It's Groundhog Day!

Somebody get Bill Murray on the phone: It's happening again.

Yes, it's Groundhog Day! And while PETA is trying to ruin all the fun (we kid, we kid! The fact that they think it's cruel for our friend the groundhog to be subjected to such a public display of humanness is their right), we can't help but be in a bit of mid-winter suspense by asking:

Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow on Groundhog Day?!

There are always certain indicators in nature that we trust. The moon (when people act crazy or "moonstruck") the clouds (when it's about to snow, ask your grandparents who already know it is because of the way the clouds look) and, of course, our cuddly little groundhog who is an icon of the "will we or won't we have six more weeks of winter?" narrative.

Well here's the answer dear Tonic readers: Phil is predicting six more weeks of winter. There's a dramatic twist this year, however: Staten Island Chuck, a low-pro representative of the New York City borrough, did not see his shadow, meaning an early spring is on it's way. The Battle of the Groundhog — who will come out victorious?

Phil made his famed appearance (how much does he get for showing up at this gig?) Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the event has been faithfully held every year since 1887.

And for those of you who haven't kept up with how the drill with Phil goes, according to the official website of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil annually makes his way out of his home at Gobbler's Knob, with his adoring fans" from around the world." According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; If he does not, there will be an early spring.

No offense Mike Seidel, but this kind of forecasting is so much ... cuter!

And if you're really into celebrating the festivities, but can't make it to PA, try this recipe courtesy the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club for Groundhog Cookies. That way if Phil is indeed correct and we do still have six weeks of winter (say it ain't so, Phil!), you'll have some treats tucked away for those long winter nights.

Groundhog Cookies

2 cups sifted flour1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon ground ginger1 teaspoon ground cloves1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon1/2 cup soft butter1 cup sugar1/2 cup molasses1 egg yolk1 egg, slightly beatenCurrants or raisinsSift together first seven ingredients. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend in molassesand yolk. Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball.Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill overnight, several nights or freeze.Place small amounts of dough on a sheet of plastic wrap, and cover with plastic wrap. Roll 1/8 inchthick. Cut out cookies with lightly floured cutter.Place cookies on greased baking sheet. Brush with slightly beaten egg. Decorate with currants orraisin eyes. Repeat until all dough is used.Bake 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Cool slightly before removing from cookiesheet. Makes 72 or more medium-sized groundhogs.

Photo courtesy of The Punxsutawney Spirit