While everyone I know is anxiously awaiting tonight’s Super Bowl, my day is already complete. At sunrise this morning Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and spring is on the way. Spring was going to be on the way regardless, but I always enjoy this 134 year old tradition. The members of Punxsutawney Phil’s top-hat-wearing club will celebrate all day in western Pennsylvania at a festival that has its origin in a German legend that says if a furry rodent casts a shadow on the second of February, winter continues. If not, spring comes early.
Phil does not predict spring very often and “today’s prediction may be the 21st time in over 100 years the cuddly oracle has called for an early end to winter” according to Janice Dean, meteorologist. Warmer days are apparently ahead. Woohoo! Although we really cannot complain as we have yet to have snow in Chestertown. My students at Kent School have several Snow Stix from our visit last year with meteorologist Justin Berk, and they are standing tall in the grass right now in a few spots on campus.
I am sure many of you are hoping for a snow day tomorrow so you won’t have to go to work or school following the Super Bowl. I know it will be a late night for die hard fans who may have a stake in the game. I think I saw a piece of paper on the counter with a lot of squares on it. Some of the boxes say Mugele, and at a closer look, I see Jim, Jenna, Kelsy, and James have boxes, but not me. Guess I did not make the cut.
Truthfully, I could care less about the actual football game, although my first date with Jim was to a Super Bowl party 33 years ago, but that is another story. So, while watching does bring back some fond and funny memories, I really only watch the Super Bowl for the advertising. From a person who spent many years in the advertising industry, the 5.6 million dollar 30-second commercials are fun for me to critique. It drives Jim nuts. And, since I know companies paid a lot of money to have this coveted time for showcasing their product or service to millions of viewers, I feel compelled to tune in. Last year there were 42 Super Bowl commercials, but who’s counting.
Enjoy your Groundhog Day and Super Bowl Sunday. Fingers crossed for snow overnight!
That's Another Story 