Groundhog Day - Not down in Texas

Armadillo Bee Cave Bob

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day then spring will come early. If it is sunny, the groundhog will see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.

Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow, but not down in Texas.  It begins with the Armadillo,  "BEE CAVE BOB" at the WEST POLE. Everyone has heard of the North Pole or the South Pole, yet few have heard of the East and West Poles.  Located on the 98th Meridian, the West Pole is right in the heart of Texas in the city of BEE CAVES where you will find the Armadillo Bee Cave Bob checking out his shadow on this second day of February also known as Armadillo day.

The Festivities hosted by "The Benevolent Knights Of The Raccoon" an officiated by the Lone Star Weatherological Society forecast the coming of spring in Texas.  In defiance of relying on the predictions of a Groundhog in Pennsylvania; A foreign land having no relevance to Texas or Texans.

The Lone Star Weatherological Society, through their extensive research has found that the most reliable climatological data is, in fact, derived from careful study of the State Of Texas official small mammal - the Armadillo and this forecast is determined by the special Armadillo, known as "Bee Cave Bob"who's observations have been correct 98.6 percent of the time.

The celebration of Armadillo Day begins with good food, Proclamation and great music.  Opening ceremonies begin with the "Armadillo Anthem" - (London Homesick Blues) Performed by Gary P. Nunn, "Armadillo Song" Performed by John Arthur Martinez & Mike Blakely  and "It's a Texas Thing" performed by George Ensle.  This year, the great state of Texas found a sunny day over most of the republic as Armadillo  "Bee Cave Bob" came out of his hole only to find his shadow determining spring is six weeks away. 

Armadillo Day at the West Pole with country music bass player Donnie Price, with Bee Cave Bob, Kimberly Moyer and Soco Michele.  Kim born  in Minneapolis, Minnesota today is a naturalize Texas citizen photographed holding Bee Cave Bob. She is also a member of the "Spoiled Doves of Texas" an old west entertainment group which enhances corporate, private and many public events with authentic dressing, speaking, and dancing true to the Ole West and creating that Old Western Atmosphere. 

"Armadillo Anthem"  

(London Homesick Blues) Performed by Gary P. Nunn

"Armadillo Song",  Performed by John Arthur Martinez

ARMADILLO FACTS:

Armadillos are not blind, but they do have poor eyesight. They rely on their ears and noses more than their eyes to detect food or predators.

Nine-banded armadillos always give birth to four identical young — the only mammal known to do so. All four young develop from the same egg — and they even share the same placenta.

Some female armadillos being used for research have given birth to young long after they were captured. These “virgin births” are a result of the female’s ability to delay implantation of the fertilized egg during times of stress. While some anecdotal cases have suggested delays of up to two years, this has never been proven. Currently, published studies have confirmed that armadillos can delay implantation for at least four months.

Armadillos like to swim, and they are very good at it. They have a strong dog paddle, and can even go quite a distance underwater, walking along the bottom of streams and ponds. They can hold their breath for four to six minutes at a time. When they need to cross larger bodies of water, they swim across. Because their heavy shell makes it hard for them to float, they gulp air into their intestines to make them more buoyant.

George Ensle--"It's A Texas Thang"