Today is beautiful, mostly sunny with a few cloudy moments, and according to my thermometer in the sun, 62 degrees. On the other side of the house it's more like 45 and there's another brisk wind that can cut right through you. We're hearing reports that the maple sugar makers are happy as can be with the maple season so far. Started early and we hope it'll last longer than usual, but that's hard to tell. There isn't much change in the forecast and if this warm weather keeps up for a few more weeks, the buds on the trees will start and that will end the maple season. The picture above was taken on Davidson Hill off of Rt. 15.

Woody really likes this weather. He was out in one of our cedar trees yesterday morning, very early, worrying a squirrel. The squirrel escaped neatly, but Woody decided to roost in the tree hoping the squirrel would come back. It took a while for him to get discouraged and give it up.

We went for a short drive yesterday with Bill and Diane Rossi and stopped by the construction site at Smith's Point on N. Shore Rd. The road is pretty muddy there, but we had no problem getting in and out. There is still quite a bit of work to be done inside, but it's taking shape nicely. Larry Rossi is doing the work. We took this picture, but it's hard to see all the changes. Under all that snow is massive stone work surrounding a lovely patio area.

We've just learned that Cynthia Vanetti's cottage has been sold. We'll have more on that in the newsletter, but the new owners have been around to enjoy it already. We're sorry Cynthia will no longer be a summer neighbor.

The following message came this weekend:

At the Cabot Public Library

7:00-8:30 PM, Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

All programs are free and open to the public.

Join Cabot resident Ben Hewitt for a reading from his new book, The Town That Food Saved, which will be published by Rodale on March 16. Hewitt spent a year examining the past, present, and potential future of Hardwick's evolving local food system, which has been the subject of recent national media attention. From the young entrepreneurs that are energetically promoting the region's unique agricultural make up, to the old timers wary of the spotlight, The Town That Food Saved considers the ways in which food can be the basis for both nourishment and community. Open discussion to follow.