Tomorrow, February 2nd is known for no less than three major (or not-so-major) annual events:
First, it’s Groundhog Day, a day which reminds the world that Americans still dominate the very pinnacle of absurdity: People in the town of Punxsutawney,* Pennsylvania wear top hats, speak an incomprehensible version of German, and watch a groundhog named Phil predict the future. Interestingly, young groundhogs are called “chucklings,” presumably because chuckling is what they do when they see humans. (*From an old Native American expression meaning “white men are idiots.”)
Second, it’s “Fall off the Wagon”** Day which, according to the Foursquare City Guide, is the day of the year when the largest number of people both abandon their New Years Resolutions and eat the greatest amount of junk food. Unlike Groundhog Day, it’s not always on the 2nd. But, like the movie Groundhog Day, it’s repeated every day of the year thereafter. (**From an old Native American expression meaning “See, we told you you white men were idiots.”)
And finally, it’s The Day the Teemleys Moved to Cincinnati Day,*** because nineteen years ago our family moved here from sunny Southern California. We were going to live in Paris, but then at the last minute we said, “Wait! Let’s go someplace really romantic!!” So, of course, we ended up in Cincinnati, Ohio, widely known as “the Most Romantic City in the World.” (Or not.) And we actually like it. (***Also known as “The Teemleys are Redundant Day.”)
LOL! This I’ll share with my PA born husband whose favorite holiday is Groundhog Day!
Mitch, I love these celebrations! It’s best I stay on the wagon as long as possible–I’ve had too many falls, tee hee. My favorite is the “The Day the Teemleys Moved to Cincinnati Day”! How blessed is the city for that? 💕 Happy February to you and yours, dear friend! You make our lives richer!
Aw, thank you, Karla. Ditto!
You’re welcome! And thank you, too!
I have a friend who loves Groundhog Day, because it’s one holiday where she’s not expected to host a family gathering or send greeting cards out (even though such cards do existed, it’s not expected).
and I checked, but so far I can’t find any cards on the Hallmark website for “Moved to Cincinnati Day.” Sorry … I’ll just have to get my crayons out and color you a card …
;>) Funny, the greeting card section of the (Cincinnati-based) Kroger supermarkets are full of “Moved to Cincinnati Day” cards, Andrew.
I’m so thankful you’re amusing, and so are a throng of your followers!
Aw, thanks, Joy!
Oh wow, a possible move to Paris and then a detour to Cincinnati. At least you can still visit Paris!
And plan to!
Thank you Mitch. Number 3 was funny and I guess I’ll be celebrating the “Fall off the Wagon” tomorrow.
That’s the spirit, Edward!
It’s keen that you and Carolyn, from Beauty Beyond Bones, live in the same city. She’s an eating disorder survivor turned social media influencer turned newly married and a mother to be.
Anyway, if you haven’t already connected with this vivacious 30 something, please do. She’s also an aspiring actress! I’m telling you, Mitch, this gal is as effervescent as a glass of Alka-Seltzer. 💖
I follow Caralyn, David, and agree completely with your assessment of her. We ran into each other at a movie audtion one time, btw.
Welcome to February! The only thing I like about Groundhog Day is all those adorable groundhogs who look as confused as I always am about why they’re being pulled out of their holes. As to spring coming sooner or not I think it is a mystical thing and depends entirely upon the weather and not some poor groundhog who just woke up from its winter nap,
I have to agree, Rasma.
Cold California is chuckling over here but missing their bandwagon! Not going to lie donuts sound good (lol). Happy moving post!
;>)
I’m not celebrating the first two events but, as a fellow buckeye, I’ll celebrate the third one. So, congrats on being an Ohioan for 19 years!
Thanks, Nancy! I’ll dedicate my next plate of Cincinnati chili to you.
Thank you for the “chuckle”. Love the White men are idiots – I had never heard this before. Feb 2 is special in my family as it’s my oldest sister’s birthday.
See! Everything important happens on Feb 2!
I love the Native American saying, “White men are idiots.)
It’s funny that Fall off the Wagon Day is the same day as the most junk food eaten. I suspect there’s a diet resolution tangled up in there somewhere!
I suspect you’re right, Priscilla!
A few years ago I actually got to see (and photograph) Wiarton Willie, Ontario’s official groundhog, in his cage. He is completely white.
Surprising. But then, I suppose a Canadian groundhog might need to blend in with the snow.
I don’t think white groundhogs are very common. In a small town a bit north of where I live there are white squirrels and it’s the only place they are found.
Our friends used to live in Ohio and I can never remember if it’s Cleveland or Cincinnati that they said was called “The Mistake on the Lake” … (EDIT: I looked at Google and it’s Cleveland LOL)
Yep, Cincinnati’s on the Ohio River. “The Liver on the…” No, it just doesn’t work.
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You forgot National Working Naked Day. Out of respect for my colleagues, I am not participating.
;>)
Happy all three of those days to you, my friend. I had another witty friend who commented that it seems like a gigantic missed opportunity that Feb. 2 (numerically noted 2/2) is not also National Ballet Day.
;>)
Well, you have been blessed and today you have much to celebrate – make it good!
Thanks for sharing this
I missed it – when is winter going to end?
The day spring begins. ;>)
California to Cincinnati…how interesting.