For the second year in a row, we made the journey to the Staten Island Zoo to hear the prognostications of Chuck, New York City's only forecasting groundhog. Waking up to a city covered in a sheet of ice – and this coming after the snowiest January on record – we could all use a bit of good news when it comes to the weather. As hoped, Chuck predicted spring's rapid approach. It should be noted that his report was related to the public by way of a medium, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who said before the groundhog had even been rousted from this lair that he expected a call of early spring. Like the rest of us, the mayor may have been projecting his hopes onto Chuck, and it undoubtedly influenced his translation of the Groundhogese.
In addition to the mayor, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and other local dignitaries, Buddy Valastro and the crew of Cake Boss made the trek from Hoboken through the ice and slush to present a special cake for the occasion. We didn't get a slice, but who wants cake at 7:30 in the morning? (Answer: the many, many small children in attendance). Unlike last year, Chuck and his more famous counterpart, Punxsutawney Phil, were in agreement, as neither saw their shadows; Connecticut Chuckles, who resides in Manchester, also called for early spring. We will never know, however, what Malverne Mel saw when he emerged from his burrow this morning, because his prediction ceremony was canceled due to the weather.
So, another year, another Groundhog Day, another call for winter's end – we shall see what the next six weeks have in store.
For questions or comments about this blog post, please contact Andrew Gustafson or leave a comment. All photos are by Andrew Gustafson.
So, another year, another Groundhog Day, another call for winter's end – we shall see what the next six weeks have in store.
For questions or comments about this blog post, please contact Andrew Gustafson or leave a comment. All photos are by Andrew Gustafson.
