s weather horrors, I’m rooting for no shadow, but my druthers from sunny Southern California will make no difference. Phil, I’m eager to learn your shadow’s fate for the day. Many thanks for your predictions. From what I’ve read, they’re amazingly accurate. Can you hear my applause?

Yesterday, while my sweet daughter-in-law in Chicago was cheering about an upcoming blizzard there, I had friends visit my home to start planning a vegetable garden. Some discussion ensued about how the beaming sunlight would affect the growth, and where would be best to plant things. Yes, that sunlight was in force as they spoke.

I felt a little chilly, with the outside air in the 50s for part of the day, but, hey, I prefer being cold to feeling hot. On the other hand, there are limits. I definitely am glad not to be in the areas where temperatures around freezing feel balmy.

My Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are all fluffy with their winter coats--but they don’t really know what winter is.

I’m delighted to say that I’ve finished a very rough draft of my next Pet Rescue Mystery, regardless of the vicissitudes of the weather. Now, I have to edit it. My writing doesn’t rely on the weather forecast, but as I write this I’m looking out a window at the San Fernando Valley where, yes, that sun is shining and the trees are green.

Aren’t some of you reading this jealous? What’s your weather--and how does it affect what you accomplish. And will you join me in cheering Punxsutawney Phil?