How many more weeks of winter?

Backyard horseshoe watching - beer drinking bench.

February 2 is the halfway mark of winter. And Groundhog Day, popularized by the movie, which was filmed in nearby Woodstock Illinois.

Copied from the Northwest Herald:

• Events on 2-2-2006:
  

  WOODSTOCK – McHenry County, the groundhog hath spoken.
  Woodstock Willie, the
  county's official Groundhog Day marmot, groggily emerged from his stump shortly
  after 7 a.m. Thursday and delivered his prognostication. Traditionally if the
  groundhog sees a shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, and if he does
  not, spring is soon to arrive.
  Mayor Brian Sager made the announcement that
  spring is just around the corner.
  "Ladies and gentlemen, this Feb. 2 at 7:17
  a.m., Woodstock Willie, the seer of seers, prognosticator of prognosticators
  emerged reluctantly but alertly in Woodstock, Ill., and stated in groundhog-ese,
  'I definitely do not see a shadow,' " Sager said to a roar of approval from the
  chilly crowd.

I guess that's good news. I don't think anyone ever keeps track of the accuracy.

In fact, the competing groundhog in Punxsutawney, PA., Phil, came up with the opposite choice. They have it covered one way or the other.