February 1, 2018 GROUNDHOG DAYS

Wonder if Punxsutawney Phil is going to see his shadow tomorrow?? And what does that mean anyway?? Pretty sure I've had it backward forever. APPARENTLY--if Phil sees his shadow--he goes back in his hole and hibernates another 6 weeks because he thinks it's still winter!! If he doesn't see his shadow--winter is almost over-- there will be  an early spring--hibernation OVER. Anyways, Americans have been celebrating this strange tradition since  the 1800s when  the Pennsylvania Dutch--German settlers--immigrated to America. They actually used badgers in their native land--but since they're in short supply in the Northeast-- badgers became  groundhogs. It's a cute tradition but I'll have you know-- Punxsutawney Phil is actually only right 30% of the time. Praying for clouds tomorrow but not putting the turtlenecks away for another 6 weeks!!

Just read a little gem I picked up at the library last week called The Burning Girl by Claire Messud. I was initially attracted to the word burn--heat--because it's been so cold outside. Strange connection I know but I'll take all the heat I can get this time of year. Anyways, this lovely novel is a coming of age story about  two girls, Julia and Cassie, who live in the fictional town of Royston in Massachusetts. They have been inseparable since nursery school--opposites in every way--who refer to themselves as "secret sisters." As the girls enter adolescence; however, their paths diverge. Cassie looks for friendship elsewhere as she faces an identity crisis, leaving Julia heartbroken and wondering why.  Cassie's path becomes dangerous and the decisions she makes ultimately  change their lives forever. This is the story of  those magical early friendships, the reality of growing up and then realizing that some friendships don't survive the passage of time. Find out what happens to Julia and Cassie when you read this book yourself. It's about 256 pages --or a 3 mile run--that deals honestly with female adolescence and the obstacles they face.