We have another blah day. It started out bright and beautiful, but has deteriorated and now it's just cold. Still cold. I know those of you in the southern states are in a deep freeze, too - and then there's the blizzards and earthquakes and who knows what else across the country, so actually we feel pretty fortunate here in Vermont. At least we're used to the cold, the earth remains solid beneath us (usually) and while we're paying more for heat and have to invest in more substantial clothing than some of you, at least we aren't having our dreams of sun, warmth, and pina coladas on the beach dashed among frosty nights and chilly days. We knew what we were in for when we elected to stay here year around. I bet there are a lot of electric blankets, flannel pajamas and sweaters being sold down south these days . . .

We're taking steps, though. Fred has been going around the house feeling for any cold spots. We've pretty much got everything covered, literally, after we had the winterization people here last year. We've caulked around all the windows, put those foam pads behind all the wall outlets, have clear plastic over the basement windows, weatherstripped the doors, but still we can feel a shot of cold air here and there. Like where the TV wire comes into the living room. Fred just filled that small space with foam, so I think we're good there, now.

I have been aware of cool air around my computer desk, so have done everything we could think of to cure that, including keeping the curtains drawn over the window, but I can still feel it under my desk. My feet get cold. I've finally decided it's because of the fan on my computer tower. If the computer isn't on, no air. I have a solution, though. I just throw one of those neat little fleece blankets over my knees and I'm toasty. I wonder why I never noticed any cool breeze when it's hot weather, though. Although, now that I think about it, it's been a few summers since we've had hot enough weather to bother much.

I'm making "refrigerator soup" today. I grab anything that looks interesting out of the fridge and chop it up in a big pot with fresh basil and parsley and on a cold day it really hits the spot. Today's soup has carrots, onions, celery, cabbage, mushrooms, red kidney beans and a fistful of pearl barley. Sometimes I add leftover gravy, but I don't have any today. It smells good, though, simmering on the wood stove. We'll have some for lunch and one of Diane's cookies she gave Fred for his birthday.

I just logged out of the blog and when I then checked my e-mail I had two pictures from George Parizo. Just when you think you don't have anything much to post, something nice lands in your letter box! Thanks George!

Have you read about the snow machine accidents in Vermont this year? Already there have been six deaths, the latest were at Lake Dunmore where three people went through the ice yesterday. Seeing the beautiful expanse of ice in the picture above, with no tracks on it, made me think about this latest tragedy. That's one definite advantage the rail trail offers - snowmobilers can stay on the trail and it lessens the traffic on the pond. I always worry about people roaring through the narrows between the second and largest pond.