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February 2, 2015

Punxsutawney Phyllis's 10th Anniversary Birthday Bonanza!!!

WOO HOO!

It's Groundhog Day!

And you know what that means, right?

First of all, it means we have an announcement to make!

And that is that Punxsutawney Phyllis, Sage of Sages, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire did set forth from her burrow on Blueberry Hill this Monday February 2, 2015 at 7:25 AM and declare, "Six more weeks of winter!"

Obviously with the howling winds and heavy, blowing snow there was no possibility of seeing her shadow, but Phyllis's weather sense (possibly motivated by her desire to get right back in the burrow!) saw no signs of an early spring.  We are disappointed because we are tired of winter, but we are eating strawberries to make us think of warm summer days :)

Second, that means it's my little Phyllis's 10th Anniversary Birthday Bonanza!!!

illustration copyright Jeff Ebbeler 2005
"We're having a party!  We're having a party!" [That's Phyllis.  She's a little excited.]  "We need CAKE!!!" [She's a girl after my own heart :)]

I said, "How about cupcakes?"


Phyllis said, "Something BIGGER!"

So I said, "How about this?"


Phyllis said, "But there's no ICING!"

So we settled on this:
and in case you are wondering, those little brown things are
groundhog graham crackers... which makes this a Groundhog Day Cake :)

"Now we need festive balloons!" said Phyllis.

"Here!" said I.

 "You're kidding, of course," said Phyllis.

"What?  It's blue!  It's pretty!"

"It's only ONE!" said Phyllis.  "ONE is not festive!"

"Fine," I said, ever accommodating.


"I'm going to pretend I didn't see that," said Phyllis.  "Otherwise I might regurgitate my recently ingested natal day pancakes.  What do the words GROUNDHOG and BIRTHDAY mean to you?"

"You're being just a tad demanding, Phyllis," I said patiently.  "But I'll humor you.  Will these do?"


"At last!" said Phyllis.  "And now, for the most important part...  my POEM!"

"Uh, yeah, about that... I'm not quite done yet."

"WHAT???!!!"

"I want it to be perfect," I explained.  "After all, it's for you.  It can't be just any old thrown together thing!"

"That's true," agreed Phyllis.

"But I've got to finish it quick.  Everyone's going to be here soon."

"Also true," said Phyllis.

"So it would be helpful," I said pointedly, "if you would be quiet and let me concentrate."

"Okay," whispered Phyllis.

I tapped my pen against the table top.

AN ODE TO PHYLLIS

I wrote across the top of the paper.

"Good start!" said Phyllis.

"Thank you."

I tapped some more.

There once was a groundhog named Phyllis

"Stop," said Phyllis.

"What do you mean, stop?"

"Nothing rhymes with Phyllis.  Believe me.  I know.  That's a nonstarter."

"How about There once was a groundhog named Phyllis/Who made so much noise that her poem will never get written?"

"That doesn't rhyme," sniffed Phyllis.  But she stopped talking.

tap tap tap tap tap

In the hollow of old Punxsutawney
Lived Phyllis, whose fur was so . . .

"STOP!" said Phyllis.

"What now?"

"What is it with you and these impossible words?  NOTHING rhymes with Punxsutawney!  You're supposed to be writing me a poem!  Poems are supposed to RHYME!"

"For your information, Miss Smarty Pants, I was going to say 'whose fur was so tawny', but forget it."

"Yeah, well, that's pretty much cheating.  Punxsutawney and tawny - it's practically rhyming the same word with itself."

"Aren't you supposed to be outside looking for your shadow or something?"

"It's too early," said Phyllis comfortably, helping herself to a strawberry.

I sighed.

tap tap tap tap tap tap tap

Oh, Phyllis, you forecasting marmot

"Er.  Ahem.  I don't mean to interrupt, but seriously, marmot?  Where can you possibly go with that?"

"Harm it?!" I suggested.

"No..." said Phyllis, oblivious.  "I don't think so.  And I don't think you're quite getting the sense of an ode.  You're supposed to be praising me.  You have to set the mood."

"I'll set a mood all right."

Phyllis ignored me and gazed out the window.  "Maybe something like:

Phyllis, your fur is so fine
Your eyes sparkle like finest wine..."

"Hacksputtercough! I'm sorry.  I just had to gag a little there."

"It's better than yours!"

"How do you know?  You won't let me get past the first line!"

"Here's what we'll do," said Phyllis.  "I'LL write a poem and YOU write a poem and then we'll see whose is better."

"You're going to write an ode to yourself?"

"Who better?  I know me and love me well!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

tap tap tap tap tap tap tap

"Stop tapping your pen!"

"Stop talking!"

Hmmpphh!

*     *     *     *     *     denotes passage of time     *     *     *     *     *

"I've got one," said Phyllis.  She cleared her throat and read,

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I can write poems
Way better than you!

"Well in that case," I shot back,

Two poems diverged in a snowy wood
And I,
I chose the better one...
Which was not yours!

"Hmm..." Phyllis said primly.  "I don't think we're there yet.  Ready, set, write another one!"

*     *     *     *     *     denotes passage of time     *     *     *     *     *

"How about this?" said Phyllis.

so much depends
upon
a brown groundhog
seeking shadows
beside a green
pine tree

"Hey, that's not bad!" I said.

"Let's hear yours," said Phyllis.

Phyllis is the thing without feathers (I began)

"What kind of thing is that to say?" demanded Phyllis.  "I'm a groundhog!  Of COURSE I don't have FEATHERS!"

"You're interrupting!" I grumped.  "Are you going to let me read it or not?"

"Fine.  Read. But I don't think there's much hope for this one."  She snickered.

I glared, and started again:

Phyllis is the thing without feathers
That perches in the burrow
And searches the air with her nose
for signs of spring.

Phyllis patted my hand.  "It's okay that you're not very good at this.  You're trying.  That's what's important."  She stuffed a strawberry in my mouth.  "Let's keep practicing.  Maybe you'll get better."

*     *     *     *     *     denotes passage of time     *     *     *     *     *


"Done!" I said.

"I was done first three times in a row," said Phyllis.  "That means you have to read first."

Really, it is hard to follow groundhog logic.  Actually, groundhog logic is probably an oxymoron.

I sighed.  "Okay.  But let me read the whole thing.  Don't interrupt."

"I would never do that," said Phyllis sweetly.  She sat up on her haunches and prepared to listen attentively.

AN ODE TO PHYLLIS
by Susanna

Beauty, wit, charm, grace
Fuzzy little marmot face
Unsurpassed intelligence
Never-equaled weather sense
Even though you're not a boy
You're Punxsutawney's pride and joy
My furry friend, you know it's true
There's no one else on earth like you!

Phyllis jumped in my lap and gave me a hug.  "See?  I KNEW you could do it!  Now I'll read mine."

ODE TO PHYLLIS
by Phyllis

Lavender's blue dilly dilly lavender's green
It's really true dilly dilly I should be queen
Lavender's green dilly dilly lavender's blue
I'm a Punxsutawney dream-come-true.

"Ye-ah...," I said.  "You should have quit while you were ahead."

"Yeah, probably," said Phyllis.  "But never mind.  Happy birthday to me!"

Happy Birthday, dear Phyllis,
Happy Birthday to you!!!


And now, Phyllis and I are looking forward with GREAT anticipation to reading YOUR poems for Phyllis, and hopefully seeing some videos too (no pressure, Erik) since we totally failed on that score!

If you wrote a poem for Phyllis, and/or have photographs, drawings, videos, or other fun feature accompaniments, please add your post-specific blog link to the list below, or post your poem etc in the comments, or Email it to me and I'll post it for you so that we can all enjoy everyone's creativity!

Maybe Phyllis and I will pick some top finishers, or maybe we'll have a vote later in the week, but either way, some people will win a signed copy of PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS (if there's anyone left on earth who doesn't already have one or who wants another for someone), a signed copy of Pat Miller's wonderful SUBSTITUTE GROUNDHOG along with audio CD!, and there will be some other non-groundhog-day-related picture books up for grabs too.

Happy Groundhog Day to everyone!  May spring come early in your hearts, even if the weather outside fails to comply! :)

Have a marvelous Monday! :)

And please don't miss Julie's amazing and clever poem in the comments! HERE
And Karen's delightful poem HERE
And Sarah's wonderful ode HERE
And Jilanne's terrific limerick HERE



122 comments:

  1. POEM POSTED FOR JULIE A

    Happy Birthday, Phyllis! (Gefeliciteerd, Susanna!)

    By Julie A

    Ten years ago on Groundhog Day,

    Punxsutawney Phyllis came to play.

    It’s party time, we can’t be late,

    This second of Feb. we’ll celebrate!

    Ava and her merry sheep,

    Who in excitement cannot sleep,

    Kleine beer and Rose mouse too

    Climb aboard the Freight Train choooo!

    They ride to catch the Airplane Flight,

    The pilot’s name is Captain Bright,

    It’s time to land; they’re good to go

    Landing safely in the snow.

    In Ted’s Taxi they all hop,

    To take them to the very spot

    Where Phyllis sleeps, snug in her quilt

    In The House that friend Mack built,

    “Stop it sheep” says Rose the mouse!

    “No sword fighting in the house.”

    Her friends all wait on Blueberry Hill,

    For Phyllis to wake and feel spring’s chill.

    So, Mr Sun, for this one day,

    Please find a cloud and stay away.

    We plan to sing and laugh and play,

    To celebrate our friend’s birthday!

    For Phyllis is ten year’s old today,

    Happy Punxsutawney Day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy Birthday Phyllis!!
    Since I own a balloon store I had to bring balloons too!

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  3. Now that I've delivered your balloons, your poem Phyllis (sorry I couldn't scare up more than a haiku--that's the other reason I figured I should bring balloons !)

    Phyllis’s Alter Ego
    By Kimberly Cowger

    She’s Punxsutawney’s
    own Superhero known as
    The Shadow Hunter.

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  4. Phyllis says she LOVES your haiku, Kimberly! "The Shadow Hunter" sounds like a superhero and she's all for that and here is a thank-you strawberry just for you :)

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  5. Oooh! Shiny! Thank you, Kimberly! There can never be too many balloons! :) Happy Groundhog Day!!!

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  6. Happy Birthday, Phylllis. Cake was delicious! Thanks Susanna 😊

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  7. Thou are more humorous than a summer's day, Susanna! :D

    My poem for the birthday girl is at my blog - http://homesteadnotes.blogspot.com/2015/02/happy-birthday-phyllis.html . I was going to pose my paper cut-out of Phyllis with a cupcake, but I'm trying to finish my art for the conference so guess what won out? ;)

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  8. "Happy New Year!"
    ~ Frosty the Snowman


    Well at least someone is happy about 6 more weeks of winter! Enjoy the berries, the balloons, and rhyme time with Phyllis!

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  9. What a fun way to start the morning, cake and groundhog graham crackers for Phyllis's birthday! Here's a little poem to add to the fun, I hope you like it when its all said and done ;)






    It's time for a birthday.
    It's time for some fun.
    It's time for some raucousness
    hop, skip, and run!


    But wait my dear princess
    --forgotten the day?
    The world is waiting for your
    shadow to play.


    Will it not show itself?
    Or be on the ground?
    Answer the riddle first, stop
    messing around!


    Come now, Miss Phyllis.
    Don't tease us this way.
    Is Spring soon to come for us
    or be delayed?

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  10. Happy 10 Phyllis ... I've been enjoying the poems. I wanted to say tributes, but Hunger Games flashed in my head. Let's hope Phyllis never has to deal with that. Happy Groundhog Day.

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  11. Your poem is beautiful, Susanna. I love how we can whip these things up last minute. Hooray for Phyllis!

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  12. Happy Groundhog Day, Phyllis. Hope you are showered with strawberries!

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  13. Happy Birthday, P. I love Susanna's poem. It was worth waiting for. Yours is.... Um... Also a poem. FYI, I'm fine with 6 more weeks of winter, or whatever, as long as the snow doesn't touch my belly! Enjoy your day!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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  14. Brilliant, Susanna! Loved the entire dialogue, which is why I am taking your Picture Book Magic"course.😉 I wouldn't blame Phyllis, if, for the first time in her life, she refused to come out of her burrow (was it snowing in PA today??). What an adorable groundhog is peering out of the bundt cake!

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  15. Down the road from me lives General Beauregard Lee, our local prognosticating marmot, who did NOT see his shadow and I thought I was happy. But then I happened along your Phyllis and various Groundhog Day shenanigans and poems and I realized what true happiness on Groundhog's Day could be. :-)

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  16. Just finished pilates and I want one of those Groundhog day cupcakes. Just kidding, I want TWO. Happy to add my silly link to the party--Happy birthday, Phyllis!

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  17. I'm waiting for P.Phyllis, the movie! Don't you all think it's about time? Have another strawberry, chocolate-covered of course. Helps the imagination, which is why I eat so many! Happy birthday, darling Phyllis!

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  18. Thanks, Julie 😊

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  19. Loved the post, Susanna. :) Happy Birthday, Phyllis!!!

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  20. If you did pilates, you may have THREE, Wendy! :) Thank you for the birthday wishes, for being such a friend of this blog, and for your wonderfully entertaining post! :) Happy Groundhog Day!

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  21. Hahaha! You ALWAYS make me laugh, Cupcake! And Phyllis is laughing on the inside... I think... :) Good luck keeping the snow off your belly! My dogs are quite a bit bigger than you, and the snow is up to their shoulders - they are plowing through, but their belly's are definitely in the snow! Happy Groundhog Day!

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  22. Brilliant? Why THANK you, Jarm! I love the sound of that :) You have made my day :) I amused myself hugely writing this post, but I get the impression it was lost on a lot of folks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I don't know what it's doing in PA, but it's snowing like the dickens on Blueberry Hill!

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  23. You know Beau, Cathy? How cool! He actually stars in the Phyllis Valentine story that never got picked up. I'm very fond of him. My niece and nephews who live in Georgia gave me a stuffed General Beauregard Lee for Christmas a few years back... which was what sparked the ill-fated valentine story :) I'm glad you enjoyed the shenanigans over here, and hurray for you for early spring! :)

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  24. Why thank you, Catherine! Actually, you don't want to know how long it took me to come up with that final poem - it's a little embarrassing. One of those can't perform on demand situations :) Phyllis says thank you for hooraying her and hooray for you too - have a strawberry! :)

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  25. Thank you, Cheryl! I'm glad you enjoyed it :) And Phyllis says thank you for the birthday wishes (she can be polite to other people) and sends you a warm, furry groundhog hug :)

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  26. Thank you, Stacy! And oh, my! Hunger Games style tributes are pretty much every groundhog's nightmare, so I hope that never happens! It's a little too close to reality when you're a groundhog :) Happy Groundhog Day to you too! :)

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  27. Thanks, Karen! It's all good fun isn't it!

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  28. Such a fun movie, Stacy!

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  29. This post was an absolute delight to read! You clearly have a good relationship with Phyllis. It's always a joy to read anything by people who know and love their characters as well as you clearly do.

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  30. Did you hear me laughing when I read your banter this morning? So lovely!

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  31. Thank you, Phyllis! :-)

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  32. Oh, Karen! So delightful and clever! Phyllis and I LOVE it! Thank you for joining in Phyllis's celebration! You have made it even more fun with your wonderful poem! :)

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  33. Hahaha, Nancy! :) Lucky Frosty, poor us :) Ah, well, it's just more time for hot chocolate with marshmallows, right? Happy Groundhog Day!

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  34. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Heather! I had fun writing it, but just because I amuse myself doesn't mean anyone else will like it, so I appreciate your comment! :) Happy Groundhog Day!

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  35. May I wish the springiest of Groundhogs the happiest of birthdays? Alas and alack, the furry muse did not perch on my shoulder, and I didn't get a poem written. I will read the other offerings with joy -- and I loved the exchange between you and Phyllis! I'm also filled with joy to learn that there will be ONLY six more weeks of winter. It will be a treat to have spring come in mid-March. That's early in this neck of the prairies. May celebrations abound for the hog-in-the-ground, let bloom Amaryllis for the groundhog named Phyllis, and all give a cheer, Phyllis' birthday is here! (That was just off the top of my head. It ISN'T an entry. Just so you know.)

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  36. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I had fun writing it :)

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  37. Thank you for the birthday wishes and the WONDERFUL poem! And you are most welcome for the cake - it was the least we could do :)

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  38. My apologies as I do not have a poem, or ode, or whatnot for Phyllis. I do want to pass along my joy, joy, wish that she have a wonderfully, blissful Birthday filled with lots of chocolates, strawberries, warmth, and love *Hugs!*

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  39. Thank you, dear Joanna! I hope you are too! :)

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  40. Thank you for appreciating my sense of humor, Teresa. I laughed myself silly writing this, especially when I got to Phyllis being a thing without feathers :), but then I was afraid that others might not find it so amusing! Phyllis forgives your for putting your art for the conference above her and wishes you the best of luck with it! And she thanks you for posting at all and can't wait to come see what you did for her! :)

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  41. Wonderful ode to your groundhog girl, Susanna. Happy Birthday, Phyllis!!!

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  42. "Phyllis" and "Bruce Willis" rhyme. Work with that.


    And can you pleeeeeease write about an animal who likes vanilla cake?

    ReplyDelete
  43. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikFebruary 2, 2015 at 12:21 PM

    A capybara perhaps? :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Happy Birthday, Phyllis! My daughter and I (and our silly big bears) had fun writing a poem in your honor at the Bearsdoingstuff facebook page. It's called A POEM FOR PHYLLIS, GIRL GROUNDHOG WONDER. It does not compare to your own spectacular poem, or to your friend Susanna's, but we hope you'll accept our humble gift!

    ReplyDelete
  45. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikFebruary 2, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    This is awesome! You and Phyllis' poetry face-off was amazing! There's just one problem - I FEEL THE PRESSURE!!!! ;)
    I got done editing the video this morning.
    Great prizes! :D
    Thanks for another great Hare-Brained scheme! :)
    Happy Groundhog Day! :D

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  46. Love how you and Phyllis just had a tug of war over poetry. BTW, yours was way better, sorry Groundhog Girl.

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  47. Susanna-my daughter (10 years old) and I loved your post today! Very funny!

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  48. Woo hoo! I knew if we applied enough no pressure we'd get a video out of you! We can't wait to come see it! Phyllis is doing cartwheels! Happy Groundhog Day! (And hope you got a snow day!)

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  49. Did you hear that, Phyllis? Points for ME! Thank you, Kathy! :)

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  50. Glad you enjoyed the ode, Donna :) Ode is such a funny word :) Thank you for the birthday wishes, and have a Happy Groundhog Day!!! :)

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  51. Thank you, Beth! I didn't have the muse either, but I had Phyllis poking with a stick... Thank you for your lovely non-entry. (And as an aside, I'd just like to point out, Phyllis, that amaryllis is another word that rhymes with you besides Bruce Willis, so there!) Happy Groundhog Day, and here's hoping spring will arrive on your doorstep in a mere 6 weeks :)

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  52. That lovely birthday wish is even better than a poem, Angela! Phyllis is very happy and sends you lovey groundhog hugs right back! :)

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  53. Thank you for the birthday wishes, and especially for joining in the bonanza! Phyllis and I cannot WAIT to come see what you and the bears got up to! Happy Groundhog Day!

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  54. Phyllis was the one who said nothing rhymed with her! And what? Do you have a chocolate aversion? How did I not know this?!

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  55. That was entertaining, Susanna and Phyllis! What a wonderful way to start my Monday morning. Looks like lots of great poems that'll make you both proud.

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  56. Um. I like white chocolate...

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  57. Oh, you (and Phyllis) are too hilarious! My favorite poem is your parody of WCW. Brilliant! I'm sorry I wasn't able to write a proper poem for you. So here's what I can do in a pinch:


    There once was a groundhog named Phyllis
    Who thought winter wanted to kill us.
    She hid in her hole
    With a heaping white bowl
    Of chocolate 'til spring was upon us.


    Now, I know this has nothing to do with the book, but I was determined to write something that rhymed (OK, slant-rhymed) with Phyllis and included a mention of Phyllis's (well, maybe your) favorite food. And yes, I know I cheated with "us," but I couldn't work in "trellis" no matter how hard I tried. Just too many syllables in the last line if I still wanted to include "chocolate."


    So there it is. Happy Birthday, Phyllis!

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  58. So, a color issue or a flavor issue? Are you one of those "I like everything to be white and pristine" types? Because that ain't never happening around here - not even for you. We're too relaxed :)

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  59. Color issue. Are you calling me a chocolate racist?!


    A flavor issue, silly! My wife likes dark chocolate and my son like milk chocolate -- so the Allegra family covers all the bases.

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  60. Oh yum! So glad Phyllis is so picky...because we got so many treats today! I just love your post, Susanna...the back and forth with Phyllis was engaging and entertaining...and I needed that - what with the HUGE blizzard we are having AGAIN. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! I am tired of SNOW!
    I've added my link...hope you and Phyllis enjoy my poem. :) With many apologies to Edgar Allen Poe!

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  61. WOW...this is awesome!

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  62. I considered it seriously but refrained - I thought it might sound a little harsh :) And I'm glad your bases are covered, but white chocolate isn't really chocolate... it's really just sweet... just sayin' :)

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  63. Happy Birthday Phyllis!

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  64. Thank you, Lauri! And Happy Groundhog Day to you! :)

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  65. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Vivian, and the cake! :) I'm sorry about your blizzard - we're getting dumped on too! It's a miracle I still have internet - I expect to lose it at any moment! Can't WAIT to read your poem, but if it takes me a while to get over there, know that it is not lack of enthusiasm but lack of internet :)

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  66. Thanks, Romelle! I'm glad you enjoyed it. And everyone else's offerings are amazing! Phyllis and I are having tons of fun! Happy Groundhog Day!

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  67. Susanna, I LOVE that you shared with us an intimate peek at the relationship you and your tween Phyllis have. You two are a hoot. A hoot! Too funny. And that dessert. I thank you most graciously. Your poem won, I think. Although Phyllis gave you a run for your money. I'm having fun reading all the posts celebrating Phyllis.

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  68. That was SO entertaining, Susanna and Phyllis! :D What way to celebrate your 10th birthday :) I can see there are a LOT of poems here I have yet to read, and in comparison, my little ditty is quite short! Maybe the equivalent to just one balloon ;)

    Oh, Punxsutawney Phyllis,

    In bed your Uncle Phil is.

    There he did stay,

    On Groundhog Day.

    And for all we know, he STILL is!

    Happy Birthday, Phyllis! And as a little something extra, you may want to check this out. You were sort of mentioned, too! :D

    http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/who-is-punxsutawney-phil/

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  69. Happy B-day, dear Kathy!!!

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  70. I don't have a poem, but I wanted to say Happy Birthday, Phyllis! Even though I'm bummed about the snow. :)

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  71. Are you kidding, Jilanne? Your limerick is awesome! And I'm laughing because when I stared trying to write a limerick where the first line ended with Phyllis, I was thinking about "kill us" for the second line too - but my second line wasn't nearly as good as yours! And then I got stuck... :) Thank you for the wonderful poem, the chocolate, and the birthday wishes! Happy Groundhog Day to you! :)

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  72. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Pam :) And thank you for saying my poem won! Did you hear that Phyllis? Pam AND Kathy said I won! :) Help yourself to second desserts and enjoy all the other amazing poems, pictures and videos for Phyllis - everyone is so awesome and talented (not to mention generous to join in the fun!) Happy Groundhog Day, and regards to General Beauregard Lee :)

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  73. What Fun Julie! You carried me through the antics of each event!!!

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  74. Fabulous, Sarah! And you are so right... spring is definitely NOT coming today... at least not to Blueberry Hill! :)

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  75. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes, Marlaina! We are bummed about the snow too, but have a strawberry. They taste like summer. It will help :) Happy Groundhog Day!

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  76. ODE POSTED FOR SARAH

    Ode to Phyllis by Sarah Crist

    Phyllis Phyllis brown and fair

    You sleep through winter with no care.

    Your turning ten that is not bad

    You have no wrinkles I am glad.

    Your face so furry and so sweet

    Please make winter for us retreat.

    Your pants are blue and top is white

    You jump over streams with all you might.

    Dear Phyllis to you a Happy Birthday

    For spring will come, just not today.

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  77. Happy Birthday Phyllis! Yes winter is nowhere in sight at the moment :0)

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  78. Happy, happy Birthday to Phyllis! I'm catching up reading the poems. Well done, everyone!

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  79. Oh what fun! I'm so glad you and Phyllis made up. I was getting worried.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, PHYLLIS!

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  80. Félicitations Punxsutawney Phyllis! I bet you give great hugs!

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  81. Hi Susanna have been enjoying your groundhog Bonanza Extravaganza on and off throughout the Day! It's been so great… Actually kept me from some of my work. Many thanks for your lively wit, poems and posts!!! Happy Groundhog Day!

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  82. Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy birthday!

    Yes, that's happy times ten!
    And for you, my dear Phyllis
    I'll do it again!

    Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy birthday!



    What a celebration! You and Phyllis had me laughing, Susanna! Your poetry dual was hilarious!


    Thanks for serving up the cutest chocolate treats ever! I especially enjoyed my cupcake! Yum!

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  83. Oh, Susana, you continue to encourage me with many outstanding writing challenges! What fun to celebrate a Birthday Bonanza for Punxsutawney Phyllis! In celebration of a very sweet girl and a special day, I wrote a Haiku poem and a Limerick for our birthday girl! https://sleopoldblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/punxsutawney-phyllis/

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  84. Sus, I posted mine from FB. It would not load on my blog. They are all so great. Phyll should be really happy.

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  85. Happy Phyllis Day! Fabu poems. I'm so NOT a poet; but after reading your poems, I can't stop thinking...this:
    13 Ways of Looking at a Groundhog

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  86. Thank you, Stacy! And oh, what a great idea! I should have thought of that one! Maybe next year... :) Happy Groundhog Day! :)

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  87. I have SEEN it! Phyllis has seen it! We are blown away! Amazing and awesome! You and Mr. Ed are so talented. Phyllis wanted to leave immediately to come visit you, but I said we couldn't because we have a school visit tomorrow and we have to get our beauty sleep. But maybe after that...! :)

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  88. I can't wait to come read it, Suzy! But I already LOVE that picture!!! Thank you for joining in the fun, and Happy Groundhog Day! :)

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  89. Glad you enjoyed it, Michelle! I enjoyed yours too :) And all the other fabulous offerings - so much creativity and talent! Happy Groundhog Day!

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  90. So glad you enjoyed the poetry duel, Penny :) Thank you for all the happiness wishes, and I'm glad you liked your cupcake :)

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  91. I do! Here's one for YOU! (((((HUG))))) Happy Groundhog Day!

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  92. Glad you had fun, Tracy! We did too :) Thanks for the bday wishes :)

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  93. Thank you for all the good wishes, Pat! And you know, I would not be at all surprised if Phyllis backtracked on her prediction. I'm really not sure she gave it a fair shake, because there was definitely no shadow! Happy Groundhog Day! :)

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  94. No way, Donna! That is definitely WAY more festive than one balloon! We love it! And you are so right! Uncle Phil has been all warm and cozy in the covers all day long - nothing but snores coming from him! Thank you for the bday wishes and we will be over to visit ASAP! :) Happy Groundhog Day!

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  95. Thank you for the bday wishes, Iza, and enjoy the poems! There's some amazing creativity out there! :)

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  96. Such a fun day to celebrate, Punxsutawney Phyllis' Tenth Birthday Bonanza! Thank you, Susanna for hosting this creative writing challenge.

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  97. Well, then it's a dang good thing Phyllis is on the job! :D

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  98. LOL. Love this post. So funny. Happy birthday to Phyllis.

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  99. Capybaras can do not wrong.

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  100. My wife says the same thing about white chocolate. :(

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  101. What an entertaining post, Susanna! I love your sense of humor!

    Roses are red;
    violets are blue.
    Phyllis is ten;
    a party is due.

    Bright red balloons;
    cake on a plate.
    Phyllis is ten;
    let’s celebrate!



    Congratulations, Phyllis and Susanna!

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  102. Too bad. I saw a movie playing while reading your banter above - really easy because you write so well, Susanna (now pat yourself three times on the back and smile!!). Doesn't hurt to bring it up again! I heard some studio, Pixar?, let hundreds go recently, so there are animators looking for work!!

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  103. Fabulous poems and hilarious groundhog-dialog! Happy birthday Phyllis! Turning double digits is a big deal for any girl. The cupcakes were delicious.

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  104. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Rosi! Put me and Phyllis in a room together and just look what happens! :) Happy Groundhog Day!

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  105. Wow! You are a WAY better poet than Phyllis, and you'd better believe I'm going to show her how good your "roses are red" poem is compared to hers! :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Kristi - we had fun writing it :) Happy Groundhog Day!

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  106. Glad you enjoyed the silliness, Lauri :) and the cupcakes :) Thank you for the birthday wishes, and Happy Groundhog Day to you! :)

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  107. Thank YOU for your wonderful puppet show, Suzy!!! :)

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  108. I hope I'm not too late to join in the fun. I've just added my link to the list. :) Happy BDay to Phyllis!

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  109. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:06 AM

    That's a wonderful limerick! AND you mentioned chocolate! :) Phyllis would be proud!

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  110. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:06 AM

    That's a great poem Ms. Zoccoli! :D

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  111. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:07 AM

    I really like this! :D

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  112. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    That. Is. Utterly. Amazing!!!!!! :D :D :D

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  113. Thanks for reading it, glad you enjoyed the poem. ;)

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