Dear Punxsutawney Phil

Dear Phil:

It was so good to see you this morning. You certainly looked warm in your fuzzy fur coat. (Although, between friends, fur is so politically uncorrect these days. Next year, you might want to try a wool-cashmere blend. I see you in blue.)

I'm not sure you're aware, since I doubt your eyes had time to adjust to the light before you were shoved back into your burrow, but you allegedly saw your shadow this morning. According to Germanic tradition, that means we'll have six more weeks of winter.

If that's true, I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Here in Minnesota, winter usually camps out for at least eight more weeks, if not ten. Last year, we even got snow in May. (It felt a little like we were living in the movie "Groundhog Day." We kept waking up, expecting something new -- like warmth and flowers and green grass -- but nothing changed. It was just snow and gray and more cold temperatures.) (You were stellar in that movie, by the way. It's still one of my favorites.) (But I am sorry that wacky Phil Connors made you pull a "Thelma & Louise." That had to stink.)

Anyway. What I'm saying is, your prediction that winter is only going to last six more weeks is great news. I can't believe spring is coming early! I'm going to go dig out my flip-flops today, and circle March 16 on my calendar with a fat red marker.

Have fun hibernating. I'd join you, but if spring will be here in just six weeks, I'd better hit the gym. Swimsuit season, you know.

Much love from Minnesota,

Kelly @ Love Well