I learned the hard way that pain, and my reaction to it, is one of the useful signals a therapist uses to evaluate the progress of your rehabilitation.
It’s Groundhog Day … again.
It’s GROUNDHOG DAY today!
And it’s likely you’ve celebrated this day before – after all, the “holiday” is over 100 years old. Not bad for a rodent-themed, weather-prediction tradition that traces its German roots back to the middle of the 19th century. By the way, the original, the German version of this tradition features a badget – not a groundhog – but when you’re on the frontier, I guess you make due with whatever is at hand.
Good thing this tradition didn’t catch root in the American west …. whose got need for a weather-predicting buffalo?
So, what’s the big deal about February 2nd?
That date isn’t arbitrary. In fact, that early-February date marks the midway point between the winter solstice and the vernal (or spring) equinox. According to our sources, pagans would celebrate the day with a “festival of light.” That tradition was, eventually, co-opted by medieval Christians who re-branded the pagan celebration as “Candlemas.”
“If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.”
The number 1 groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, making his annual weather prediction – then it’s back to his burrow for more talk radio.
Eventually, Europeans would start looking back for a less supernatural reason to alieve the anxiety brought on by a prolonged winter and started looking out for animals in the woods to see if they were emerging from their dens – a sure sign of a coming spring (or of social anxiety related to missing the Candlemas party on the part of the animals).
The English would be on the lookout for hedghogs (a proper, British rodent not currently serving as an MP), the French went looking for the more refined marmot and the Germans, of course, would rely on the nearest badger to make a long-term weather prediction.
We now count on a bunch of representatives (from what I assume must be the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce) to show up at Gobbler’s Knob and ask their favorite rodent to pop out of his heated burrow and predict the weather. Must be a nice gig for Phil, the groundhog, who spends the other 364 days a year munching on dog food and ice cream in a climate-controlled apartment located at the Punxsutawney Public Library.
Sometimes physical therapy can be a real pain …
We all need a little inspiration
People ask me about the title for this blog. “The Trail Back” isn’t just a metaphor. At least not when you understand that I won’t consider my recovery complete until I’ve spent two weeks and completed about two dozen portages in the Quetico Provincial Park.
Have a Super Tuesday, everyone!
Fans show their love of their favorite things in a variety of ways – and, arguably, one of the most impressive ways is by producing “fan films” that tell a story about the heroes and villains they love to watch. Here are a few Superman films I thought I’d share.
Showdown in Pine Bluff: Death Before Dawn
Edge Wallace puts everything on the line when he tries to rescue a small, frontier town from an invasion of flesh-eating zombies set on them by forces they can’t even begin to understand.
Showdown in Pine Bluff: An Unwelcome Return
Returning to Pine Bluff after the shootout at the Randolph Ranch, Edge Wallace finds he’s not welcome in the town anymore. But all that seems a little too convenient to the frontier lawman.
How Tom Hanks and Mr. Rogers saved my life.
While recovering in the hospital, I learned and important lesson about the power of kindness from Mr. Rogers, thanks to Tom Hanks. Turns out, I wasn’t alone.
Showdown in Pine Bluff: Randolph Ranch
As Edge approached the Randolph place, he saw the problem immediately. The sheriff’s vehicle was torn in half. On the ground beside it lay the top half of the other deputy. It was clear to Edge now that Pine Bluff was under siege. And the adversary wasn’t just your usual gang of thugs or gunslingers-for-hire employed by someone who fancied himself a “rail baron.”
Blow it up, baby!
Humans have been chewing gum for thousands of years, making bubble gum’s invention almost 100 years ago a relatively new development. Find out more about gum, how to chew it and when to spit it out when we blow up gum in today’s article!
The power of positivity
They say “attitude is everything.” Here’s why a positive attitude can make all the difference in how you recover from an injury.
It’s Groundhog Day … again.
It’s likely you’ve celebrated this day before – and before that, and before that. Over a century isn’t a bad run for a rodent-themed, weather-prediction tradition that traces its German roots back to the middle of the 19th century.
Remember, snakes are people too … wait, wut?
With over 3,000 species of snakes populating the Earth, they’re due for their own day … aren’t they?
Happy Yad Sdrawckab!
Go out the “In” door. Say “Goodbye” instead of “Hello.” Confuse your friends and confound your rivals (or visa versa). It’s National Backwards Day today!
The inevitable heartbreak of a championship game
The recipe for a successful championship run is often dependent upon missed opportunities and mistakes as it is hard work, perseverance, and talent. You can look no further than the January 29th AFC Championship game to find a perfect example.
Celebrate an American institution … all hail bubble wrap!
Originally intended to be sold as wallpaper when it was invented in the 1950s, bubble wrap is now both a popular packing material and annoying habit enabler for people who are perpetually fidgety.
Showdown in Pine Bluff: The Riders Return
Years after the lynching of a local lawman, Pine Bluff is once again the site of terror on a supernatural scale. And once again, a Rider arrives to set things straight – and possibly settle an old score.
