We've survived the latest snow storm very well - no big deal here, we didn't even lose power. Actually, it didn't amount to much except we had lots of wind and gained about 18 inches of new snow. Today it seems to be winding down, but still snow in the air - or maybe it's snow being blown around, it's hard to tell. The sun has tried to break through a few times, but without much success. The temperature remains in the teens - a little colder than it was earlier in the day. I have made a slide show of snow pictures. We're tired of looking at snow, but some of you may enjoy seeing what we've been dealing with on a daily basis . . .

Last night I just stuck the camera out of the bedroom window into the storm (the first two pictures). The rest were taken this morning. Snow pictures

Tom Dente e-mailed me this morning to let me know that Sherry LaPrade's father, Joe Magne, passed away on Saturday. It was only a few days before that Andre's mother died. So sad for everyone. We don't have much information on arrangements for either Mrs. LaPrade or Mr. Magne, but I'll post that as soon as it's available. If you wish to contact Sherry and Andre, you can send messages to their Vermont address, P. O. Box 15, W. Danville Vt. 05873, and mail will be forwarded to them in Florida.

I rec'd this nice message today from Mrs. James Craige:

Hi, Jane!

Tucky Sancibrian down in the Carolinas let us know our "tunnel" had made the Joe's Pond blog, so we had to send you a copy of our own pictures of the tunnel - that's our 5-year-old daughter, Ellis, and also Jim, "modeling" with the tunnel! BTW, while I can't say we've had the pleasure of meeting the Covell's canine, Angus, we know for sure our 7-year-old son, Angus, would be thrilled to make his acquaintance this summer! :-) We had a wonderful long Valentine's weekend at our beloved Joe's Pond, with skiing at Burke Mtn. on Saturday and a Valentine's dinner party with my family from Barre. Our 2-year-old daughter, Parker, delighted in watching the snow mobiles dart across the pond, and the highlight for Jim was walking with the kids all the way out to Sunken Island and back. Who says Joe's Pond is a summer vacation destination? We love it year-round!

All the best,

Leslie Day Craige

New York, NY

Here are the three Craige children, Angus, Parker and Ellis as they appeared on this year's Christmas card. That looks like the woods at their Joe's Pond cottage in the background.

Isn't it great how news travels between friends? Thanks for alerting the Craiges, Tucky - I know you read the blog regularly. And thanks Leslie and Jim for sending the photos. I expect your tunnel is now filled back in with snow . . . next time we're down that way, perhaps we can get another picture for you!

I know Val and David would be happy to have you stop in this summer. They have several other dogs and some horses, too, so it will be great fun for you. The Covells live on Brickett's Crossing Rd, probably about a mile and a half from the Craige's, and also, the cattle will probably be in the pasture across from the big field, just past our house where the Wright's horses are, again this summer. That makes for a very interesting stop - the cattle are very vocal, and the horses are always happy when someone stops. Don't touch the fences, however - they are electric and can give you a bit of a zap.

I'm listening to the road crews winding down their plowing efforts in the area. They may need to be out again tonight, but some of them have been out there for long hours so will be going home for a bit of rest. It's already been a long winter for those guys, and there's still at least another 4-6 weeks to come . . .