We are now at minus 15 degrees and dropping. It's a bit after 10 o'clock, I have the scanner on but it's fortunately very quiet. Probably nobody is driving unless they absolutely have to be out there, so that cuts down on accidents.

Actually, I just had a message from Diane Rossi saying they just got back from the movie/dinner benefit for Pope Library, so at least some people are moving about. Diane said the dinner was wonderful, as all have been. There are more of these to come and you'll now find the schedule on our web site (left menu, home page, towards the bottom). Henretta Splain, who helps stage these movie dinners, has promised to let us know as soon as the date for March is set. In the meantime, if you would like to attend, you could call one of the numbers listed on that page - I don't know if they will take advance reservations, but they can only accommodate a few people at each of these, and they fill up fast once the date is set.

I also had a message from Walter Ruf. He and his sister, Mimi, saw George Karnady tonight (Mimi cooked dinner for him and Pat - she's such a kind person) and Walter said George is doing well and is very happy that he's heard from Joe's Pond folks. Like Walter says, it's always nice to hear from friends when you're not feeling so well. If you haven't sent a card and would like to, George and Pat's address is: 647 Signorelli Dr., Nokomis FL 34275.

Also, if you'd like to send a message to Ned Hamilton, who is recovering from a mild stroke, his address is: 23377 Water Cir., Boca Raton FL 33486. He's doing well, and Carolyn told me last week he's getting about ok but not driving (or flying). If you send an e-mail, be sure to use large print.

I have been working with the historical society website again today. I have a lot of information on the Judith Lyford Woman's Club. The ladies were instrumental in raising money in 1922 to build Willey Hall so there would be a place for a public library, town offices and an auditorium. The name was chosen to honor the woman who snatched a bear cub and predictably, was chased by the mother bear. She was fast on her feet and quick witted enough to secure the cabin door against the raging beast, fling the screaming cub into a corner and hand her husband a gun through a window so he could shoot the mother bear and then the cub. We have to assume the meat and skin of the animals was important to the Lyford's existence in those early days, otherwise it would have been thought of as a fool hardy stunt. As it was, her heroic feat made her a symbol of strength and determination and earned her the honor of having a band of women name their club for her - not to mention that her adventure is still being told, some 200 years later.

It is remarkable that, in 1912, a dozen women came together and from that meeting came the building, the library, and numerous benefits to organizations, individuals and causes over the 59 years the club existed. Those ladies were every bit as strong and determined as their namesake, Judith Lyford.

While I've been struggling with pages on the Cabot Historical Society site, Fred has been working hard on far more complicated stuff. One of the things he's been working on is getting videos to play. He made a short test video starring Otto, Jamie and Marie's dog. Otto is really just a fun-loving puppy, for all of being three years old or something, and really he's pretty smart. But this day he was more clown than student . . . check it out. Got your speakers on? http://www.joespondvermont.com/ottotraining.php

Keep warm and well, and be sure your pets are inside on nights like this.