On February 2nd, 2022, Groundhog Day, Balzac Billy took his time getting out from his burrow.
 
 
Taking his time digging himself out of his burrow, he was met with a balmy temperature of -25 degrees Celsius, and unfortunately, he saw his shadow, meaning we are in for six more weeks of winter. 
 
 
However, there is still a sliver of hope as Billy is not always correct; he predicted an early spring in 2019 and 2020, so perhaps his prediction today will be wrong, but to our delight.
 
But what of Billy's counterparts in other provinces? Well, Manitoba Merv also foresaw a longer winter in store, and so did Balzac's Billy's furry friend, Shubenacadie Sam, all the way in Nova Scotia. But Ontario's groundhog Wiarton Willie begged to disagree - he did not see his shadow, forecasting an early Spring. Then there is Quebec's Fred la marmotte, who sadly also forecast six more weeks of winter. 
 
Originally, GroundHog Day was birthed from superstition by the Pennsylvania Dutch community who believed that if a groundhog came out from its burrow on this day and saw its shadow in clear weather, scurrying back into its den, that meant six more weeks of winter. If a groundhog did see its shadow, the daises would be blooming soon. 
 
Alas, it looks like we have to dive into our blanket forts and stock up on the tea and hot chocolate.
 

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