The high temperature Feb. 20 reached 15 degrees; the low dropped into negative numbers.

Punxsutawney Phil has forecast a long winter and the weatherman is predicting more snow.

What's to be done?

Dress in layers. Stock up on bread and milk. Spread rock salt and Hoodie Hoo.

The time had come to join residents of The Meadows apartment complex in Emmaus and celebrate Hoodie Hoo Day.

They donned wild hats; grabbed pots and spoons and got out there to defeat Old Man Winter.

A hearty band gathered in the frigid air. At 11:45 a.m., one month before the official start of spring, they performed the rites of Hoodie Hoo.

Participants strove to break winter's grip with a merry cacophony of bangs, honks and yells culminating at noon with three loud, unified Hoodie Hoos.

In addition, group leaders Kathy Murphy and John Hertzog ended this year's festivities by pelting Old Man Winter's portrait with chunks of coal. Celebrants then shared refreshments in the complex clubhouse.

Was Jack Frost sighted scurrying away to colder climes? Maybe. Did the Hoodie Hooers have a marvelous time? Absolutely.

To learn more about Hoodie Hoo Day celebrations in other communities and for suggested ways to escape cabin fever visit www.wellcat.com.