Notes from the River

… is essentially what my mom said on the phone to me yesterday. Everyone Back East seems to have the same reaction: screw winter and screw Punxsutawney Phil.

Of course, I don’t share the same animosity toward the meteorologically inclined rodent. The weather in LA has been better than amazing, but I won’t gloat.

I feel bad for Phil. Once a year, he is ripped from hibernation by a team of strangers, paraded around on national TV, and then made a scapegoat when he inevitably sees his shadow. It’s not his fault! Those of you aiming your ire at Phil should be ashamed. Try blaming “big weather” instead. Blame the guy in the stupid fucking top hat who’s manhandling Phil. Blame the state of Pennsylvania for insisting on preserving such a bonkers tradition. Blame anyone but Phil!