We awoke to a white world this morning. We expected flurries overnight, but what we got was an inch of snow that stuck, and temperatures in the 31-32 degree area with lots of wind. At times this morning it has looked very blustery, more like March than April.

Yesterday was cooler than it has been, but we noticed the buds on our trees and marveled that the lilacs and apple trees seemed to be budding. I was thinking I might make a cold frame to get some early vegetables going, but now I guess I'll wait a bit. The forecast is for cold nights for a while. Too bad the buds on the trees have started - it looks as if we'll have ideal sugaring weather again next week, except for that. This is what my garden area looks like this morning. My black tarp is white. Discouraging, at best.

We had a nice time at East Side Restaurant in Newport last night. It was good to have the Ice-Out Contest behind us so we can begin to think about warmer stuff. The restaurant was busy but not crowded and there seemed to be some Barre people in the banquet room - someone Bill knew stopped briefly at our table. We were in the porch area overlooking the lake, but the view wasn't as nice as when the weather is clear. It was very nice, though, and we lingered after dinner. Fred took only a couple of pictures. I guess he was more interested in the food. This is a view of the lake from the parking lot. Inside, there is a very nice gift shop and bakery in one end of the building. The gift shop has expanded since I was last there and now includes a very interesting clothing boutique. Here's a link in case you'd like to check it out: East Side

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I got my office back in order yesterday. Here is a card I received earlier in the week. I knew there was time to get the information out, so here it is now:

The Cabot Republican Committee is planning a potluck supper meeting on April 24th at 4 p.m., 2nd floor of the Willey Building, to meet Len Britton, candidate for U. S. Senate. Bring a dish, bring you questions, get involved in your future! RSVP to Andrea Gilbert, 426-2108, or andrea@agilbert.net

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A week or so ago I was crowing about how good our roads have been this spring. That has all changed! Last night we went to pick up Bill and Diane and found the mud holes the town had fixed here on W. Shore Road only yesterday were already bad again. There's one just below our house and another at the top of the hill by Gardner's. These spots are always bad, but hadn't broken through until a few days ago. There are some other messy spots along W. Shore Rd., particularly in front of Mason's. We went out Brickett's Crossing Rd. and found even worse mud holes there. They would be Walden's responsibility, but it's an indication nobody is going to escape mud season this year.

I don't know if it got cold enough last night to freeze the muddy spots, but with the snow on top of the mud and covering some of the bad spots, travel on back roads right now can be a challenge. We don't have any place to go today, and we aren't expecting any visitors. We're happy last weekend was so nice for everyone to enjoy Easter, though. I was reminded on Easter Sunday that most years we haven't planned to have guests on Easter because we can't depend on the roads being passable. This year's weather has fooled us in many, many ways. Can't wait to see what's in store for us this summer.