The typical off year celebration begins quite early in the morning. I decided to review the live stream from Punxsutawney later in favour of waking up a bit later at 7:15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I woke up immediately with the alarm to check the status of Punxsutawney Phil who predicted 6 more weeks of winter as did Shubenacadie Sam and Lucy the Lobster. In a trice (meaning 2 hours and 30 minutes later), Mumtaz was up full of enthusiasm for the day’s festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wiarton Willie Predicts an Early Spring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wiarton Willie celebration was a bit amateurish this year, but Willie’s performance itself was so much better than last year. His artificially lightened fur must have been a confidence builder as well. There was a new Shadow Cabinet Chairperson (who is also mayor of South Bruce) who seemed reasonably prepared for this awesome responsibility but needs a little more experience. Click here<\/a> to see more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fred la Marmotte<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fred la Marmotte through 2 generations has been prognosticating since 2010 in the Gaspe town of Val d’Espoir which is near Perce, a favourite destination of ours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, Fred passed away in the night and could not be roused to deliver his prediction. This is rather similar to Winnipeg Willow’s passing a few years ago but completely different from Wiarton Willie’s passing 3 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This tragedy cast something of a pall on celebrations this year, condolences to Val d’Espoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Star and April<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n