Happy Groundhog Day - Conflicting Reports

Good Morning and Happy Groundhog Day.

Bet you weren't expecting that were you? Today is officially the day we find out whether we have 6 more weeks of winter or an early spring. Well considering that we had a late start to winter it would only make sense that we would have a late arrival of spring.

Up into December we were having balmy days of 50 degrees, now mind you, we weren't complaining at all, I mean who doesn't mind having a Christmas Day where it's almost shorts and flip-flop weather while living in Chicago - I sure don't.

But now we're paying for it......brrrr has it been cold here! For the last week or so temps have been below freezing and even getting into the single digits over night.....brrrr...we've actually even had to turn up our heat! Andi knows exactly what I'm talking about.

So this morning at approximately 6:45am CST it was officially announced by Punxsutawney Phil that spring will arrive early, the only problem.....Chicago's own Groundhog (who is nameless) said that we're going to have 6 more weeks of winter......now I'm really confused.

Here's something interesting I found on Wiki regarding the basis of the tradition of seeking the advice of a groundhog to tell your future:

In the U.S. the tradition derives from a Scottish poem:
As the light grows longer
The cold grows stronger
If Candlemas be fair and bright
Winter will have another flight
If Candlemas be cloud and rain
Winter will be gone and not come again
A farmer should on Candlemas day
Have half his corn and half his hay
On Candlemas day if thorns hang a drop
You can be sure of a good pea crop

Pretty interesting, considering that I grew up on a farm it makes sense.

I feel bad for you folks in the Southern Hemisphere, because winter is only coming too quickly for you isn't it?

So what's your prediction, will you have an early or late spring?