Celebrating Groundhog Day: A Unique February 29th Tradition

Introduction to February 29th

Every four years, the 29th of February rolls around, marking a day that occurs only once every four years—unlike any other Thursday you might have. This year, as we approached the evening, I decided to do something special and meaningful that I hadn't done in 55 years. Here's my reflection on this rare day and how I chose to celebrate it.

A Special Dinner on an Unusual Day

Technically, it was already February 29th when I decided to indulge myself in a long-missed treat. After feeling a strong craving for meat that had been simmering in the back of my mind for some time, I found myself at a 24-hour Safeway store. I had been craving a hearty steak, and knowing it wouldn't be easy to find in the usual places, I decided to treat myself to two steaks. One was cooked into a simple yet satisfying meal: five minutes per side pan-seared with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and cherry tomatoes, and seasoned with ponzu sauce. Although I had neglected to include wasabi, the combination of flavors was more than enough to satisfy my hunger.

The ponzu sauce is a delightful condiment that adds a tangy and slightly sweet touch to any dish. It is made with citrus juice (traditionally yuzu in Japan, but other Asian citrus varieties can be used), rice vinegar, mirin for sweetness, soy sauce or tamari for umami, and katsuobushi flakes (dried shredded tuna) and kombu (sea kelp). Enjoying this meal with a glass of white wine at 1:00 AM was a memorable experience. I even referred to it as a hitori steak, a meal prepared for one, and I planned to save the second steak for my wife, who had already worked hard preparing a meal for me the night before.

Lifestyle and Hobbies

I typically stay awake until the early hours of the morning, often until 5 AM or later, but of all the meals I've made over the years, none has been as complex as a simple ramen noodle soup or a quick quesadilla. As with many, my evenings and mornings are filled with routines, but February 29th offered a rare opportunity to do something special. Currently at 86 years old, life is a cherished blur, filled with moments of reflection and anticipation. Words like 'kiss my wife,' 'say my prayers,' 'go to work,' and 'talk to my daughter' echo thoughts that have guided my life.

Celebrating Groundhog Day

On this special day, I also thought about Groundhog Day, a tradition celebrated on February 2. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it signifies six more weeks of winter. This year, I called a local groundhog to check on his progress, and he told me it was indeed a sunny day, meaning more winter. This day is used to find comfort in the proverbial 'burrow,' reflecting on whether I might need more time to finish what I'm doing in life. While I didn't have any grand plans to celebrate this day, it encouraged me to list some of my daily activities. For instance, I visited the post office to collect my monthly pay, and while I didn't plan anything overly significant, I looked forward to taking a short walk, returning home to spend some quiet time on my PC playing toribash, or perhaps on my PS5 making music on dreams or playing a bit of battlefield. I even considered meeting a few friends for a catch-up if the timing was right.

Conclusion

February 29th is a moment we all encounter once every four years, but the significance of the day can vary greatly from person to person. By taking this quiet Thursday and making a meaningful meal, I managed to turn what could have been an ordinary day into a special event. As we approach the final hours of this rare week, it's a reminder to find joy and significance in the unique moments that life offers us.