While some people are chasing after a groundhog in Punxsutawney, PA, Texas has its eyes on Bee Cave Bob, an armadillo in Katy, TX, who’s predicted 10 Texas winters so far. Bob says spring’s coming early to Texas this year, and we’re all cheering while huddled around whatever heat source remains as the icy trees come crashing down on the power lines.

Beauchamp and other Central Texas towns are pretty much shut down till the ice melts, but we’re taking a road trip later today to find some traditional Armadillo Day food, barbecue. I bet Black’s or Kruez Market in Lockhart are open. Heck, people are probably going there to warm themselves up by the fire pits.

I’ve lived in Texas all my life and never seen a live armadillo. Plenty of squashed ones by the highway, though. I read some place that the only thing putting armadillos on the endangered species list is people, that is, their cars. Go, Team Human. </sarcasm>

Johnny promises to take me out on some of his ranch vet calls so I can see some live ones, but I’m just as happy with photos. I’m not dealing with snakes and bugs just to see a puffed-up armadillo.

I thought armadillos were totally Texas thing, but no. They’ve inspired art around the world such as the Scottish Exhibitions and Conference Centre beside the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and a modern art installation by USA artist Anthony Howe in VDNKH park in Moscow, Russia.

So let’s celebrate the humble armadillo and his weather magic—and watch out for them on the highway, geez.