Walking The Susquehanna River, Central Pennsylvania, taking a walk with Mom on on her 70th birthday weekend, November 2007, photo © 2007 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
forget politics
cast your vote for the real deal
Punxsutawney Phil
-posted on red Ravine, Saturday, February 2nd, 2008, Groundhog Day
-related to posts, haiku (one-a-day) and The Politics Of Primary Season 2008 (A Presidential Primer)
Hear about Phil’s Florida relative here
http://tinyurl.com/2p6h2n
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diddy, Gus sounds like a likely candidate. I’m adding a LINK here to your Comment 33 on Gus, the Lotto Guy.
From diddy – her vote goes to Gus:
“Gus” the 2nd most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania (25 delegates)! My vote would be for Gus (the underhog) & his slogan would be “Keep on scratchin’!”
TRM, I’m thinking Funxsutawney in Florida is out of the race. No more votes for that poor guy.
Here are some other famous groundhogs on the ballot this year:
Buckeye Chuck- Ohio (5 delegates)
A February tradition for many years, the Ohio General Assembly declared ‘Buckeye Chuck’ from Marion, OH, the official State Groundhog in 1979.
General Beauregard Lee – Georgia (12 delegates)
The official weather prognosticating groundhog from the state of Georgia makes his home at the Yellow River Game Ranch.
Shubenacadie Sam – Nova Scotia (3 delegates)
This Canadian groundhog makes his home at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park in Nova Scotia and makes one of the earliest Groundhog Day predictions.
Smith Lake Jake – Alabama (4 delegates)
Jake, the groundhog, lives at the Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham, Alabama, where he makes his annual weather-predicting appearance at 10 am on Saturday, February 2. Southern groundhogs like to sleep in late!
Staten Island Chuck – New York (15 delegates)
The Staten Island Zoo is home to groundhog Staten Island Chuck who makes his official Groundhog Day prediction each year at 7:30 a.m. on February 2nd.
Sir Walter Wally – North Carolina (14 delegates)
This southern groundhog and his friends at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences invite you to participate in the annual statewide celebration of Groundhog Day to see Sir Walter Wally emerge from his winter digs.
Wiarton Willie – Ottawa, Canada (13 delegates)
Canada’s answer to Punxsutawney Phil, Wiarton Willie is a groundhog living on the South Bruce Peninsula.
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I Go Pogo!
http://www.igopogo.com/pogo_for_pres.htm
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Great POGO campaign buttons at that link. I like the 1968 button: POGO will NOT play possum in the White House! He’s only been running since 1952. Do you think he has a chance against Punxsutawney Phil? He’s been running in Punxsutawney since 1886!
History of Groundhog Day (LINK)
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Thanks, QM! This post gave me quite a chuckle! I have to admit that my admiration for “Gus” is because my youngest brother is an auditor for the PA State Lottery & he & his wife have three children to raise! (Although I have to admit I rarely play anymore) The funny part is that his wife is an auditor for the IRS! Thanks for this post! I truly needed an uplift today! Also, all the other candidates you mention! I’m “still scratchin’!”, my head that is! D
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QM, I forgot to mention the photo! The islands in the background! My 2nd home! It gives me something to look forward to! Thanks again! Love, D
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Oh, Obudsben, thank you so very much for the link to Pogo! I put it in my “Favorites” list, so I can always have it…Bless you! It was one of my all-time favorite comic strips.
Thanks, QM for the post…lightens up the politics…someone needed to hand shovels to Obama & Clinton…their “making nice” act was gettin’ it pretty deep!!
I nominate Gus for Prez with Howland Owl for Vice!
D, I hope you got the uplift you needed…sorry to hear you needed one!
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I think NM is missing something. Do we even have a groundhog? If we did, chances would be 98% that he’d see his shadow and we’d be stuck with 6 more weeks of winter. That’s probably why he’s banned from showing up here.
And then I found out that Groundhog Day screenwriter, Danny Rubin (LINK), who is credited for inventing Punxsutawney Phil, teaches in NM at the College of Santa Fe. How ironic is that!?
And then I found this article (LINK) (which is cached not live, apparently, so I hope it comes through) about a group of activists who last year worked to create a “Western take on an Eastern tradition”: Prairie Dog Day. How cool is that?
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YB, I think if we threw a Prairie Dog into the mix of candidates, it could prove to be an interesting election! We need change. Phil has been predicting for way too long! I must add a PA native from Berks County into this election. It is a female groundhog & her name is Patty Pagoda! She DID NOT see her shadow, so the controversy continues! Mind you, she only has 3 years experience, so take a long hard look at all of the candidates before you decide! D
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OMG, diddy, I hadn’t realized what you just called out. Duh! The Prairie Dog is the candidate of change! LOL!!!!
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Oliverowl — my pleasure! I’ve got a special spot for Pogo Possum, Howland Q. Owl, Churchy LaFemme, Mamselle Hepsibah, Albert Alligator, and Grundoon, too.
When I was very small I pulled the books out from my parents’ shelves and looked at the pictures. I was still learning how to read, so I didn’t know what they were saying. Then as I learned my letters I went back through and the comics helped me figure it out. Sort of. Or maybe this is why my spellings were all too often too, err, creative. Rowrbazzle!
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QM, I am wondering where you & Mom were when you took that photo! Both J & I have studied it & think we have an idea, but are not sure. Maybe I will give Mom a call today. I haven’t checked in with her lately. D
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diddy, we drove down to the very last dock where there was a large parking lot, then we walked a ways back to a second dock that was smaller. A woman who was, I’m guessing in her 70’s, was fishing there. She was really great and stopped to talk to us.
I have some longshots of this spot as well, looking both directions. Maybe I’ll post them in Flickr later and you can get a better idea. YES, these are the islands near your summer home! I had not thought of that. I love the Susquehanna.
Thanks to everyone for your comments on this post. A little political levity is well appreciated!
ybonesy, I’m always amazed at the connections between the states I’ve lived in and the things I write about to New Mexico. There are many links between the Midwest and the Southwest. I’m more and more surprised by them every day.
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QM, I did in fact call Mom & she confirmed what I already thought was the spot. Thanks! She said you parked in the area where we launch our boat & walked to the smaller dock that I sort of thought was the dock in the photo. Let me know when you post the photos on Flickr. She also told me about the woman who was fishing that day. She said she was delightful! I too, love the Susquehanna. So peaceful there!
I obviously enjoyed this post & it certainly did lighten things up a bit! Love, D
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QM, about the photo. I am going to add a link to the post that probably should be added to the What is Your Totem Animal post instead. But it has to do with Eagles on the Susquehanna & is a very cool series of photos taken along a stretch of the river located in northeastern MD in Harford County (not really very far from us here) I hope you enjoy them & there is also a photo in there for oliverowl!D
http://www.woodyseagles.com/3.html
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diddy, that’s a really cool link. Some of the best animated photos I’ve seen of the eagles. (Just a warning, if people are still on dial-up, and I know a few, the link will take a while to load.)
Looks like Eagle nesting begins this month, from February until July. Did you see that they lost one of the females somehow? Wonder what happened to her. Have you ever gone to that part of the Susquehanna, diddy?
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a bald eagle’s nest up close. It was in the forest on a hike in Montana. It’s hard to understand the scale of them, until you are actually standing under one. Magnificent.
Liz and I like to go down to Redwing, Minnesota and watch the bald eagles in winter. It looks similar to the shots he had of the eagles over the water. Thanks for the link!
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Oh, I’m glad Mom remembers the fisherwoman. She had a baseball cap with pins and was hooking something on the end of her line as bait. Her line kept getting tangled though. I wonder if J. would like the ice fishing here in Minnesota? It’s HUGE this time of year. The ice houses look so cool at night. Just a warm orange glow on the blue ice.
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Some other animals coming out in February to support the Groundhogs. This just in from our Nature Happenings newsletter. Some of these are surprising to me that they are happening so early in the year:
-Horned Larks migrating, Snow Buntings in open fields and roads
-Cardinals singing “what cheer, cheer, cheer”
-Chickadees courting, singing “phoebe” call
-Great Horned Owls nesting, incubating eggs
-Striped Skunks, Squirrels, and Red Fox mating
-Goldfinches yellowing into alternate mating plumage
-Cedar Waxwings eating remaining Crabapples, Bittersweet, and Mountain Ash berries
-Black Bear cubs being born, north
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QM, yes for dial-up folks it will take a while for sure! I also wondered what happened to the female eagle. As far as spending time in that area, yes, I have been there many times. When I moved to the area many of my friends were from the Havre-de-Grace area in MD just a few miles from where these photos were taken. I had friends (a married couple) who bought hundreds of acres of land near there. Part of the land in PA & part in MD. (Gosh taxed in 2 states!)
For years my ex & I had a small Airstream camper that we kept at a campground just north of Harrisburg, where the Susquehanna & Juniata Rivers meet. There were groups of us that took many canoe trips on each of those rivers! Awesome! Some of these trips involved 12 plus hours, but never an overnight trip.
J says he would certainly enjoy an ice fishing day in MN, provided it involved a well heated hut! 🙂 D
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It’s hard to imagine owning land that crosses into 2 states! Yes, tell J. some of the ice fishing huts here are furnished better than my home! We’ll make sure he gets an ice condo. 8)
I remember seeing somewhere this house completely made out of ice that people go to and check out a room for the night. I think it was in another country. Does anyone remember seeing that place? I was amazed that people wanted to do that.
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J is all for the condo! A creature of comfort, that J!:)
I have heard of the ice house you speak of, but I thought it was a hotel & even the beds were made of ice! And it also brings to mind something I once saw about a restaurant (at least I think that’s what it was!) made out of sea salt! People would go there & actually lick the exterior! Something I would not suggest trying with the house made of ice! D
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Wow, had not heard of the salty restaurant before. YES, the other was an ice hotel with ice beds, everything ice. I’ll have to come back and post a link if I run into it again.
I once watched a documentary on the old fashioned way they used to cut ice from the lakes with these huge saws and picked them up with equally large tongs. It was an art form to cut a block of ice and transport it to the ice house or ice box.
We have the Winter Carnival here in St. Paul, Minnesota and there is a castle made of ice and tons of sculptures. I saw something this year about how they are having a hard time finding volunteers. It used to be a huge thing here in winters. Not sure what’s going on this year.
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I wonder about the food served at the ice hotel? I would hope that a nutty buddy would be on the room service menu! Goodnight! D
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diddy, a nutty buddy is indeed in order. Found some info on the ice hotel and a link. Every year they build it. Every year it melts away. A real lesson in impermanence and letting go.
Here’s the link. Stunning photographs there, too. Any takers for a stay?
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D, I just viewed the eagle (plus owls) link…thanks, it was great! I sent the link to my sister & brothrt-in-law, as they are very fond of eagles!
No way would you catch me in an ice hotel, hut, etc. I like warm rooms and hot food!
I really liked the movie, “Ground Hog Day.” Such an
important life-lesson to be learned!
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oliverowl, my pleasure! I’m glad you enjoyed the link! The owl was a plus & I was hoping you would enjoy! D
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My vote is for “Smith Lake Jake”, because he wears a hat, and a groundhog that wears a hat, has to be a pretty cool dude.
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Carl, good choice. But I wonder how you know Smith Lake Jake wears a hat?
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I cast my vote for “Smith Lake Jake”.He is for sure the cutest groundhog in the world.
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TYPE IN “SMITH LAKE JAKE”, AND YOU CAN SEE A PICTURE OF HIM WEARING HIS HAT. OR YOU CAN TYPE IN SMITH LAKE LIVING, AND SEE HIS PICTURE WEARING A HAT. I KNOW THAT HE WEARS A HAT, BECAUSE I SAW HIM ON T.V WEARING A HAT,AND AT THE SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL WEARING ONE. CHECK HIM OUT YOURSELF, REALLY COOL.
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So that’s 2 votes for Smith Lake Jake from carl and leea, 1 vote for Gus from alittlediddty, and, yeah, I’m still voting for Punxsutawney Phil!
I did see your photo of Smith Lake Jake at Smith Lake Jake living. There’s also a YouTube video. But you have to make it through half the video and someone’s version of Coming ‘Round the Mountain to get a glimpse of the hat. He is awful cute though.
Groundhog Day at Birmingham Zoo (LINK TO VIDEO) – Smith Lake Jake at the Birmingham Zoo
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I have to vote for “SMITH LAKE JAKE” as well. I don’t always agree with carl but this time I do. “SMITH LAKE JAKE” makes you love to have a groundhog as a pet. I saw him at the festival also,and he really is adorable, and he does wear a hat, and he is very tame,and will give you kisses. There is the most adorable picture of him on smith lake living magazine wearing his hat with his name on it. I wish you would put it on your page. Yea “SMITH LAKE JAKE gets my vote too. Oh, and the blond lady in the video is his owner. He is a house groundhog, and has his own bed, so im told.
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I’ve seen Smith Lake Jake on numerous appearances (Fox 6 News on TV, the Birmingham Zoo, the Suzuki Man Show and Taylor Hicks’ parade) He is sooooo cute. I don’t think I’ve seem him without a hat. . . . so Smith Lake Jake gets my vote.
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Anne, welcome to red Ravine. And another vote for Smith Lake Jake, who at this point, is winning the election by a landslide!
And Nancy, Carl’s better half, thanks for the info. I didn’t know the woman in the video of Smith Lake Jake was his owner. She’s the one singing, Comin’ Round the Mountain! Or that SLJ is a well-kept house groundhog. So another vote from Nancy for Smith Lake Jake.
And for the readers who want to see Smith Lake Jake with his hat on, here’s the link to Smith Lake Living. You have to scroll down the page and he’s on the right:
Smith Lake Jake (with is hat) at Smith Lake Living (LINK)
How come no one’s voting for Buckeye Chuck? 8)
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What I want to know is, why no caucus for the NM Prairie Dog??
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LOL. 8) Ah, ybonesy, I had to go back up to your Comment (#8) to remind myself about the little prairie dog candidate. I found a post that says that both prairie dogs and groundhogs are marmots. But there is a slight difference in the way they make their homes:
Well, hmmmm. I guess the Prairie Dog really is the candidate of change! To read the rest of the story, anyone interested can go to:
Light-Science – Prairie Dogs and Groundhogs (LINK)
Seriously, though, I love the prairie dogs. I think the last time I saw a bunch of them was at the Minnesota Zoo. They remind me of a land version of the playful river otters we have here.
Hey what about the other candidate that diddy threw into the mix – the female groundhog named Patty Pagoda? Who’s fending for her? Oh, dear. I have to rethink my vote.
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My vote is definately for Smith Lake Jake. He came to Missouri and visited my kids’ school. All the kids got their pictures taken with him and petted him, he’s so friendly. His owner kisses him right on the nose, sings groundhog songs and hands out groundhog books to the kids so they can learn about them … and he was wearing a hat (I think it was a top hat with his name on it). I also saw him at the Missouri State Fair riding a mechanical bull. That groundhog gets around, really travels the US to meet and greet folks! My vote is for him!!!! Go Smith Lake Jake!!!
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My vote is for Smith Lake Jake, too!!! Gotta love the hats!! But, you can’t kiss a groundhog on the lips. Not only is that disgusting, but groundhogs don’t have lips. Only rims around their mouth.
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Tam, welcome to red Ravine. And another vote for the Southerner, Smith Lake Jake! That’s pretty cool that your kids got to see him in Missouri (I mean, isn’t he from Alabama?) It sounds like his campaign manager really knows how to get out there and work the audience and the Press! Well, I’ll keep tallying the votes as we roll along toward the November elections.
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QM, looks like Smith Lake Jake is running away with this election! Poor Gus! He dropped out today! I just heard the news & I am devastated!
I am seriously considering the Prairie dog. But he or she needs a name. YB, any suggestions?
Check out this link:
http://www.desertusa.com/dec96/du_pdogs.html
D
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Good idea, diddy. How about Rio Grande Valley Rosa?
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YB, yes! Good name indeed! Count me in! I support Rio Grande Valley Rosa! D
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Rio Grande Valley Rosa, nice name. Poor Gus. Well, I guess he’s so rich, it won’t matter. He’ll find something else to do.
diddy, what about Patty Pagoda, the PA native from Berks County? You’re jumping ship over to the NM Prairie Dog, Rio Grande Valley Rosa? And I forgot that Pogo’s got a couple of votes as well. Diverse race.
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QM, I like Patty Pagoda , but she lacks experience. I kinda like the Prairie Dog, though their life span is very short. D
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Smith Lake Jake gets my vote! He is so cute and you have to love the hats. We live in the same town and he is in all the local parades. Hope he wins!
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Vote for Smith Lake Jake!
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Clearly Smith Lake Jake is gaining momentum. Rio Grande Rosa is going to have to win big these next few races. I’ll have to get the word out that she’s running.
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I had no idea Smith Lake Jake was so popular. And with people all over the country. You learn something new every day!
ybonesy, I’m thinking some signs might be in order for Rio Grande Rosa. Maybe a few doodles. It seems like Smith Lake Jake’s hat is enormously popular. Hmmm, we’ll have to noodle on that. 8)
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Good idea, QM. I’ll start thinking about a doodle that might help move her campaign forward. I also need to ping some of the NM visitors to the site — Mimbres Man, bloomgal, my sister who never comments, my niece and nephew who never comment (guys — your vote matters!), and others. The time is now. Change is in the air.
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p.s., Yes We Can.
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Prairie does are too cute, but only groundhog’s can predict, and we need a leader that can predict the future, as well as the weather. That is more then Clinton, Obama , and mccain can do. I was going to go with Buckeye Chuck, but when I looked at the picture here of Smith Lake Jake, and saw how distinguished he look’s, I have to go with Smith Lake Jake , Because a good leader should look distinguished.
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Matthew, I like your reasoning. Predicting the future is a big plus. And a groundhog can rise to the occasion. 8)
Hey, you reminded me that we’ve only got photo links to Smith Lake Jake, Rio Grande Rosa (well, I think that’s her in the photo link from diddy), Gus (who now has dropped out of the race), and Punxsutawney Phil. In fairness to the other candidates, we really need to find links to photographs of them.
A face is worth 1000 words. And people are incredibly visual. I think that (and that distinguished hat) is helping to give Smith Lake Jake the edge. He seems to have quite a following that has been with him over the long haul. Very loyal. I value that trait.
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Well, yes, it’s true that groundhogs make predictions — at least one — each year. But do we have data on how often their predictions come true? I’d have to see the data first before I could get behind a candidate who simply predicts.
As for distinguished looks…well, I don’t know about that one. At one point, we had what some would have called a pretty good-looking candidate on the slate. His hair was perfect, his smile — wholesome. And where is he now? History, kaput.
But, since we’re considering each candidate’s assets at this stage in the race, I would only ask that voters consider what we know about Prairie Dogs. Have you ever seen their villages? One thing is for sure — a Prairie Dog can build community.
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ybonesy, well, those are all good points, too. Whew, now I really don’t know who to vote for. To be fair, I’m holding out to see photos of all the candidates, standing on their earthy platforms.
Barring that, I think I’m going for a composite candidate – the best of all of their attributes rolled into one candidate.
Perhaps their slogan would be – Yes We Can From Day One. 8)
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Good one 8)
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YB, I couldn’t agree with you more. After doing some research on the Praire Dog, I have discoverved an admiration for them. Those little tiny ears say so much about how astute & protective they are. And yes, they are all about community! They sense danger & react. Not to be said of the groundhog. And anyone who lives with groundhogs in their yard (as we did at the farm) will understand how destructive they really are. They burrow holes in places that will begin the process of taking down buildings etc.. That is not something I can stand for nor admire. Let’s go Rio Grande Valley Rosa!!!! D
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Yeah, diddy! Hopefully Rosa will emerge from hibernation soon to start campaigning ; – ).
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It is hard to picture “Smith Lake Jake” riding a mechanical bull. That is funny!!! If “Smith Lake Jake” can ride a mechanical bull, then he’s got my vote.
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MAKE NO MISTAKE VOTE “SMITH LAKE JAKE” Yea that groundhog really is popular down south, and I have petted him, at the fall festival in Birmingham. He gets my vote, and he’ll be a good president.
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Riding a mechanical bull? Is that the groundhog’s version of being a good commander-in-chief?
OK, I did look at Smith Lake Jake in his hat, and while I agree he looked dignified (it was an black top hat with shell and other decals), I am worried that he is too nice. Sounds like he does a lot of kissing and visiting schools, but can he make the hard decisions about our country’s future?
Also, I think the media is playing favorites with him, giving him lots of extra press coverage. Not that I don’t think he’s a wonderful groundhog, mind you, but CAN he be a wonderful president?
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I vote for Smith Lake Jake. I think he is the most distinguished looking presidential candidate. I think Obama should take some of Smith Lake Jakes dress code and maybe a hat might help.
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I just found out that Smith Lake Jake has his own website and HE ACTUALLY DID RIDE A MECHANICAL BULL. Check it out at this address http://www.easysite.com/smithlakejake
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Wow, Smith Lake Jake is still the frontrunner. I had no idea he had his own website. Thanks for the link Charlie. Quite a few photos there and more press coverage for Smith Lake. I’ll have to start tallying up the delegates and see how far ahead he is. I think some of the other candidates have dropped out of the race as well.
I was hoping we would hear from someone who knew Shubenacadie Sam from Nova Scotia. Who would have thought Nova Scotia had groundhogs. 8)
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Hi. Just saw this about Smith Lake Jake ( http://www.easysite.com/smithlakejake ). It’s got some pictures of him on it.
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Well … I guess I should have read up a bit first! Someone beat me to the punch! Smith Lake Jake really is a cutie. There’s a picture of him on that website as a baby. Too cute.
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Well this is really a fun page,Groundhogs running for president. I would really rather vote for one of our favorite groundhog’s then who we have running for president now, and I think I will. I like both Punxsutawney Phil, and Smith Lake Jake, but I think I will choose to vote Smith Lake Jake, because he kisses baby’s and He is looks fun loveing and smart. Yea he get’s my vote too! Maybe they both can be in office as a team.
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Tam, thanks for weighing in your vote for Jake! Welcome to red Ravine.
Libby, I like the idea of teamwork. Seems like a lost concept out in the real political world. But maybe it will work for Phil and Jake. I guess that remains to be seen. So another vote for Smith Lake Jake from you!
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My vote is for Smith Lake Jake because the owner, Ginger, is my aunt! So…Smith Lake Jake could be considered my cousin I guess, lol. PLUS HE’s ADORABLE!!! ^^
I think he’d be a rockin’ president!
(sweet! I feel a bit famous cause I’m realated to him. xD )
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I know what you mean. I feel kind of famous for having had Smith Jake Lake’s cousin (is that your relation to the candidate himself?) comment on red Ravine! 8)
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Well, obviosly, he’s not my blood cousin, but I figure that since my Aunt is the owner, and SLJ is her groundhog, that it could, in a way, be my cousin.
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Wow, another vote for Smith Lake Jake. I’m constantly amazed at how popular he is.
Crystal, I’m just curious – how old is Smith Lake Jake? He sounds like one of a kind. As a lot of my family lives in Pennsylvania, I had only heard mostly of Punxsutawney Phil. (And, honestly, I don’t know how old he is either.)
In the meantime, I’ll track up another vote for Jake in the tally!
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Jake is two right now, but he turns three in May. Yes, he is one of a kind, he’s sweet and is VERY popular down in the south. He’s on the Suzuki Man in Birmingham TV show every day. When Jake has his little hat on his head, my AUnt will sing a song with him sometimes.
lol, he eats a bowl of Trix or Sugarsmacks cereal every morning with REAL vitamin D milk. xD
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Do you think your aunt might be open to becoming campaign manager for Rio Grande Rosa? She is a prairie dog, soon to be out of hibernation, and she will be in need of breakfast for champions. Or would that be a conflict of interest, working for two of the candidates? 8)
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YB, perhaps Smith Lake Jake & Rio Grande Rosa could be running mates. Let’s face it, Looks like Jake has this election in the bag. The mix of groundhog & praire dog has great potential! I think the idea could unite our country! D
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Crystal, I started to think and wonder – okay, 2 years in Groundhog years – how many human years? Does it work the same as 6 or 7 years of dog or cat time for every 1 year as a human? I would have pegged Jake for an older groundhog. He seems so mature. 8)
yb, breakfast of champions, perfect! I think Ginger would make a great campaign manager for Rosa. I wonder if she’s up for it? I think Jake’s being highly favored by the media is making a big difference.
diddy, I like the idea of them running together. Hey, Phil (who I originally did the post for), I don’t think anyone’s voted for him but me. And I thought HE was the popular one! I just don’t know if anyone can compete with Jake’s appearances on Suzuki Man in Birmingham.
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I would like to thank all of my loyal fans for voting for me. If I, Smith Lake Jake, am elected president of the United States, I do here by promise to lower gas prices, lower taxes and put a stop to this war once and for all and bring all of our soldiers home. I will predict the weather every day with 100% accuracy, kiss babies And make groundhogs day a paid holiday, with a huge groundhog’s day parade, with banana sandwiches, and milo’s tea for everyone.
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Oh yea! I would like to vote for myself,
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OK, I think I just decided to vote for Smith Lake Jake! D
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Smith Lake Jake, thanks for visiting us on your campaign trail! And thanks for adding our press release to your new website. I hope people will go and check you out at: Smith Lake Jake’s Official Site (LINK).
I can really get behind two of your campaign promises – Groundhog’s Day as a paid holiday and banana sandwiches. When I was growing up, we often had peanut butter and banana sandwiches and I loved those things. (In fact, I might go make one right now. If I recall correctly Mom also put mayo on them. I know it sounds weird, but that’s what I remember. It adds to the taste.)
But banana sandwiches aside, you just seem like such a nice guy. You stay out of all the fray, make friends and influence people simply with your kindness. I may have to do a write-in vote myself. 8)
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I like mayo on my banana sandwiches ! Peanut butter sticks to the roof of my mouth. Then a nice glass of cold real milk to wash it down.
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Mayo on banana sandwiches?!? That just lost a vote 😉
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Hard to believe, but the mayo makes the sandwich. I know, I know, it sounds strange. But there is something about that mix of flavors that just seems to work.
Oh, the old peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth. That’s true. And when you eat peanut butter with banana, the stick action is doubled. Does Smith Lake Jake really drink milk?
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Smith Lake Jake loves milk but none of that 2% stuff, he likes the real deal. he also loves Milo’s tea, actually the Milo’s tea company called me and said that they read in a national magazine where Smith Lake Jake loved Milo’s tea. They sent Smith Lake Jake a package and a little Milo’s tea hat, for his little groundhog head. They said that they would like to do something with Smith Lake Jake. Smith Lake Jake loves Gummi Bears also. Smith Lake just loves to eat! Smith Lake Jake is a joy to be around. he is a sweet little boy, unless he can’t get his way, then look out! !! Smith Lake Jake will actually stand up and watch the Suzuki man show when it comes on t.v. He loves the Suzuki Man but he has taken a nip or two out of him before.{[funny} Some times I call him Jake and sometimes I call him Smitty {short for smith}. He is our baby and a spoiled little boy he is too.
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Ginger, thanks for the details. Really interesting tidbits about Smith Lake Jake. He sounds like part of your family, kind of like we have Mr. Stripeypants, Kiev, and Chaco. And ybonesy has Otis & Sony (and ybonesy, your other dog’s name starts with an R doesn’t it?).
Milo’s tea and Gummi Bears…quite an unusual appetite for a groundhog. So wait, you mean Smith Lake Jake sometimes bites? I’m trying to imagine a groundhog’s teeth. I kind of like the name Smitty. That’s catchy.
Hey, ybonesy, now’s your chance to ask Ginger in person if she would consider being campaign manager for Rio Grande Rosa (see Comment 73) as well as Smitty. She seems excellent with the publicity. Kind, too! 8)
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Yes, Quoin, groundhogs DO bite. We were in teh car one day and I dunno…I was petting him and he just turned and SNAP bit me. THey have to big front teeth, and I’ve even got a small scar from it..but hey, I can show it off if Jakey wins. “Hey, Look at me! I was bit by the President!”
xD haha! That’d be funny.
And…I’m not sure about the whole…groundhog, human age thing. But maybe I’ll look into it if I have time. I’ve got a huge biography due in English soon, so I’m working on that, and getting on here when I get the chance. 😉
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Crystal, ouch! Well, if it’s any consolation, Jake is ahead in this race. So you might well be able to show off that scar! Hey, good luck on your biography for English. I like biography and the context of how it relates to history. Yeah, if you find out how many groundhog years equals a human year, please let us know. We write about animals, critters, nature, the wild quite a bit on red Ravine. And Jake fits right in. 8)
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I would also like to vote for Smith Lake Jack.I know his Mom & Dad Ginger and Heath.He has been raised to be a fine groundhog.We need a good man like him in office.
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Mangenta, thanks for your vote for Smith Lake Jake. He’s cruising. Say Hi to SLJ’s family!
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Smith Lake Jake is just to cool ! gotta cast my vote for Smith Lake Jake too .
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I HAVE TO AGREE, Smith LAKE jAKE GETS MINE TOO.
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alligator & mamagator, thanks for voting for Smith Lake Jake!
Well, here’s the vote count so far. But the Pennsylvania primary is coming up in April. We’ll have to see if the hometown boy, Punxsutawney Phil, makes any headway in his own state! So far though, Jake’s got quite a lead.
SMITH LAKE JAKE – 21 votes (plus 1 vote for himself)
RIO GRANDE VALLEY ROSA – 2 votes
POGO – 2 votes
GUS – 1 vote
PATTY PAGODA – 1 vote
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL – 1 vote
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Smith Lake Jake ,(SMITTIE) Gets my vote as well. He is my precious little boy.
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Right on— Smith Lake Jake is my man for President. and the best man for the job. He’s got my vote.
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Heath and Nappshack, thanks for weighing in on the goundhog primaries. I’m adding your votes to the grand total. Every vote counts!
____________
SMITH LAKE JAKE – 24 votes (plus 1 vote for himself)
RIO GRANDE VALLEY ROSA – 2 votes
POGO – 2 votes
GUS – 1 vote
PATTY PAGODA – 1 vote
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL – 1 vote
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SMITH LAKE JAKE ALL THE WAY! HE GETS MY VOTE.
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Hey, thanks Earl. One more vote for Smith Lake Jake!
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“Smith Lake Jake’s my man! He wins my vote.
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Thanks for your vote, maddien ma! Smittie is still out there goin’ strong. Has anyone rented a button maker to make campaign buttons for Smith Lake Jake yet? 8)
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[…] to posts: haiku (one-a-day) , Out Of Chaos Comes Hope, and Vote For Punxsutawney Phil Possibly related posts: (automatically […]
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I love groundhogs, and I absolutely love all of the pictures and videos of Smith Lake Jake on his web site . My family wouldn’t miss groundhogs day, seeing Smith Lake Jake in his little hat. Smith Lake Jake gets a vote from me. I like Punxsutawney Phil too, but Smith Lake Jake is just soooo darn cute.
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Thanks, ben. One more vote for Smith Lake Jake. And the votes keep coming in, even after all these months!
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I’ll tell you what. I’d vote for Smith Lake Jake over who we have running for president of the U.S now. Heck I THINK i’LL WRITE OLE “SMITH LAKE JAKE IN” That would be a hoot to see a picture of McCain, and Obama and Smith Lake Jake . Someone should come up with one for the national inq. to print. SLJ HAS MY VOTE TOO!
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Election day will soon be here, so I cast my vote for FOR “Smith Lake Jake”.
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posquailefingers & Karra ann, thanks for casting your votes. I can see that Smith Lake Jake is still as popular as ever in his campaign race for the presidency. He might just get enough write-in votes. You just never know what’s going to happen. 8)
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[…] I guess if humans are casting their votes (in record numbers) for the groundhog, Smith Lake Jake for President, then surely a cat like Mr. StripeyPants can vote for the human, Barack Obama. What more is there […]
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Add my vote in for “Smith Lake Jake”
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Hey, thanks laninal. The race just seems to get tighter and tighter. I wonder what Jake’s view of the current economic situation is. Perhaps his world view is a little more “grounded” than politics as usual. 8)
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I’m sure that Smith Lake Jake will make a fine President, He has my vote, and he just looks so fine in that hat. I saw the funnest picture of Smith Lake Jake and the Mayor of Graysville, Alabama. check it out! google in smith lake jake and dough brewer.
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Oh, my gosh. POLLS (#108), at first, I couldn’t figure out if the person’s name was really “Dough Brewer,” then I saw the post. Okay, so Jake needs a spelling lesson. 8)
Here’s the link to see a photo of Smith Lake Jake with Dough (Doug) Brewer, Mayor of Graysville, Alabama. (This short groundhog haiku post from last February continues to make me smile months later).
Photo: Smith Lake Jake predicts Dough will win! (LINK)
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Smith Lake Jake predicts that OBAMA will win President of the U.S.
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You can read Smith Lake Jakes prediction under 109 QuoinMonkeys link above. check it out.
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Hmmm, well, it seems there might be a split in the Smith Lake Jake family. Did I read in your link Jake’s for Obama but the family is for McCain? Confusing at best. I think Jake’s on the right track. And I’ve already cast my vote this morning. We’ll see how things go today. 8)
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The election should be over, did I win or what!
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Hey, Jake, thanks for stopping by! Well, I haven’t done the official count yet and will have to take some time this weekend to add up the votes in this post. But I think it’s safe to say that you’re the winner. Paws up!
I’ll try to get to an official count this weekend and post it in a comment. I saw on your website that Punxsutawney Phil is your mentor. He must be so proud of you this November! How often do you get up from Alabama to Pennsylvania to see old Phil?
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I havn’t seen Punxsutawney Phil yet, but I hope to some day. It has been declared that I am the 2nd most famous groundhog in the world, with Punxsutawney Phil my mentor being number one. I find it an honor to stand next to Phil. I will continue to wear my hat, and make people smile. KISSES, KISSES, SLJ
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I’M sure that Smith Lake Jake is the winner. And I READ IN A MAGAZINE ABOUT A YEAR AGO THAT SMITH lAKE JAKE WAS THE 2ND MOST FAMOUS GROUNDHOG. MY FAMILY LOVE TO WATCH HIM ON THE SUZUKI MAN T.V. SHOW.We love his different hats.
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Would you like to see Smith Lake Jake predict on groundhogs day, at fox 6 news. yahoo—smith lake jake makes his prediction. look how cute he isssss.
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Thanks for stopping by DANZA and Heath. That Suzuki Man show must be pretty popular.
Smith Lake Jake, I think it would be pretty cool if you did get to meet Punxsutawney Phil some day. It would be a great photo op to see the two of you together, mentor and up-and-coming star.
I finally did the official vote count:
SMITH LAKE JAKE – 35 votes (plus 1 vote for himself)
RIO GRANDE VALLEY ROSA – 2 votes
POGO – 2 votes
GUS – 1 vote
PATTY PAGODA – 1 vote
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL – 1 vote
And keep in mind, this is barring any contested votes or recounts that are state ordered. We are going through one here in the Senate race in Minnesota between Al Franken and Norm Coleman. We still don’t know who won. The recount will go on until sometime in December.
So count your lucky stars, Jake! The vote wasn’t even close. And Happy Thanksgiving. What do groundhogs eat on Thanksgiving? 8)
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LOL. Here I thought Rosa would be the change candidate. I think going from a groundhog to a prairie dog is perhaps too much change at once for groundhog lovers everywhere. 8)
I think groundhogs probably eat tender shoots of grass for Thanksgiving. Or, hmmm, maybe straw?
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Interesting that Punxsutawney Phil is the first most popular groundhog, yet in our vote, Smith Jake Lake won by a landslide. I wonder if perhaps P.Phil is the kind of groundhog you’d like to have a beer with but not the kind you want running the colony. What do you think? Or was it simply SJLake’s fancy hat-work that was the deciding factor?
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I got to meet Smith Lake Jake once , where he was grand marchal of the American Idol ( Taylor Hicks ) parade. Smith Lake Jake was really cool, and friendly. I READ IN A NEWS PAPER ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO THAT HE WAS THE MOST FAMOUS GROUNDHOG AFTER PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL.
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Cookie, wow, Smith Lake Jake and Taylor Hicks. That mention could probably go into ybonesy’s My Brushes With Fame post (LINK). As if Jake wasn’t famous enough himself. 8)
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Soon Smith Lake Jake will shine again for the South. Groundhogs Day will be here soon, and everyone down south, especially Alabama, will be looking to hear what Smith Lake Jake predicts. He is truly adored down south, with his cute little hat, and he even smiles, and I know because I have seen him smile. I watch his show a few years ago at the Birmingham Zoo, and my family and friends always watch Smith Lake Jake predict on fox 6 news every Groundhogs day. We wouldn’t miss that!
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Janetta Lee, it’s true, the big day is almost here again. I can’t believe nearly a whole year has gone by. I’ll have to tune in on Groundhog’s Day and see what Smith Lake Jake sees in his crystal ball.
Also, I think Jake promised somewhere in these comments that if he was elected President, he’d make Groundhog’s Day a paid holiday, with a huge parade, banana sandwiches, and milo’s tea for everyone. Hey, I’m looking forward to having Groundhog’s Day off! 8)
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Smith Lake Jake is a household word around our house. we love him! And it is a must to tape him on fox 6 predicting with Mickey each year on Groundhogs Day and the kids watch it all year long.
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diddy, any news from Pennsylvania on Punxsutawney Phil’s results for Groundhog Day? I’m wondering about winter. It’s been a cold one! 8)
Also wondering how Smith Lake Jake has made out. What’s happening with Jake?
And thanks for stopping by Mr McCain!
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QM, yep, 6 more weeks of winter. Actually, I think that is a no brainer! D
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Ah, I hadn’t heard that yet — 6 more weeks of winter! This is the coldest one Minnesota has had in many years. Almost every day in January was below freezing (and many below 0), except over last weekend — it got up in the 40’s and all the snow melted off the deck. Then this morning, brrrr, cold again. The driveway was a skating rink.
Hey, now that Smith Lake Jake is President (at least in this post election!), I wonder if he can do anything about the weather? Oh, but maybe he likes the hibernation of Winter. Groundhogs are hibernators like bears.
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I heard that the very famous Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning. Thanks to this post, I was so happy that I knew what the radio guy was talking about when he mentioned the name of the groundhog.
I believe Prairie Dog Rosa is still hibernating. 8)
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I’ve never really understood this groundhog day thing. Do you know how thrilled I’d be if there were only 6 more weeks left of winter? About mid-March, hmmm?
QM — I’m hoping to see Spring by the end of April, maybe early May. How ’bout you?
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Bo, you might be in luck! I heard an NPR program late this afternoon and it talked about the famous Groundhogs all over country, Canada and the world. According to them, one of the groundhogs in our early comments on this post, General Beauregard Lee of Georgia, did NOT see his shadow—so spring is on the way! (At least in Georgia!)
I saw another NPR article that explained Groundhog Day comes from a German superstition:
NPR: Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow; winter to continue (LINK)
According to German superstition, if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2 — the Christian holiday of Candlemas — winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says, spring will come early. Since 1887, Phil has seen his shadow 97 times, hasn’t seen it 15 times, and there are no records for nine years, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
I guess there were 13,000 witnesses to Phil on Gobbler’s Knob not far from Pittsburgh. There are some great photos of Phil in that article.
Bo, I like Winter, but I have to admit, when it was so balmy here last weekend, I whispered to Liz, “I might be ready for Spring!” Then I woke up to 7 degrees and windy. It’s a cold one tonight. Phil was right. 8)
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Hi there guy’s, just checking in ,to say hot weather is comming with too many NATS following. Juess what! my mom and dad just found a stranded groundhog scared and hungry in a bush at the Kangeroo gas station in Graysville ,Alabama. They caught it, and brought it home, they gave it some water, and bread, and captain crunch cerial, and a white donut. I didn’t think that it was ready to tackle a banana sandwich just yet.Well it ate the white donut, the captain crunch and drank it’s water, please god let it be a GIRL, so we can have little Smith Lake Jake’s. It looks to be about 6 months old, it is small in size, unlike myself.My mom and dad havn’t felt to see what sex it is yet, for fear of getting a finger bit off, but we think that soon it will lay on it’s back and we can tell. So say a little prayer for me guys that it is a girl groundhog, and there will be much rejoiceing ( especially for me). your pal and President “SMITH LAKE JAKE”
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Thanks for the update SMITH LAKE JAKE, and I can understand why you would be so excited for a possible wife. Then the two of you can also travel to Europe and dazzle the crowds. Perhaps you should brush up on your French.
We hit 60 degrees here today and the wind’s not so bad, so I do think the warm weather is coming. Might I put in a special request for nice weather on Sunday, as I’m hosting an Easter gathering? Thanks.
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Will you sale me Smith Lake Jake ? really interested !
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Now that Smith Lake Jake has become president, I am sure there will be offers to buy him coming out all over. 8)
I don’t think he’s for sale, although since I don’t own him I wouldn’t know for sure.
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My family lives at Smith Lake, Alabama near the big bridge, and my children are very big fans of Smith Lake Jake. They have all of SLJ’S Magazines, and one with him on the cover wearing A LIFE JACKET.
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Well if Smith Lake Jake was to be for sale, I surEly do want to be in the bidden for him. I am sure that there would be a lot of Smith Lake, and cullman bidders. Who said that he was for sale anyway?
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Smith Lake Jake, a stranded 6-month old groundhog in Graysville, Alabama? That’s quite the story. So what happened after you got the poor groundhog home. 😦 I hope its okay.
Dale, I don’t think he’s for sale. Not sure where that rumor got started (maybe with Travis’ comment above?). Sounds like your kids really like SLJ. I didn’t know he even had his own magazine. 8)
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We love Smitty!
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I AM GLAD THAT SMITH LAKE JAKE WON. I didn’t get to vote but I WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR JAKE AS WELL.
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AANN & HAROLD, thanks for checking in on Smith Lake Jake. He won the election, hands down. I’ll count your votes anyway and after the fact. SLJ is such a popular bloke, isn’t he? 8)
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[…] plants and gardening solutions. Do you know the names of your flowers? Maybe you have trouble with groundhogs or slugs, or wonder about inside seed starting, passion flowers, and orchids. You can read more […]
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Hello! Just thaught I would check in with my pals, Quoinmonkey, and Ybonesy. Our newley found Groundhog, is a girl. And she is HOT!!!. But she screams at me every time I try to make a pass at her, and she has a set of BIG sharp pointy pointy teeth too. So for the time being, I will just stick to enjoying my banana and mayo. sandwiches. But she seems to like me, she took a cookie away from me, and boy was I mad. And it was one of those really good cookies too, made by little elfing hands. Her name is ALIVIA. She is not from Smith lake, Alabama, And she says” ALIVIA in Graysville, Alabama, not on Smith Lake.” Well I have a parade comming up in july in Graysville, Alabama, called the Mayberry Day parade. People scream my name as I go by, and I throw them a stuffed animal, after I take the hate off the stuffed animals head. That is where I get all of my hats. I have over 150 hats, and I have worn all of them on my adorable little Groundhog head. Well have a good summer ya’ll, personally I am counting down the days till Christmas, so I can wear my favorite hat. My santa stocking hat, and I don’t like real hot weather, and here in Alabama it is hot, hot, hot.
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Smith Lake Jake, Thanks for stopping by and updating us to your latest events. So will Alivia be there at the Graysville, Alabama parade with you? (Or was it a July 4th parade and already passed?) Does she go to the parades with you? Oh, and I wondered where you got all of your 150 hats. So you take them off the heads of the stuffed animals before you toss them out to the Mayberry Day Parade goers? Pretty clever. If you have a photo of Alivia, come back and add a link here to where to see her. I’d like to see what she looks like.
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Alivia, is small in size, very shapley, “Oh yea”! and she is the BARBIE DOLL of groundhogs. Alivia does have a temper, but I keep her in her place. She is very tame for a wild groundhog. I’ll get ya’ll a picture of her soon. I have to be in a parade saturday. It is the Mayberry day parade. There will be celebrities there, aside from myself. The Andy Griffin show celebs, and the Dukes of hazzard show celebs, and of course my adorable little self, wearing yet another one of my fashion hats, on my cute little groundhog head. Now ya’ll remember, I cannot spell good, because I am a groundhog, and groundhogs dont spell good. So please over look any mispelled words.Well I am fixing to retire for the night, and catch a few zzzzzz. Check in with ya’ll later.
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P.S Alivia has not done any parades with me yet, but maybe she will in the future.
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P.S. Alivia has not yet been in a parade with me, but maybe she can be in the near future. Maybe I will do a parade where ya’ll live. Where do ya’ll live anyway?
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Jake, hope the Mayberry day parade in Graysville, Alabama with The Andy Griffith show celebs went well Saturday. I used to watch that show all the time as a kid. It was a beautiful day for a parade here. (BTW, ybonesy and I are in New Mexico and Minnesota.) Maybe Alivia will have a rise to fame as your equal and be in the parade with you next year. Looking forward to seeing photos of both of you waving from the float. 8)
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I was in New Mexico in march of this year. myself and my owners loved it. We rode the glass thangie up the mountains. All the kids were petting me, and saying how cute I was.We was there for 2 days. I met some people at the mall there. IT was hot there in the day time, and at night I like to have froze my little Groundhog butt off. We stayed at the motel 6, close to the budget rent-a-car place. My owners liked the Indian casinos there. I was on my way to a show in Denver. Oh, and the candid apples in the airport there, are to die for. I had a carmal one with nuts on it, and I will go back to New Mexico, just to get another mouth watering candid apple.soon.
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Smith Lake Jake, that’s pretty cool that you were in New Mexico in March. I had no idea. You got it right — hot in the daytime, cool at night. I assume you mean the ABQ airport. It’s one of my favorites that I’ve ever been in.
Of course, I’m not the one from New Mexico. That would be ybonesy. But I’ve travelled there quite a few times for pleasure over the years and for writing workshops in the last few years. It’s really different in the Southwest than in the Southern part of the country where you are from. Weren’t you amazed at how little humidity there was in New Mexico compared to the South?
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Too bad I missed Smith Lake Jake while he was in Oh Fair New Mexico (we love, we love you so). I haven’t found the caramel apples with nuts in the airport. My goodness, all those times walking through the airport and I’ve missed our candied and caramel apples? Although I do love the candies made with pinon nuts and caramel. Yum.
Good thing you didn’t faint while on the Tram. Some people get light-headed, and one would think that a groundhog from a lower altitude, surrounded by adoring fans wanting a pet, might get a bit queasy. Good for you for toughing it out.
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I flew to the Albuquerque airport, I fly Southwest. And if you havn’t tried one of the famous airport candid apples, you should. It was almost as good as a banana and mayo sandwich. I LOVED THE TRAM! Everyone there was going on about how adorable I was. and was going on about how do I keep that hat on my head. I was surprised to see large patches of snow, on the mountain , I played in it. Don’t be surprised if ya’ll don’t see me someday ,I GET AROUND!
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Hi ya’ll ,”Smith Lake Jake” here! Havn’t heard from ya’ll all summer long. what happened? did ya’ll fall off the face of the earth. Well I SURE HOPE NOT!!!
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Smith Lake Jake, thanks for stopping by again. Nope, we are still here, rocking away! And Summer has flown by! How has your Summer been? Hey, don’t you go into hibernation for the Winter? Maybe next February we can post a photo of you for Groundhog Day. Hope it’s going well down in Alabama!
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Groundhogs Day will be here soon, and I will be predicting on CBS 42 NEWS in Birmingham. I’ll bet I know what I am going to predict allready. CAUSE I FEEL IT IN BY CUTE LITTLE GROUNDHOG BONES . love ya’ll
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Smith Lake Jake, you’re back! And just in time for Groundhog’s Day. You know, I heard it’s been pretty rough going in the South these last few weeks. Cold, with snow and ice storms. I was thinking today when I was driving around here in Minneapolis in blizzardy conditions that I bet we are going to get a whole lot more winter! We are on track for average January temps, and just a little under in snowfall. But I know you all aren’t as prepared for the harsh road conditions that you’re getting. Stay safe! Or you might not even want to come above ground at all.
Happy Ground Hog’s Day! It’s only minutes away.
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Happy Ground Hog Day, Punxsutawney Phil and Smith Lake Jake. Six more weeks of Winter is a sure bet. It was cold and snowy here today!
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Check out Groundhogs day at CBS 42 news in Birmingham, AL. on groundhogs day with smith lake jake. Also join my fan club on face book.
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Hi ya’ll, it’s your cute little furry friend Smith Lake Jake, Whats up! I’m still healthy and kicking. Alivia my girlfriend groundhog, picks on me, she bites me on my butt ,and snatches my peacon sandy cookie out of my mouth. She makes me sooooo mad. Girls–Can’t live with um, can’t live without um.
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Well, I just had to visit this post today for Groundhog Day and check out what’s happening with Punxsutawney Phil! (I wanted to say Hi to Smith Lake Jake, too, and wondered if he saw his shadow today. Will have to go check out his site, too.)
According to the official site for Phil, we are going to have an early Spring. I’m sitting here in Minnesota where it’s going to be -5 tonight and wondering how that could even be possible! Of course, it’s supposed to get up to 30 degrees next week. We’ll see what happens.
Here’s what Phil said. What’s this about the Steelers!:
Phil’s official forecast as read February 2nd, 2011, at sunrise at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA:
Here Ye, Hear Ye, Hear Ye
Groundhog Day, February 2, 2011
Punxsutawney Phil was raised from his burrow
By the call of President Bill Deeley.
He greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths.
After casting an inquisitive eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,
He proclaimed that the Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!
Back to the business at hand…
He surveyed his surroundings carefully and found that there was no shadow around,
So, an early spring it will be.
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Well, I saw this on Smith Lake Jake’s public Facebook page. But did not see on his website whether or not he saw his shadow today. Maybe they will see this and stop by and let us know! Hope you feel better Smith Lake Jake!
Smith Lake Jake will make his prediction Feb 2nd Groundhog’s Day on his web site, and his fan club on Facebook. Smith Lake Jake will be staying in this year, as he has Asthma, which is flaring up, and he needs to stay in. Can you believe it, Smith Lake Jake will be 6 years old this April. He stays in the house and runs… with our 6 small dogs, and he loves vanilla boost, he is very sweet, and friendly.
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One of our red Ravine readers made the connection between Groundhog Day and the Celtic Imbolc or the Christian Candlemas and St. Brigid of Ireland and St. Bridget in Sweden. All are celebrating the half-way point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. From annieoakcake:
________________
This morning, I finally found the link between Bride and the groundhog:
“…traces of the festival of the growing light can even be traced to modern America in the Groundhog Day custom on February 2. If the groundhog sees his shadow on this morning, it means there will be six more weeks of winter. The custom comes directly from Europe, and Scotland in particular, where an old couplet goes:
If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
there’ll be two winters in the year.”
_____________________
Here’s a LINK to her full comment on the Lily the Black Bear post where we are following Minnesota Black Bears Lily, Hope, and Lily’s brand new cubs that were born two weeks ago — January 21st, 2011.
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Hi there, Smith Lake Jake here reporting to Ya’ll from “SWEET HOME ALABAMA. I predicted 6 more weeks of bad weather fOR 2011.
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Smith Lake Jake! I wondered how you were doing. I think you were right — 6 more weeks of bad weather. We got a few more storms here in Minnesota after your prediction. Of course, this week, we are seeing the temps hit the 50’s with signs of Spring on the way. But the nights are still a chilly 32 degrees. Thanks for stopping by again! I always think of you when the new year rolls toward Ground Hog Day.
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This Groundhogs day 2011, I did have an asthma flair up,but I am on my Groundhog Asthma meds now, and I am doing great . I did indeed predict 6 more weeks of bad weather, but Spring has sprung now,and flowers are popping up everywhere, and so is pollen (BEWARE). I am still eating and loving my banana sandwiches.”OH SO YUMMIE TO MY TUMMIE”. And Alivia, my Groundhog girlfriend, is getting friskie with me right now, cause it is that time af year for Groundhogs to get it on, hope my asthma don’t flair up on me in the process, so maybe there will be a little Smith Lake Jake in the works to carry on my good name. I hadn’t heard from ya’ll in a while, I thaught ya’ll had dropped plum off the face of the earth, or ate a bad banana sandwich. Please excuse my spelling, as everybody well knows, Groundhogs cain’t spell. Kisses Kisses from Ya’lls favorite Groundhog, Smith lake jake.
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Smith Lake Jake, glad you are doing better. I bet Spring is well underway by now in Alabama. Our neighbors are out raking their lawn today, even though it’s still pretty soggy and wet from the melting snow. I think we got over 90 inches this year. I stopped by your website on Groundhog’s Day 2011 but I didn’t see that anything was posted. Maybe I missed it. I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling well, and am glad the meds are working. I wish you well. And be sure to let us know if a Smith Lake Jake, Jr. comes along. Will look forward to photos.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU MY FRIENDS, AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEARS FROM YOUR GROUNDHOG SMITH LAKE JAKE.
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Happy New Year, Smith Lake Jake! So great to hear from you. Your big day is coming up on February 2nd! For some reason, this year I am looking forward to Spring.
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I predicted for 2012 that we would have an early spring, or as I say it—-Spring is peeking through the trees.. I’m enjoying this nice weather with my girlfriend Groundhog Alivia, we have been rollin round in the cudzoo . sorry bout my spelling, but everybody knows Groundhogs cant spell. Well, hope all ya’ll have a nice Summer, your favorite Groundhog,”Smith Lake Jake”.
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Glad to hear from you Smith Lake Jake! You sound like you are doing well. We’ve had a very mild Winter here in Minnesota. But then again, we just had a snowstorm last week with rain and wind that split branches off of two of our old cedar trees. I’m happy that we are going to have an early Spring. And that we have you to predict it each year!
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HELLO THERE MY FRIENDS ! I HAVE A PREDICTION FOR YOU : I SMITH LAKE JAKE, YOUR ADORABLE LITTLE GROUNDHOG FROM THE SOUTH, DO HERE BY PREDICT THAT MITT ROMNEY WIII BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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Well I was wrong on the President prediction, but Mitt Romney did win the State of Alabamas vote. But I wasn’t wrong on predicting that Alabama (ROLL TIDE) would become the 2013 National Champions. My predictions are 90% right, cant win um all my friends.
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[…] -posted on red Ravine, Sunday, February 2nd, 2014 -related to: Vote For Punxsutawney Phil! […]
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Hello there my human friends, and how are y’all doing ! Yes I’m still here, doing shows and entertaining my human fans and showing off my hats. I’m also doing some campaign videos for Nov. 4th 2014 election, for a local Judge ! And she is the best ! Check out my face book to see them or Google, or you tube videos of Smith lake Jake. I’ll bet y’all will like my new videos ! I’d put them on here my furry little hat wearing groundhog self, if I knew how but I just a groundhog and we don’t know to much
about all this computer stuff ——————————– Kisses Kisses, Smith Lake Jake !
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I thought y’all humans might wanna know, that we will have a cold winter with lots of snow for 2014 & 2015 so get out y’alls over coats. — JUST SAYING !!! From your groundhog pal, Smith Lake Jake !
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