From my Grandmothers’s Album. More than 100 years ago.
These winter photos look similar to posts I’ve seen the last few days. No hand pump for water these days. But the snow looks familiar.
1916 Winter Storm Durand Illinois
Wordless Wednesday
Happy Groundhog Day- Shadow or No? Check back after Sunrise
Virtual this year @ 6:30 AM EST
https://www.groundhog.org/
“IF CANDLEMAS DAY IS BRIGHT AND CLEAR,
THERE’LL BE TWO WINTERS IN THE YEAR.”
Groundhog Day Traditions casts a shadow back to Medieval Europe –
Candian Press article
Joanne baked a Groundhog Day cake with Shadow Feb 2020
2014 Punxsutawney Me Laura and Mary
2019 Movie with Steve
2020Wiggle Whiskey
2020 Steve and Ruth with Phil
2020 at Wiggle Whiskey
My sister photographed a groundhog puppet I gave her
Groundhog Day Movie was filmedin Woodstock Illinois in 1993
Here is the Link to blog post of Mary’s and my visit to Woodstock in 2014
and here is a reblog of our February 2014 PUNXSUTAWNEY ADVENTURE
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL DECLARES 6 MORE WEEKS OF WINTER
Groundhog’s Day 2014-
We were there to see Phil the Groundhog rousted out of his slumber, and taken out from his cozy stump to see his shadow amidst the brotherhood of the Inner Circle of Gobbler’s Knob. The men were all dressed in top hats and formal attire.
Twenty four years ago (before the 1993 movie) my sister Mary and I drove in the middle of a foggy night to see the groundhog. I can tell you that it was a much different this trip. Last time we just parked on the side of the road and walked up the hill to Gobbler’s Knob. The whole event was well orchestrated and incredibly efficient, especially with the number of people coming to town. Lots of dedicated people making a concerted effort to insure everyone’s safe and happy experience! Everyone pleasant and a festive atmosphere. We had fun and were really glad it was rain rain and more rain instead of ice and snow snow snow!
Laura thought she’d like to go last year since it was on a weekend but it was super cold and I had an photography show opening that weekend and it didn’t work out. “Next year”, I said. “Next year.” Laura wanted to cross it off her Bucket List.
Mary came out from NYC on the train Thursday night and Laura drove in Saturday morning from Columbus OH.
We went to bed at 8:30 PM Saturday night and got up at 2:40 AM.
Pulled out of the driveway around 3:20AM and drove the 74 miles to Punxsutawney PA. Not to0 much traffic but when we got there the Wal-Mart parking lot was already filled up. We were able to find a spot behind the County Market in Groundhog Plaza and walked two blocks to a McDonald’s where we got $5 round trip tickets for the bus to Gobbler’s Knob.
Just like Shuey had told us (he went last year in the bitter cold, driving his MOTORCYCLE from Niceville, Florida) it was “easy peasy.” The crowd was estimated at 30,000 and yes, it rained on us the entire time but the temp was about 37 so no ice, no snow and none of us felt cold or miserable. I’d wrapped the camera in a couple of plastic bags and rubber bands on the end of the lens. At one point we were asked to all pull out our cell phones an light the place like a concert with a lighter. A fellow art teacher plays the bass fiddle in a band The Beagle Brothers and they played a few sets starting at 3AM. Oh, the Star Spangled Banner, too.
We stopped in at County Market to buy a couple of magnets and use their nice restroom. The clerk had been there since the night before at 10:30 and her shift ended at 6AM.
School buses lined up to take Groundhog Fans to Gobbler’s Knob
On our way to the buses we saw this Groundhog Bride. Groundhog Weddings were available but no “walk-ins”
Laura at Gobbler’s Knob
Cell phones light Gobbler’s Knob
Thirty minutes of Zambelli Fireworks in the woods was an unexpected delight.
The Beagle Brothers band
The Beagle Brothers played a few sets and the National Anthem. Fellow art teacher Kyle on the Bass Fiddle. Nice job!
Piles of snow and Television Trucks
Phil’s handlers belong to the Inner Circle.
Uh oh. He saw his shadow. SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER!!!
Six more weeks of winter, he predicts. The crowd let out a collective groan.
A fellow groundhog fan took our photo on Gobbler’s Knob
Josh (dogmatic liveart) painted Groundhog Day right on the spot!
his palette
Groundhog fans checking their photos and messages.
Headed for the buses at Gobbler’s Knob
Groundhog Fan with Groundhog Hat
Another shot as the light increases in the sky- Laura at Gobbler’s Knob
Photographer on Gobbler’s Knob
After the Prognostication
Getting on the bus for downtown
Kids playing on piles of dirty snow
Necessary facilities
Groundhog Statues all over town!
Celebration Tent
Downtown Punxsutawney
Mr. Tom Uberti shook my hand and welcomed me to Punxsutawney. AKA Big Windmaker. He graciously allowed me to “shoot him.”
Split-Second Cookies Recipe
Here’s the recipe I used to bake Split-Second Cookies. They are like a shortbread filled with jam.
I creamed the butter and sugar by hand.
Added egg and vanilla.
The combined dry ingredients.
I usually fill them with raspberry and apricot Bonne Maman jam. I was fortunate to receive some delicious marmalade and jam from two different friends.
I used Eileen’s Orange Marmalade and Pam’s Blubarb in addition to the raspberry and apricot.
Silent Sunday
The Absence of Trees
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January 25,2021 -
January 20, 2020 -
Mushroom Risotto
The only risotto I’ve eaten was made in fine restaurants. Although I always loved eating it. I’d never made it myself.
I’ve been binge watching lots of cooking shows. One episode of Master Chef Junior had Joe Bastianich demonstrating how to make risotto. Then I found a video of his mother Lidia Bastianich at Harvard demonstrating the science behind the cooking of risotto at a public lecture on Science and Cooking. I watched them and felt confident but upon a second look I heard that you use 1/4 c of wine not the one cup I thought I heard. Good thing I watched again.
You need the Arborio rice to begin with so I bought the correct ingredients (except I did not have a hunk of Grana Padano cheese and used some Parmesan to finish it) cook with wine you would drink, no cooking wine.
The best 22 minutes I’ve spent in a long time, and standing at the stove stirring constantly wasn’t difficult. Can’t wait to make it again.
Sautéed mushrooms separately 
My Grandmother and Great Aunt c.1917
But who is in the middle? A neighbor, relative? Their grandmother? Not their mother.
I wish I knew. Maybe my cousins will be able to identify.
On the left my Aunt Edna and on the right her sister Charlotte, my maternal grandmother. The woman between is unidentified.
Durand Illinois c.1917
Wordless Wednesday
Keeping in Touch
Thank goodness for Face Time. Zoom calls. Google Duo. Together App. Staying connected is essential for good mental health
Thanks to my granddaughter Maura for facilitating the call. Great idea!
