Happy Groundhog Day, my dear readers!  Talking about Groundhog Day brings me back to my teaching days when every holiday and event on the calendar became a teaching opportunity and something to talk about other than readin’, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic  . . . and it always rated a new Bulletin Board!

The tradition of this day goes back centuries and even to the ancient Romans.  The early European Christians celebrated Candlemas Day Feb 2nd celebrating Mary’s ritual purification.  If the sun came out that day, there would be 6 more weeks of winter.  The Europeans watched the hibernating animals like bears and badgers as a tip off to winter’s end.  When the Germans immigrated to Pennsylvania in the 1880’s they started keeping an eye on the groundhog as a harbinger of a possible early spring.

And so, the American tradition began and now February 2nd brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year—and the only one led by a rodent.

Legend has it that on this morning, if a groundhog can see its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it cannot see its shadow, spring is on the way.

Speaking of Pennsylvania, “Punxsutawney, PA is home to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, the organization we associate with Groundhog Day due to their iconic tradition of getting dressed up in suits and tails for the annual prediction. Its first celebration was on February 2, 1887 on Gobbler’s Knob, a hill in the city where the prognostication has taken place every year since.  Early on it was just a small ceremony in Punxsutawney attended by locals. Now the prognosticating of their mascot, Punxsutawney Phil, is broadcast all over the world.”*

It’s impossible to talk about Groundhog Day without thinking of Bill Murray’s iconic movie entitled “Groundhog Day“.  Murray plays a weatherman out to cover the annual emergence of the groundhog from its hole in Punxsutawney PA.  He gets caught in a blizzard that he didn’t predict and finds himself trapped in a time warp living the same day over and over and over again until he gets it right.

 He appears opposite the lovely Andi McDowell in the movie which I’m sure will be playing on all the movie channels tonight.

Living on the #Monterey Peninsula with the #AT&TProAmGolf Tournament about to begin in Pebble Beach, it’s impossible to think of past tournaments without thinking of Bill Murray and his antics on the course.  He was always the live wire who kept it fun for the spectators – from his crazy hats to his hilarious stunts.

In fact, he was horsing around so much with one lady spectator one year she fell into the sand trap!

 The fans all loved him.

As I look at the celebrity list of the 2016 golf participants I see Kenny G, Andy Garcia, Huey Lewis, Chris O’Donnell, Mark Wahlberg, Ray Romano (more about him in a future post), but NO #Bill Murray.  Perhaps another “character” will emerge from the line-up to take his place – but he is a hard act to follow.

The #2016 AT&T Pro Am Golf Tournament will be played in Pebble Beach February 8-14 beginning with practice rounds on the 8th.  The actual tournament will be played from Feb 11th – 14th.  If you are not able to come to the tournament in person catch the televised Saturday play when all the celebrities will be playing on Pebble Beach Golf Links.  You’ll be able to not only see great golf, but you’ll get to experience the amazing views and what we that live here get to experience every day.  Who knows, it might even encourage you to move here!