Ground Hog Day the Rest of the Story

It doesn't matter if your beliefs begin with Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania, Staten Island Chuck in New York, Wiarton Willie from up north in Canada, Buckeye Chuck from Ohio, General Beauregard Lee from Georgia, Smith Lake Jake from Alabama, or Sir Walter Wally from North Carolina they all are the predictors of Spring from a legendary source. There is much controversy as to the accuracy of these so called forecasters. Lets face it folks this is a food source. The good ole boys have a different way to celebrate this nonsense.

Cooter, Bugger, and Bubba began the tradition many years ago deep in the hills. I think it was just after General Lee surrendered. The widows and children of our warriors needed some help. These folks that have given so much still need help today so the tradition continues.

February second the good ole boys picked up their varmint guns and took to the field. They managed to find a whole mess of those ground hogs stickin' their furry heads outta the ground. With quick precision these talented hunters harvested enough meat to make almost a ton of sausage. The skinnin' and bonin' of these animals was quickly handled by the women folk The sausage was stuffed into some small casings and put into the smoke house fer almost sixty days. It was carefully hung to air dry fer another sixty days. Cooter, Bugger, Bubba and the boys stood guard so no one would touch their precious bounty.

The hides were tanned and made into blankets, coats, and hats fer the youngins. The workers then sat patiently awaitin' that special day the last Monday in May. It was the day we all remember all the fellas & gals the died defendin' what we believe in, our way of life, and the right to choose.

When this special Memorial Day dawns it doesn't matter what the weather is like. The griddles are fired up, the pancakes are stirred, and the sausage is ready to warm. It's All Y'all Kin Eat fer a donation to those that were left behind. The good ole boys make sure the donations are plentiful or there are a few folks that will take ya fer a walk behind the shed.