Food Pantry open Feb. 2

Anderson Food Pantry, 367 Fanthorp St. will be open Thursday, Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. until noon. All residents of Grimes County in need of food may participate. For more information, contact Renee Fredwood, 936-873-5005.

Feb. 2, Groundhog Day is a popular North American tradition observed in the United States and Canada. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will continue for six more weeks. If it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early. While the tradition remains popular in the 21st century, studies have found no consistent association between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the subsequent arrival time of spring-like weather. The weather lore was brought from German-speaking areas where the badger (German: Dachs) is the forecasting animal. This appears to be an enhanced version of the lore that clear weather on the Christian festival of Candlemas forebodes a prolonged winter. Candlemas is the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. The annual Groundhog Day ceremony held at Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, centers around the famous semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. What will Phil predict this year?

Speaking of Groundhog Day, our youngest grandson, Case Karl Krause, and child of Tanner and Ashleigh Krause, was born 10 weeks early two years ago on Feb. 2, 2021. Case weighed 2 pounds, 15 ounces at birth but came out fighting for his life. After 6 weeks in the NICU at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in College Station, Case was released to come home. In April of that year, I became his weekday babysitter. We have grown and learned together. We, or at least I am, are contemplating potty training. Not sure about Case’s take on the whole situation. Don said, “What’s the big deal, you potty-trained Clint.” I told him that was 47-1/2 years ago! My memory has faded some since then.

Martha Smith, Chief Deputy of Grimes Co. Sheriff’s Office, turned 48 Sunday, Jan. 29. Her husband, DPS officer Kevin Smith, planned a semi-small surprise gathering of friends at their home that day. Crawfish, along with lots of appetizers, were enjoyed by all in attendance.

Yes, crawfish season is upon us - a favorite to so many people but not to this person. I do love the potatoes and corn that is usually served with this seasonal dish. 

Happy Birthday to those celebrating this week: Feb. 2 – our youngest grandson Case Krause and Patsy Jones; Feb. 3 – Rachel Horton, Jeremy Cook, Jessica Eaton, Jessalyn Borski; Feb. 4 – Caitlan Derrett, Suzy Bennett, Drew Wagner, Connor Vezurk, Shelby Taylor, Joshua Andrews; Feb. 5 – Cheryl Sechelski; Feb. 6 – Wyatt Russell Hoffart; Feb. 7 – Priscilla Paulhill; Feb. 8 – Scott Rabun, Christie Larner, Landon Lavergne, Bob Goldstein, Courtlyn Snow.

Happy Anniversary to those celebrating this week: Feb. 2 – Brandon and Kary Borski, 21 years; Feb. 2 – T.J. and Niki Haynie, 10 years; Roy and Lynn Bowman, 21 years; Feb. 2 – Steven and Meg Wisnoski – 15 years; Feb. 3 – Kenny and Morgan Bourque, 5 years; and Feb. 4 – Greant and Randa Carrabba, 6 years.

If you have special news about what goes on in your family or life, let me know by calling 936-870-6842 or emailing me at gailmsowell@yahoo.com.