With one snowy day behind us, and a chilly forecast for the week ahead, my thoughts have begun turning to the halfway mark of winter…and the anticipation of predictions to be made by rodents awakening from hibernation.

On February 2, the most popular groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, will awaken at daybreak to give our nation his weather prediction. Will Phil see his shadow? Will there be six more weeks of winter? Or will it be a cloudy, shadowless day in Pennsylvania? Will spring be on the way?

I prefer to rely on our local groundhog, Woody, who will be making his appearance at the Natural Science Center in Greensboro. Woody, unlike Phil, may not make his prediction based solely on his shadow. It is rumored that Woody may be influenced by the crowd. I hope that no one present is going to be cheering for Woody to predict six more weeks of winter.

As we begin the second half of winter next week, I’ll be eagerly awaiting the colorful crocus and daffodils that will be piercing the landscape soon. Daylight savings time can’t be far behind!

Ahhh…January. It’s the time for New Year’s resolutions and the emptiness of no holiday or warm weather to look forward to for a several months.
I propose that we make this January different. I’m not talking about fitness resolutions that will undoubtedly fall by the way side in the spring or mourning a tropical-island winter vacation that the poor economy has now made unaffordable. Instead, let’s focus on the good things, the simple good things that help us get through January:
NFL Playoffs –I don’t care if your team has been eliminated. With only a handful of games left in the season, every game is precious.
Chocolate – With holiday chocolate still in the house and on sale in the stores, plus the arrival of Valentine’s Day chocolates, is there a better time of year for the greatest food ever?
Award Shows – They’re back! It’s always fun to critique the nominees’ gown or suit…….errrr, I mean performance.
The television show 24 is back on—Need I say more?  Wouldn’t the world be a better place if Jack Bauer really did exist?
The point is no matter what you enjoy, take time to enjoy it!  Be grateful for the simple things in your life that give you pleasure.  January doesn’t have to be the bleak month that is dreaded by so many. Find your fun and remember-- the month only lasts for 31 days.