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Thursday, February 2, 2012

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"

5 comments:

  1. This is why I love Texas, we have our own better version of everthing...even groundhog day can be improved when you're a Texan. If Bee Cave Bob thinks winter means 70 degrees like it has been for us in Texas today, then I'll gladly welcome 6 more weeks of that kind of winter.

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  2. Love the article and the music. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Great article. Although my yard is still a wreck from their last summers digging. Having a love/hate relationship with them! Never knew about the Bee Cave event. Sounds fun!

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  4. Cowboy:
    I received an award from Annie Oaklie's kitchen, And an Passing on the award to you. I am a descendant of the old cowboy gang "The Cowboys" Newman Clanton,"Old Man Clanton" was My Great Grandfathers brother. Well; any way. I have learned a lot about The Cowboy life from you.For that I thank you very much.
    Ron Clanton
    The Outlaw Gourmet

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  5. Armadillo Day - 2013

    For Immediate Release – Jan. 29, 2013

    The Benevolent Knights of the Raccoon are proud to welcome “Bee Cave Bob” and the Lone Star Weatherological Society to the West Pole on Armadillo Day, Feb. 2, 2013. The West Pole has been the home of Armadillo Day since 2010. Historically, the ceremonial annual observation of “Bee Cave Bob” and his ancestors occurred in a small community northeast of Corsicana , Texas .

    At the bugle’s call “Bob” will leap from his burrow and proceeds to do what most armadillos do; try to cross the road without meeting a fateful demise. For safety reasons, the road “Bob” will cross is protected and will pose no threat to “Bob” or any of the spectators.

    The Lone Star Weatherological Society, headed by Professor Al Manack, Wayne Gage and Hugh Middity, through their extensive research has found that the most reliable climatological predictor of spring is, in fact, derived from careful study of the State Of Texas’ official small mammal - the Armadillo.

    The LSWS will interpret “Bob’s” antics and movements and determine both the timeline to plant spring crops in Texas and the political climate for Texas during 2013. A proclamation “Politico Prognostico Primero” will announced within minutes of the conclusion of the ceremony.

    Prior to “Bob’s” appearance, Tessie Lou will perform “London Homesick Blues” (“I Wanna Go With the Armadillo”), George Ensle will sing his hit “It’s a Texas Thang” and Doug Moreland will sing the “Ballad of the Armadillo.”

    The festivities will conclude with an audience participatory rendition of “Happy Trails.”

    Although the location is a secret, the public is invited.

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