This guy was up bright and early this morning, singing away as loudly as he could. I think it was a celebration of warmth and sunshine, for he stayed there for a long time while some of his friends came by and then went on their way. He just sat there singing, happy as could be.

It has been another unbelievable day today. Warmer than most days were here last July. We could almost hear buds popping and sprouts of grass spurting out of the ground. We were busy getting ready for tomorrow's get-together with the family - I made the birthday cake and got some other preliminary things done. Late this afternoon, Fred and I went to check the flag and clock. We think plenty of other people are keeping an eye on things since Homer and Margaret aren't back full time yet, and even in the short time we were there two cars swung down to the access area to check the ice conditions and the flag. We took some pictures so you can see quite a bit of melting went on today, but the ice is still holding fast. Checking the Ice on April 3, 2010

We noticed this afternoon that the condition of West Shore Road has changed considerably. Some of the old faithful mud holes are showing up - at the top of the hill by Gardner's and in front of Mason's were both pretty messy. Passable, but the frost was apparently nowhere near out - we've just been lucky, I guess. With another exceptionally warm day tomorrow, the road will probably get worse. By taking it easy and picking your way it isn't too bad, though.

By the way, Bo Keach called today. I'd mentioned here a few days ago she's looking for helpers for Kid's Day after the Annual Meeting on July 3rd. She said things will probably get started by 11:30 or so instead of around noon, as I had said, and she's planning activities for a couple hours. There will be more about it later on, but I'm sure she'd like to hear from anyone now who will be available to help out. She and Bill are back home from Florida now, so give her a call at 748-8404.

Also, Sue LaGue came up to see us today. Some time ago I mentioned here that there was a stray set of steps washed up in front of their cottage, and Sue wanted to let us know that nobody has been in touch with them to claim them. She also told us there is some sort of dock with the steps, but the steps seem to be leading up from the platform of the dock rather than from the dock into the water as you might suppose. No doubt we'll get all the odds and ends of floating property sorted out and back to their rightful owners eventually, when more folks get back to the pond for the summer.

I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but Bill Rossi and I have a little bet going on the ice. Bill says the ice won't go out until April 16th or later; I say it's going to beat the old early record and go out before the 16th. There's $10 riding on it. I'm pretty confident, but Bill keeps reminding me after tomorrow the weather is going to get colder again and that, after all, this is April in Vermont and we've sometimes had snow in May or even June . . . Fred and Diane are keeping mum. If they have opinions, they aren't saying.