Four Things for February 2

Today, is of course, most famous here in the United States because it is Groundhog Day.  If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there are six more weeks of winter.  Seems to me that Phil can't help but see his shadow, since TV stations cover the "official" event, and those lights would make anyone see their shadow, right?

I know a lot of people who get really worked up by the whole thing.  I enjoy Groundhog Day, because I think it is just one of those fun days on the calendar.  I don't really care if Phil does or does not see his shadow, because winter doesn't seem to pay much attention to anyone's calendar, though it technically ends on March 21.

Speaking of the day, "Groundhog Day" is one of my favorite movies.  I love the part where Bill Murray says, "Don't drive angry, Phil."

Today is also the birthday of James Joyce.  I have only ever made it through "Dubliners," which I love, but The Tim can pretty much recite a lot of his work.  And he has actually read "Ulysses" all the way through more than once.  What??!

And though some say it is tomorrow, when I was growing up, we always got our throats blessed on February 2, in honor of the feast day of St. Blaise.  Did you know that he is the patron saint of wool carders?  He is also the saint to ask for help with throat illnesses and disorders.  With my throat issues all of my life, I may have worn him out ...

So even if it is a Monday, and the weather (at least here) is dreary and cold and wet, I like knowing that there are at least four things that make today noteworthy.

I hope the rest of the week is good for all of us.  Onward and upward, right?