Arupa Dupa and 6 more weeks

Our family has always liked Groundhog's Day.  Maybe because it signals the hope of spring to come with its warmer ~ sunnier weather. Maybe because it is Eric's grandfather's birthday, or maybe just because he is a cute critter. 

 

 

Just for fun here are a few facts about groundhogs.

1.  Groundhog = woodchuck = whistle pig.  All the same critter. 

2.  He is a rodent!  {EEEK!} but we think he is cute!?

3.  He belongs to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots, of which the groundhog is the largest.

4.  Other marmots live in rocky, mountainous areas, but the groundhog is a lowland creature.

5.  She will welcome up to six babies in the spring.

6. They hibernate in winter {just like bears} lowering body temperatures, and drawing on reserved, stored fat.

7.  They swim and climb trees. 

8.  He might look cute, but he is aggressive  {a grumpy groundhog?}

9.  The whole seeing his shadow legend is German. 

. . . . . . .

The internet is full of ideas for crafts and snacks related to Groundhog's Day.  I found this one on Pinterest.   It will be a little added fun to our school day.  Simple and cute.

As I was writing this post, I received word that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter.  Incidentally, that puts us out to March 16th.  The first day of spring is March 20th.  Hmmm.  Maybe he is not a meteorologist after all, and, dare I say it, just a rodent?   ;-)

Have a happy day!

{In honor of Grandpa Pete ~ "Arupa Dupa!"}