February would seem to be an ordinary month. Nothing special really, but when you look at this page on your calendar, you’ll find all kinds of special days in the shortest month of the year. It may be that we all have cabin fever and need to fill our social calendars with things that will keep us from falling victim to that very illness. By February, we’re looking forward to spring in a big way. Driveways have been shoveled, cars brushed off and prayers said before turning the key to the ignition. We have had it with winter.

For many of us old fogies, going outside in below zero temperatures creates sinus issues, frozen fingers and toes and often brings on the sniffles and other respiratory problems. I’d like to think that germs in my body have died of old age, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. We tread carefully so we don’t fall and break any of our brittle appendages. We decide that it’s safer to say inside. We wait for February and the groundhog to see his shadow. I always have to be reminded if he sees his shadow will we have 6 more weeks of winter or what? As I look out my window this morning, I am viewing shadows all over the place. The sun is shining brightly leaving patterns on top of newly fallen snow. By the way, I don’t see any groundhogs – just some hardy Minnesota squirrels and a few feral cats. Does it count if they see their shadow?

Besides Groundhog Day, we find a number of celebrations to look forward to. Yesterday, the first day of the month is designated as “Freedom Day,” which kicks off Black History month. There was also a full moon yesterday. Opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics happens on February 6th in Italy. On February 8th the Super Bowl game will be played, and many will watch it to see the commercials or the half-time entertainment. February 11th I will celebrate Paul’s second rebirthday in heaven. February 14th is Valentines Day. Presidents Day is on the 16th. Mardi Gras will occur on February 17th with Ash Wednesday following on the 18th, and the beginning of the Lenten season as well as Ramadan.

The rest of the calendar is filled with some fun days like Cherry Pie Day on the 20th – I wonder if that started when George Washington cut down the cherry tree. On the 26th you can celebrate Tell a Fairy Tale Day. There’s also a day for hugging, loving your pet, donating blood and random acts of kindness. Sounds like a very special month.

The month of February is chock full of things to do. Meanwhile, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a little groundhog has just predicted six more weeks of winter. I wonder if that works for Minnesota or do we have our own groundhog? Even if Punxsutawney Phil says we’re going to have to endure six more weeks, he’s about as accurate as most meteorologists I’ve heard from.