February 2 – “Siegfried”

It is that day once again.  The one time of the year when all eyes are on one solitary creature designated as the harbinger of cold – or perhaps somewhat warmer – days ahead.  And it all hinges on this small being’s ability to see a shadow.  Oh, not just any shadow, however.  The one that looms before him must be … his own.  I pretty sure there is some psychological application to that scenario for the poor beast, but I don’t know what it is.  So who is this prognosticator of weather phenomena?  Well, he is known throughout the galaxy, so I’m fairly certain you have heard of him.  The name he has affectionately been given by those of us who know and love the little critter is …

Siegfried Sandcrab, of course.  And his prediction for the weather in 2018?  No shadows at all on his stretch of beach this morning.  That’s good news.  It means winter is essentially behind us here on our tropical island paradise.  None of the six more weeks of winter pall hanging over our heads.  Bring on the sunshine.  Bring on the heat.  We’ve had enough snow for another 15 or 20 years.

Oh, what’s that?  The rodent?  You want to know about that Northeastern Interloper the media has pushed to the front pages of newspapers and internet sites.  Well I had a hunch you would want to know about that guy, too.  Not that his predictions have any effect on weather here in our country called Galveston Island.  But here it is anyway.  At around 6:30 a.m. central time the little rodent was dragged from his warm hole and forced to face the media.  And the answer all of you mainlanders await with bated breath … Punxsutawney Phil was once again terrified by the plethora of shadows surrounding him, not just his own, but his handler’s and the cameraman’s and the food truck guy’s and … well, you get the picture.  So, I’m sorry, Northeasters.  Six more weeks of horrifyingly cold weather for you.  Can’t stand it?  Come on down to Galveston and visit old Siegfried Sandcrab.  He’ll show you a pinchin’ good time.

Psalms 30:4-5 says, “Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name.  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime.”

Father, thank you for the weather we are blessed with here on the Island.  Amen.