Today is a very special day! Yes, I know, it is Groundhog Day. And unfortunately, I believe we are in for another six weeks of winter. Right now, we are being hit with yet another BLIZZARD here in New Hampshire.

But it is also the 10^th Anniversary of the publication of Punxsutawney Phyllis, Susanna Leonard Hill’s lovely picture book about a feisty girl groundhog.

Susanna has created a link up party on her blog.

– stop over and visit. Here is my entry for the celebration.

HAPPY 10^TH ANNIVERSARY, PHYLLIS!

ODE TO PHYLLIS – ON HER TENTH ANNIVERSARY (With many apologies to the master of poetry, Edgar Allen Poe)

Once upon a morning cloudy, while I waited, kind of rowdy,

Wanting nothing more than just to dance and sing and trill —

    While I hip-hopped, in the shower, water running for an hour,

Getting ready for my party given by my uncle Phil,

Cross the window pane – a shadow – straight from Boulder, Colorado

         I grabbed my robe and screamed a scream that screamers said was shrill.

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,

In stepped Phil who said, “You will put on your lacy frill.”

    “Let’s get going, my sweet maiden; ‘cause my arms are heavy laden

    with some nuts and acorns – please be careful, they might spill.

We’ve a shadow to uncover and surprises to discover

Happy Birthday, Phyllis! It’s been 10 years – what a thrill!”

I hope you enjoyed my little ditty.

Last year, a bunch of us participated in a fashion contest for Phyllis.

My entry featured Phyllis, relaxing on her beach blanket in sunny Mexico!

I also blogged about Groundhog Day and Phyllis in 2013: https://viviankirkfield.com/2013/02/02/groundhog-day-facts-and-fiction/

Stay safe and stay warm, wherever you are!