Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Groundhog Day Giveaway: Six More Weeks or Not? Comment to Win from Cleo Coyle



Tomorrow is Groundhog Day, a very special day to me for two reasons. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where Punxsutawney Phil (the famous groundhog), prognosticates the weather annually. Groundhog Day is also my birthday. That’s right, I was born on a very cold day one February 2nd, which is why I’m throwing an online party this week with a fun "comment to win" giveaway! (See rules and prize below...)

Cleo Coyle, author of the
Coffeehouse Mysteries, born on
Groundhog Day. See a resemblance?


My birthday dinner this week will include a generous helping of Lomo Saltado topped by shoestring fries (see photo below).

If you'd like the recipe for this dish, you can find it by clicking here. It's posted at the wonderful Vintage Cookbook blog of librarian Amy, who has been a guest here in the past.

"Lomo Saltado" is one of my favorite
comfort foods. Click the photo to get my
recipe for this popular
Peruvian dish.

Instead of my favorite orange-vanilla Creamsicle cake (click here for the recipe), I'm taking a break from the oven and enjoying a decadent stack of Krispy Kreme doughnuts topped by a single candle. My age? Well, I'm turning 39 again -- and if you ever saw the movie Groundhog Day, then you know how very apt that joke is. And speaking of Groundhog Day...

As I type these words, half the United States is waking up to a world covered by a beautiful blanket of white. Or, if you’re not a fan of winter, a brutal new storm with yet another round of dangerous blizzard conditions and subzero temperatures.

Had enough? Or want more? That decision may just rest in the capable paws of Punxsutawney Phil...


So help me celebrate my Groundhog birthday.
Leave a comment with YOUR prognostication:

Will Phil see his shadow and give us
six more weeks of winter?


Or will we have
an early spring?


The comments and guesses are in! Thanks to every one of you who left comments. Thanks also for your heartwarming birthday wishes. I sincerely appreciate them!


And now, the two winners
of the retro Krispy Kreme
"road sign"coffee mugs are...




My Blog Winner is:

"Lo-Mo" aka Lori of
Little Kitchen on the Prairie 

Lori correctly predicted that Phil would not see his shadow and we'd be in for an early spring (we can only hope!). Congrats, Lori, you were right (about Phil's prediction, at least) and your comment was chosen by random number generator to win a pair of retro "road sign" Krispy Kreme mugs.


My Facebook Winner is: 
Nancy Hill Bradford

Nancy also predicted no shadow on my facebook post. Congrats, Nancy! You were right, too, and you also win the  mugs by random number generator.


Thanks again to everyone for
your comment/entries.
If you did not win this time,
hey, keep hope alive...

Watch this blog or
my
Coffeehouse Mystery web site
for future chances to win my
fun, instant giveaways!



Happy
Groundhog Day!


~ Cleo Coyle, author of
The Coffeehouse Mysteries

To get more of my recipes, win free coffee,
or find out more about my books, visit me
 at my *virtual* coffeehouse:


 
Click on the book covers above
to learn more about Cleo's culinary mysteries.




******************



A final, quick note for our mystery reading fans.
The latest Mystery Readers Journal with the theme Hobbies, Crafts, and Special Interests is now available.


The issue, edited by Mystery Fanfare's Janet Rudolph, includes many mystery authors who have guest posted for us over the past year. You can check out the contents by clicking here, which will also give you info on how to purchase a copy (hard or electronic) for yourself.



******************

55 comments:

  1. Here in Oregon, we're already seeing crocuses! I forecast an early spring and a hot, miserable summer. (I kind of hope Phil proves me wrong!)

    I'm so excited about your birthday! I hope it is filled with fun. I'm sure the Krispy Kreme will be tasty! Donuts are bliss.

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  2. Happy Birthday Cleo. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Here in Georgia we have our own version of Phil and he's called General Lee. Since rain is predicted for tomorrow, I'm not sure if we'll have an early Spring or not. I know I'm ready for one and we've only had about 8 inches of snow. Have a great day.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  3. You are the fourth person I know who has a birthday on the 2nd. Have a great day! I hope the weather will be agreeable where you are. Since we expect 16-20" of snow on top of our ice, I'm hoping the groundhog will predict an early spring. I've certainly had enough winter.

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  4. Have a wonderful birthday, Cleo!
    I certainly enjoyed your Orange Creamsicle cake on my birthday, as did my family! You are also the 4th person I know with a Feb. 2nd birthday!
    Wishing you a delicious day of doughnuts,
    Leslie

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  5. Happy Birthday, Cleo! Hope you have a happy day with lots of yummy doughnuts. :) I'm calling for an early spring!

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  6. Happy Birthday... I remember the first time I turned 29, it was fabulous!

    Phil's announcement may be a little delayed tomorrow while they chip the ice from his door.

    He may be blinded by the snow, but even if his eyelids have not iced over, he will NOT see his shadow.

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  7. Well . . . I may sound like a wet blanket, but I think he will see his shadow. IF he even comes out of his hole at all, what with the storm we are supposed to have. Six weeks, if taken one at a time, is not that long. Right? Happy Birthday!

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  8. I'm afraid that Phil will not see his shadow and we will endure more winter snow storms.

    Happy Pre-Birthday Cleo!

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  9. Happy Birthday, Cleo! I believe Phil will not see his shadow tomorrow.

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  10. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy BIRTHDAY, dear Cleo, happy birthday to you...and many more! (Sung in perfect three-part harmony by one, of course.)

    Here in California, I'm pretty sure Puxatawney Phil would see his shadow...but there's no telling for the rest of the country. Could luck to all. BTW, Librarian Amy's dish looks scrumptious!!!!

    ~Avery
    AveryAames.com

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  11. Considering that NH is about to hit with two more days of snow (and looking at up to 1 1/2 feet!), I refuse to allow Phil to see his shadow. I forbid it! So that's my demand...er, prediction.

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  12. Happy Birthday tomorrow!! It will also be my 39th (again) birthday and, in a brilliant move by the hubby, our 19th anniversary.

    With the weather report being what it is, none of us groundhogs will be seeing our shadows tomorrow and, boy, am I ready for spring!

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  13. Groundhog day for me and Hubster celebrates the anniversary of our engagement -- 42 years ago. I really don't care if Phil sees his shadow or not, since this is my first 'real' winter, and it's been mild.

    Terry
    Terry's Place
    Romance with a Twist--of Mystery

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  14. Living in the East, I doubt he'll see his shadow but I also doubt (although I truly want to be a believer) that it will be an early spring. Phil may just have an "off" day & year.

    Also, wishing you a very Happy Birthday tomorrow, whatever the weather might be.

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  15. Happy Birthday, Cleo!! How fun to have your birthday on Groundhog Day! Enjoy your Krispy Kremes and your Lomo Saltado! Mmm... I'll celebrate here in your honor and fervently hope for a prediction of early spring!

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  16. One of my friend's niece asked her how old she was and she said "29". The little girl looked puzzled and asked "How old is Mommy?" and my friend said "29". The little girl asked how they could both be 29 and my friend told her that all ladies in Indiana stopped counting birthdays at 29. Therefore, every year I celebrate the anniversary of my 29th birthday (although I may need to advance to 39 since my oldest is 32 and I've been married 37 years). Ah, weather forecasting! I predict that Mother Nature will relent and allow us to thaw out in 4-5 weeks, giving us an early spring but I think she'll throw one more big snowstorm at us before then. And a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my second fvorite groundhog! ~~Nurse JudyMac

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  17. Happy Birthday, Cleo! A stack of Krispy Kremes instead of a birthday cake? I'm there! LOL! I can't resist Krispy Kremes.

    ~ Krista

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  18. Although I love winter, I say early spring!

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  19. I forgot to mention that, here in Lafayette, I am now Krispy Kreme deprived! Our store closed 2 years ago so I can no longer take advantage of the "Hot" sign and get my free doughnut, waaaah! ~~Nurse JudyMac

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  20. Happy Birthday, Cleo! I would like an early spring but rather believe we will be getting those 6 more weeks of winter. *sigh*

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  21. Happy Birthday to you! Start now to fill it with all the things you love best. Krispy Kremes and coffee - now's there's the way to celebrate!

    Groundhog: I say he'll predict an early spring. Start planning those gardens!

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  22. Hiya. My own guess, as a Pennsylvanian who has moved north, is - he'll see his shadow but no one else will. Meanwhile, if a groundhog is the same thing as a woodchuck, there are great recipes for woodchuck in the original Joy of Cooking. . . .

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  23. I would say six more weeks of winter. BLAH

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  24. Well looking ahead to the weather coming, I do not think he will see his shadow. Which I think means an early spring. Hopefully!

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  25. Happy Birthday Cleo! Congratulations on another round at 39. Gets better each time, doesn't it? On the 15th, I'll turn 31 again - can't wait, I loved my 30s. If you can have Krispy Kreme, I want Cinnabon. (and OV-Creamsickle Cake)

    I'm an optimist. I think PP is just as tired of winter as everyone else back east and will decide to stay outside and stretch. Spring!

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  26. Happy Birthday, Cleo. Happy Groundhog Day, everyone. I believe Phil will be seeing six more weeks of winter for us all.

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  27. I think it will be way too cloudy for poor little Phil to see anything - blinded by snow - whipped by the wind - or covered up with a drift! Early spring because no shadow is my guess.

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  28. I also grew up with "Phil"...that's why I moved to FL! I think you are in for 6 more weeks of the white stuff, sorry! But your birthday dinner looks wonderful!

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  29. As overcast it will probably be with rain and other wet stuff, I'm hoping he doesn't see his shadow and we have an early spring.

    Hope you have a wonderful birthday - enjoy all those delicious goodies!

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  30. Hi Cleo!
    Happy Birthday. Do you know that I have been trying to win your book 'Through the Grinder' for about 5 or 6 weeks now from Martha's Reviews Bookshelf! Maybe this will bring me some luck.

    Last night in Allen, Texas, we had rain, sleet,
    hail and then snow. Warn out with winter. I think the groundhog will preedict 6 more week o this nasty winter.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  31. Happy Birthday!

    Definitely won't see 6 more weeks here in BC as we already have bulbs sprouting everywhere.

    I think that the groundhog will predict 6 more weeks of winter though.

    littleone AT shaw DOt ca

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  32. Hi, everyone! Just checking in to say thank you for all of your fun comments about Phil - and especially for your very kind happy birthday wishes, too. I'll be checking back periodically to read any new comments. And, of course, as soon as Phil comes out and makes his prediction just after dawn on Feb. 2nd, I'll be back to do a random draw for a winner of the Krispy Kreme mug among those of you who correctly prognosticate Phil's prognostication!

    Cheers,
    ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter

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  33. Happy happy birthday! I hope you see YOUR shadow and give us six more years (yes) of recipes - or more.

    Hugs!

    MJ

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  34. Unfortunately, living in New Jersey (especially this winter)we may never see Spring again!

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  35. I'm afraid we'll be seeing a lot more winter. Boo!!!!

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  36. I'm going to say six more weeks of winter. Based on the 'snowbird' population here in Florida, I'd say we're in for a long haul.

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  37. Just say no more winter. :-) Hope your birthday is FABU just like you!

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  38. Happy Birthday!

    I think it will be 6 more weeks of winter! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

    Thanks for all the recipes and I can't wait till Murder by Mocha comes out!

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  39. We've just been the recipient of another 6 inches of snow today and an additional 18 inches due tomorrow. I'd have to say to expect another 6 weeks of winter because I don't think anyone will be able to FIND the groundhog, much less get his prediction!

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  40. I think he'll predict more winter...like usual. Love your books!

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  41. I'm going to guess that he won't see his shadow....at least I hope he doesn't. I'm so tired of winter!

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  42. I'm in NJ - definitely 6 more weeks of winter - we have already broken all the records for January alone!

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  43. Since we are going to have another storm tomorrow I am going to say NO!!
    Poor groundhog will not see his shadow. Poor us!!!!

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  44. He won't see his shadow, but we'll still get six more weeks of winter :)
    Have a Happy Birthday

    lenikaye@yahoo.com

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  45. With this winter, there's no way Phil isn't going to see his shadow. I think we're in for it. But have a happy, if cold, birthday!

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  46. Happy Birthday!! I do believe we are in for more winter. This one has been a humdingah and I don't think it's ready to let go.

    VWinship at aol dot com

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  47. Happy birthday!!! I am just going to say that Phil had better predict and early spring...if I say it enough, it will be true, right??
    Have a happy birthday and here's to an early spring!!

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  48. Wishing you a year filled with met deadlines, record sales, sunny days, great coffee, fantastic recipes, healthy kitties, friends and love...which all wrapped together make for...JOY!!!!
    Step away from the computer and write a bucket list for this upcoming year...
    Happy Happy Birthday, Cleo!!!
    Nanc, Chef Connor, Mr. Nanc, the lovely Emily, Moo, Dixie, Lucy and Mad Madison...the entire crew here at Chez Phillipe

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  49. Happy Birthday Cleo...what a great day for a birthday!!!!!! Never can forget that date!!!
    I think that Phil will poke his little nose out...wiggle it a couple of times and then go back to bed for 6 weeks.....I think that we ALL should go back to bed with a good book....
    patricia

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  50. I predict that Phil WON'T see his shadow and that spring is just around the corner! I am predicting this only because this is what I hope will happen!!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  51. Punxsutawney Phil has officially prognosticated! Comments above this one who have predicted correctly will be eligible for my random drawing. I'll be back by 12:00 NOON (Eastern) to post the winner of my Groundhog Day Party giveaway! Good luck!

    ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter

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  52. Happy Birthday. Today is my dad's birthday and my parents 43rd wedding anniversary. What a great day!!!!

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  53. Erin - Thank you and Happy Birthday to you dad and anniversary to your parents. 43 years! God bless them!

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  54. Thanks again to everyone who left comments and guesses AND birthday wishes, too! I sincerely appreciate them! :)

    The winners of today's drawing are now posted. To see if you won, scroll back up to the original blog post to see my update with the winning names or jump over to my *virtual* coffeehouse web site at Coffeehouse Mystery.com

    If you didn't win, never fear! Keep watching this blog or my web site for your next chance to enter and win my fun, instant giveaways!

    Happy Groundhog Day, everyone!

    ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter

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  55. Cleo, thanks for a fun contest and a nice prize.

    Again HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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