The first Thursday of every month I will post something deep – or more often than not, not so deep – to think about.

This month’s Think About It Thursday was written by my eleven-year-old, Owen! I told him I didn’t have an idea for this week and he took over the blog to talk about Groundhog Day. Enjoy!

Wow. Groundhog day. Where a little groundhog pops out of the ground and depending on if it sees its shadow, it may be winter longer or spring comes sooner. I can’t tell if it is a myth or real. Maybe it’s like Christmas with the Santa stuff and everything.

But I don’t know how it got a movie. Why is there one for groundhogs day and not valentines day? It just does not make sense. But it is a really good movie.

Well, too bad one of the groundhogs died before February 2nd. I know it’s shocking. My neighbor told me. But sadly it is true. It was January 30 when the tragedy struck. And sadly the groundhog did not have any babies. It was not Puxatawney Phil (phew) but one of his buddies. Their average lifespan is three years so it is understandable, just bad timing.

Well, if this “holiday” died it would not bother me. (Unless it canceled school) but overall it seems like every other holiday. A BIG LIE! Except for valentines day. But I don’t know why that’s a holiday.

But how did this major event known as Groundhogs Day start? Well, this is what google says: In 1887, locals in a little Pennsylvania town called Punxsutawney made a trek to Gobbler’s Knob, a wooded area about 2 miles out of town, filled with burrowing rodents to make the forecast. And with that, the legend of Punxsutawney Phil was born, leading to the U.S.’s first official Groundhog Day.

So honestly I don’t know why it’s their shadow. Like how does it even look at its shadow? A shadow is behind you! I am 99% sure that they can not move their head 360 degrees. I mean look at this! How does it even see its shadow? I guess the humans have to help them out.

If school was canceled today I would be very happy and pleased. I would probably just sit around and do nothing at home. But while I was at school I would be eating neon yellow mac and cheese. So that is why I am going hungry.

Because one of the groundhogs died I think they should use an otter. Because groundhogs look just a little ugly. Also, I think it would be harder for otters to see their shadow because they are longer. So spring would come sooner.

Thanks for reading, everyone!

Until Next Time,

Owen (and Neko)