Groundhog Day: Unfair to Cats?

Since we moved to Central Florida in 2001, I don't really worry that much about those extended cold winters anymore as I always did previously when we lived in New York State. But I still fully remember that I would start counting the days and minutes, until spring would arrive. I would begin to feel my renewal energy return on December 22, the very next day after that shortest day; the Winter Solstice, on December 21. In fact, with the daily addition of two minutes of longer daylight beginning, I always felt exalted and reassured anticipating the return of spring. So you see Ground Hog Day no longer holds any meaning to me at all. At one time, I would eagerly look forward to that beloved Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, crossing my fingers that he wouldn't see his shadow. But when he did, my heart would always sink more than a little bit. My husband used to chuckle at me when I gave him the bad news, immediately after I watched the morning television news featuring the chubby little rodent's seasonal forecast. Oh dear, another six weeks of nasty winter weather lay ahead. I personally did not find any humor in it at all. But the other night, for some unknown reason, when we sat down to dinner, the subject of Ground Hog day mysteriously began to take on a life of its own. It might have been due to the extraordinarily unusual freezing weather we were experiencing! My husband and I began reminiscing about that delightful movie, released in 1993, "Ground Hog' Day", starring Bill Murray, and began an animated discussion about the day that we went to see it. It was a late afternoon showing, and when we left the theater, the huge blizzard that had been predicted had already started. We even remembered how we immediately went grocery shopping to stock up on necessary supplies. But I digress. Our Oriental Shorthair cat, Hush Puppy, is a regular guest at our dinner table. He sits on the corner at the end of the table, allowed there since he demonstrates such suburb manners. He doesn't beg. He seems to enjoy being included in our conversations and gets deeply involved. He is such an incredible thinker . . . that one! And as he listened his ears perked forward and I swear I felt his upset growing stronger. He turned to me and clearly communicated his animated upset about his feelings that cats were being discriminated against. After all why would a furry fat rodent be selected to perform such a vitally important prophesy? Cats are far more intelligent and we all know that they have greater talents in the area of prognostication. I can't begin to describe how indignant he became. It was scary! And shortly thereafter, I overheard him informing his brother, Hubble, that he is now launching his campaign to dethrone the Groundhog and replace him with a furry tabby cat! Therefore, I ask all you cat lovers out there: will you join his cause? He is looking for support here. Please do leave a comment and let him know that you are on his side. Punxsutawney Phil will just have to find another occupation. I am sure there is a great position for him somewhere in this country of great opportunity.