In this record breaking cold February I haven’t gotten out to just take pictures, partly because of my different shifts but mostly just because of the bitter cold.  Working in and out of the cold -when I am home I am not completely thrilled about being out in the air.  Staying under some nice warm blankets is much more appealing.

To say I have a case of cabin fever puts it mildly.  Even the poor dog is down about being stuck in so much.  She does love the cold and will stay out as long as I will let her, but with temperatures in the negative the weather is not fit for man nor beast.   We both long for warmer weather, longer days, and seeing grass again.  I long for flip flops and sunny beaches.  It seems as if Spring is a lifetime away. 

Eventually the days will get longer, the nights warmer and the snow will melt to expose green grass once again.  I will get the barbecue back out.  I will put the winter behind me –enjoying the new blooms.  The sweet smell of the earth thawing will fill the air.  I look forward to heading out and embarking on new adventures.   There is a whole world of images just waiting to be captured.

Our travels in October of 2013 brought us to the little town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.  Since it was the off season it was relatively quiet.  We pulled in on a slightly overcast day and made a stop to actually see the very famous groundhog himself-Punxsutawney Phil.

He lives in relatively modest accommodations in the middle of the city with a window to gaze at him through, and of course appropriate statues for picture taking opportunities.

I can’t even imagine what this city must be like during all the festivities of Groundhog Day.  I would like to visit during all the excitement at some point but obviously that won’t be this year.

After wondering a bit we headed up to Gobbler’s Knob where more of the action takes place and Phil makes that oh so important decision for all of us.  Will he see his shadow?  How many more days of this cold winter will there be?  Oh Phil there is so much pressure on you.

Well this year he has seen his shadow so it looks like 6 more weeks of winter for us, and then a very welcome spring.  Phil, I am sure, will enjoy all the activities of the day –the notoriety and the extra attention until he is sent back to his abode for another year.