As snow and cold temperatures continue to hit, throughout the country many are wishing for an early spring. Well, as of this past Tuesday, they may get their wish.

Many waited on Tuesday to see if the groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil would see his shadow or not and thus hopefully predict the end of winter. Relief came as it was declared that he did not see his shadow and, as such, that means that spring is on its way.

Whether or not you believe that a groundhog seeing his shadow indicates six more weeks of winter, it's at least a welcome relief for many folks around Eastern Washington University to know that winter is going to hopefully end soon.

From slipping and sliding on sidewalks to worrying about whether or not it's safe to commute, many around here are hoping that spring comes sooner rather than later. While some love the cold and snow, most of us are kind of over it and just want some warm air.

So how does a groundhog seeing his shadow indicate the coming of spring? Well, the tradition itself can be traced back many years. Actually, the use of animals started in Germany, except they used hedgehogs rather than groundhogs. It was only when German settlers came to Pennsylvania that they switched to groundhogs.

Groundhogs, like other mammals, hibernate in winter and officially come out of their hibernation in March. However, male groundhogs will come out of their burrows to find a mate before heading back inside.

So, while it's still unclear as to why a groundhog seeing it's shadow is a weather prediction, it's safe to say that many aren't complaining about the early coming of spring.

After all, springtime means warmer temperatures and less likely chances of snow. It also means that nature will start growing again, which means green grass and trees with beautiful new foliage.

Animals will be out and about again as well, which some might actually not like, but this means that birds will be singing and squirrels will be running about. Of course, if you don't like squirrels, then that may be a problem.

Also, we can put away our winter clothes and actually enjoy being outside for a change. There's no more worrying about stepping on a small patch of ice or shivering under five layers of clothing.

Yes, we will have rain instead of snow but that's a pretty good deal to me, seeing as I'd rather have rain. Sure, snow is pretty, but after a while it gets to be a real pain. Plus, the sun will be out a lot more so there will be less of those gray skies.

Finally, the days will be getting longer, which means that 4:00 in the afternoon will no longer look like 9:00 at night.

I don't know about you, but I'm with the groundhog and hoping for an early spring.