Six More Weeks of Winter? Is That Groundhog High?

Published: February 02, 2012
By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon
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Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of what we laughingly call winter.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, which means six more weeks of winter. Has he noticed how warm it's been? Image: Groundhog.org and akaplummer/iStockphoto

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous weather-rodent, weighed in this morning and forecasted six more weeks of winter.

What’s that groundhog smoking? Many parts of the country haven’t had six weeks of real winter yet. My daffodils already are sprouting — a month ahead of Virginia’s usual spring.

On the off-chance that old Phil is correct — he’s right about 39% of the time — here are some ways you can still button up your home for six more weeks of this freaky winter with these home repair tips:

Caulk air-leaking cracks around windows and doors.

Clean or replace furnace filters.

Clear gutters of debris to prevent ice buildup.

Gas up snow blowers in case of a big storm. (Like that’s going to happen.)

If you’re still enjoying April weather in February, don’t forget to water your garden. This heat is confusing it, too.

Do you believe Phil and think we’ve got six more weeks of winter?

Lisa Kaplan Gordon

is a HouseLogic contributor and builder of luxury homes in McLean, Va. She’s been a Homes editor for Gannett News Service and has reviewed home improvement products for AOL.

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