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February 2, 2007

Groundhog Adamsville Phil doesn't see a long winter

LITTLE COMPTON -- Groundhog Adamsville Phil didn't see his shadow this morning. Nor did his colleague, Punxsutawney Phil, in Pennsylvania.

That means spring is right around the corner, we hope. According to German folklore, if the groundhog sees his shadow today, six more weeks of winter are in store. If he doesn't see it, spring is just around the corner.

Here in Little Compton, big snowflakes are falling steadily, and perhaps three inches of snow have accumulated.

About 20 friends of the Little Compton couple, Polly and Lee Gardner, who rescued theabandoned groundhog last spring arrived this morning, a little before 7 a.m., for Adamsville Phil’s big moment.

The couple took him into their home and nursed him to health last spring. Now, he plays with their two Siamese cats, Bounce and Bump, and hides under dressers as he romps through the house.

A bluegrass song called “Groundhog” kicked off the morning celebration at the Gardner home, before the local Phil was summoned out of his basement cage.

-- with reports from Journal staff writer Richard Salit

Musician friends of the Gardners gathered to play the fiddle, guitar and banjo. After they played several renditions of “Groundhog,” Polly Gardner announced, “It’s time. Let’s get Phil.”

And down to the basement she went, sporting her black top hat and tuxedo coat with tails, just like the officials in Punxsutawney, Penn., wear. Lee Gardner was sporting a full-length fur coat.

Polly walked outside with Phil in her arms, and everyone gathered around. Fairly calm, Phil sat in her hand the whole time outside, as the snow fell. He looked around.

“What do you say, Phil?” Polly asked him.

“Considering the day,” she replied for him, “I don’t think he’s seen his shadow.”

And then it was back inside to the comforts of home, and Phil was ushered back to his cage downstairs.

The friends are lingering at the Gardner home, eating muffins. Phil, who has taken a liking to certain people foods, had no refreshments with the crowd gathered in his honor.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:05 AM | Permalink

February 2, 2007

Groundhog Adamsville Phil doesn't see a long winter

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