We went to Walter Ruf's on Meadow Lane to measure the water level this afternoon. We've had a beautiful day, with lots of sunshine, warm breeze (about 60 since about noon), and there's lots of water running into the pond from all the brooks, some muddy spots, still some snow in shaded spots, but things are looking more and more like mid-April instead of March. We took turns taking pictures, and I've made another slide show for you. March 19 Walk and Water Check

We found the water was up only about two inches. According to Walter Ruf, the normal level is about six inches below the top of his cement retaining wall on his waterfront. This afternoon when I measured it was four inches from the top of the wall. We'll keep track for the next few days, at least. Sure is nice weather, though. We saw and heard lots of robins - really nice to hear them. They don't normally stay here through the winter, and because we'd had snow on the ground until recently, they're just getting here, I guess. Lots of other birds chirping in the trees and I heard a woodpecker this morning very close to the house, and very early. Probably hollowing out a nest in a dead tree. Another sure sign of spring.