Off to See the Groundhog...Again

Only this time, I won't be seeing Scooter, the little furry varmint with serious overbite, who stood in for Woodstock Willie a couple days ago on the actual Groundhog Day.  I found out Scoot is a direct descendant of the original groundhog who co-starred with Bill Murray back when the movie was made, twenty years ago.

I was looking at video I took Thursday morning and Scooter (AKA Woodstock Willie)  was quite cool, calm and collected at first, especially when given something to eat.  But a bit later got quite antsy and it was all his handler could do to hold him.

Sadly, WW won't be making an appearance today, but the big one with a human inside will be around.  Most all o0f the shops around the square will be open all day so will go to them, including Thoughtfulness, a store I shouldn't go into because of all the things in there I like.  I'll have to get my yearly groundhog cookie at the Swiss Miss bakery (which you can see a part of at the corner where the old man always tried to get Phil Connors to give him money.

They Say He Is a Groundhog If Ever There Were a Groundhog.  --GroundDog

Bill Murray and the Puddle: Twenty Years Ago

From the Feb. 2nd Northwest Herald "Wild about the hog" by Jami Kunzer.

Hard to believe that it has now been 20 years since Bill Murray, playing the role of Pittsburgh meteorologist Phil Connor stepped into that puddle in the street in front of the movie's Tip Top Cafe, and did it several more times before he realized that he was in a loop and had to keep living Groundhog Day indefinitely.

That puddle is now plaqued, well, there is a plaque near the actual spot where bricks in the 1850s road were removed for the scene.  Until a few years ago, that is, when the town put up a garden at the spot. (I still think they should have built the garden around the spot.

But, people still visit the town square in Woodstock, Illinois, to see the movie sites.  Most every outside spot you see in the movie is around the square or the town.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the movie's filming, a five day celebration is under way.  I went to the second one, the groundhog prognostication yesterday and am getting ready to drive back for the Shake Off the Winter Blues Charity Dinner Dance at the Moose Lodge in Woodstock (where the Groundhog Day Dance and Bachelor Auction was held in the movie.  No, Bill Murray, nor his piano teacher, won't be there, but it will be fun anyway.

Of course, tomorrow is the big day with the movie showing, chili cook off, site walk and symposium.

Getting My GroundDog On.  --RoadDog

Woodstock Willie Did NOT See His Shadow

Just got back from the 20th annual Groundhog Day Prognostication in Woodstock, Illinois.  And believe me, even Phil Connors would not have been able to look down that street from the B&B he was staying at in that movie by the same name.  I was wondering if we would even be able to see Woodstock Willie.

We had some real serious fog here in the Midwest outside of Chicago.  I was even wondering whether to even attempt driving the 17 miles to Woodstock Square.  I did.  It wasn't fun, but I was able to get there just a few minutes before the rodent (or whatever) was pulled reluctantly from his stump.

More to Come.  --RoadDog

Here's a New Way to Celebrate Groundhog Day

As I sit here thinking about whether I want to dive the 17 miles over to Woodstock, Illinois, to see whether or not Woodstock Willie sees his shadow or not tomorrow.  The prognostication occurs at 7:07 AM, mighty early for us old retirees to be getting up.  Liz has already nixed the idea for herself.

From Phil Vettel in the Jan. 31st Chicago Tribune.

"Groundhog Day" writer/producer/director Harlod Raimis (who was also the doctor in the movie) is an investor in Harry Caray's restaurants and partner at the Navy Pier one (the other at 33 W. Kinzie).  In honor of the movie, tomorrow, both restaurants have a special deal.

If you come in Thursday and order lunch, you can return Friday and get it for free.  We'll call it a Phil Connors thing.

However, certain restrictions apply.

Too Bad I Don't Go Into Chicago Much Anymore.  I Hate to Get Ripped Off (Although This Sounds Like a Good Deal).  --RoadDog

Woodstock, Illinois-- Part 2

Big fun this week in Woodstock, Illinois, as they observe the 20th anniversary of the very funny "Groundhpg Day" movie.  After much looking, the producer and director of the movie chose this town, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, to stand in for Punxsutawney, (and I spelled it without looking it up) Pennsylvania.  The big reason was because of the beautiful old square, which tied into Bill Murray's being trapped.  The real Punxsutawney is what is called a linear main street one with buildings mostly along one road.

SATURDAY is the best day of all.  They kick it off at 10 AM with a free showing of the movie at the Woodstock Theatre which stood in during the film as the Alpine.

Then, there is the Chili Cookoff from noon to 1:15 PM, and Ireally LOVE my chili.

Then, at 1:30, there is the walking tour of filming spots, usually led by Bob Hudgins, who was the person mainly responsible for the movie being filmed in Woodstock.  The first year I went, Steve Tobolowski, old Needle-Nose Ned himself led it.

Lastly, from 3-4 PM, they have the "Groundhog Day" Movie Symposium.

SUNDAY they have the movie at 10 and the walking tour.

But, Then, That's Also Super Bowl Day.  --RoadDog

The Groundhog Cometh-- Part 1

And, I Will Be There to See Dear Old Woodstock Willie!!

It's that favorite time of the year for me again.  The Groundhog Day festivities in Woodstock, Illinois, where the famous movie was filmed, have kicked off as of yesterday with the annual pancake breakfast

This Wednesday, that certain varmint makes an appearance on the balcony of the Woodstock Opera Hpuse, which stood in for the Pennsylvanian Hotel in the movie.  Of course, Thursday, February 2nd is the actual Groundhog Day Prognostication at 7 AM.  I plan to be there and have breakfast afterwards at Angelo's in the Square where so much was filmed.

Afterwards, it is to Donovan's Reef I go where we will play NTN and watch the movie, "Movie-and-a-Beer" at its finest.

I plan to be at the Shake Off the Winter Blues Celebration at the Moose Lodge, just off the square.  It costs $15 for a buffet and then music from 8 to midnight with the group 28 Days.

More to Come.  --RoadDog

McGuire's Irish Bar in Destin, Fl.-- Part 4

The popcorn came in handy cleansing one's palate. And I drank with the pinky out.

After tasting, Liz decided to go with the Light Ale.  I went with the Raspberry Wheat.  A bit on the pricey side at $4 a pint, but the place was worth it.  Saw some of the meals being delivered and they were huge. They're especially proud of their slab of steak.

Some people ordered what we think might have been nachos and I'd have to say they were the biggest chips I've ever seen.

Everybody was smiling and having fun.

We'll Come Hungry Next Time.  Perhaps an Irish Wake Is In he Cards.  --RoadDog