We have a response from Liz Randall - she posted a comment on yesterday's blog. Glad you're here, Liz, and sorry we couldn't hang onto the warm, early spring weather a little longer. This is our "normal," as you know, and will be gone quickly so tell John not to get the snow machines out.

We had a lot of media coverage of Ice-Out this year, thanks to the freaky weather and early ending. The Burlington Free Press ran a couple of articles: Free Press, Apr. 9. John Curran, Associated Press in Montpelier, sent a message nationwide; and VPR wrote:VPR Ice-Out Report; the Times Argus interviewed Homer Fitts: Times Argus, and of course there were a bunch of newspaper reports from the Caledonian Record and the Hardwick Gazette that I posted in earlier blogs, plus mentions by various radio and TV stations. All of this helps keep our contest alive and well, and we are very appreciative.

The big news around here now, I guess, is all the snow we have. We picked up another 1.7 inches this morning on top of the 3.5 in. reported yesterday, most of which stayed on the ground. The storm seems to have stopped now, and the temperature is hovering around 40 degrees, so this will be slowly melting - and of course running into the pond. We'll get down to take a water level reading later today. There will be significant run-off from this storm. I had nearly an inch of precipitation in my gauge this morning, and there was more snow after that - all very heavy and wet. I took some pictures of the snow - it's really very pretty. I guess it looks better to everyone when it comes in April as opposed to October when we know we can still have six months more of the same ahead of us. This picture is of our back yard at about 9:30 this morning. The snow was still coming down and the temperature was just above freezing so it was sticking to everything.

I had a message from Cherese Mason this morning. Cherese is looking for part-time work this summer. Here's what she says:

My job will be ending at the end of this month. I have been doing personal care giving, errands, cleaning, meal prepping, groceries etc., for the last 13 months for my best friend's mom who has Alzheimer's. She is now in need of 24 hour supervision and care and can no longer live on her own with assistance, so I will be done working as soon as we place her.  Maybe as soon as next week.  I thought I would take the summer off so to speak.  We will be at Joe's again for the summer of course, hoping to move in by Memorial day!  I would like to do something part time, so I am looking for new clients. I would be available starting in May.  Anyone looking for camp/house cleaning, errands, meal prepping,  meal planning, grocery shopping, dog walking, personal care assistance, child care, etc., $15.00 per hour. For more information or to discuss your needs, call me at 272-4642 or camp phone 563-2131.   EXCELLENT references. Cherese Mason.

Cherese has also posted a message on our "Comments Page" and we'll put her information into our "Services Page" as well.