We were walking again today and after bumping into some neighbors - Ray Richer and later Greg Keenan (the beautiful new log cabin on the former Clayton Smith property) - and then stopping at Bill and Diane Rossi's for a few minutes, we found ourselves in the dark as we made our way back up West Shore Road. We were impressed with the Christmas lights along the way. The Dimick cottage is lighted, Phil and Joyce Rogers, Homer Fitts always has a fine display, across the way, Jane Milne, and there were lights dotting the shoreline all the way - some obviously for Christmas, some just because folks came for the holidays. On the far hillside we could see more Christmas displays. There was a moon although there were clouds scudding across it, but it gave enough light so we had no trouble finding our way up the snowy road. A truly beautiful night, with the temperature about 20 degrees. I should mention - the pond is finally frozen over everywhere. There have been some pretty cold nights with temperatures down to eight above or so, and unless Monday's foul weather is also quite warm, I would guess the ice is here to stay until Ice-Out.

In case you are wondering we finally have snow (and cold weather to keep it, at least for a few days). We got a few inches here at Joe's Pond so folks were out with their plows and snow blowers. In the mountains skiers and resort owners are rejoicing that there is finally a nice cover of natural snow. Tomorrow is supposed to be a sparkling day, but after midnight we could be back to snow turning to sleet and finally rain. Sometimes the forecast is a bit off the mark, and we can only hope. In the meantime, HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE. Be healthy and safe wherever you are.