We are experiencing another "January thaw" for the last couple of days.  It's nice to have the temperature in the high 30s and 40s, but there's good and bad about that.  The good result is that the really hard ice that formed especially on the back roads is softening so the sand and salt the towns spread is able to work.  The not so good result of the warmish weather is that we've lost several inches of our snow cover.  I measured 11 inches this morning, and even took a core sample, coming up with 3.03 in. of water after it was melted.  Otherwise, I doubt there's been much good or bad about this warm spell, except sometimes when it warms up after a really cold, below-zero period, water pipes get frozen.  Something about the thawing making the ground temporarily colder.  I'm sure there's a logical explanation, one way or the other.  I know there is debate about that. 

Here's some interesting news:  We've just learned there is definite activity at the building that was Joe's Pond Country Store and is now owned by James and Sara Stinson, of Danville.  Restaurant equipment was delivered there this week.  No other info yet, but we'll keep you informed.  Having the place occupied will be good news for West Danville folks.  A new business opening means more traffic in town, and that should be good for other merchants in the area, as well.  The above picture shows the renovated building on the left.