We've had a mix of weather today - a little sun, some snow flurries, quite a bit of wind, and temps in the 20s.  A little more snow tonight and tomorrow, and then Friday a break with sunshine and temperatures in the 30s and 40s, no less.  Spring has to be right around the corner.

Fred took a hike up into the woods this afternoon to see how our logging project is progressing.  I was tied up with some computer work, so didn't tag along, but I asked him to take the camera so he could record the changes for me.  He said it's entirely different and difficult to place exactly where you are because most of the landmarks are gone and the lay of the land without all the trees is completely different.  The top photo is looking at our house through the woods and was taken in 2008.  This next one Fred took today from approximately the same spot.  Wood lots always look awful right after they've been cut off, but within a short time, and with a little help, the area will be really nice, with a few young trees here and there, and lots of vegetation that will spring up now it's exposed to the sun.  We're also hoping some of the really wet area will dry out a little, but perhaps that's too much to hope for, with all the springs along the hillside. 

One thing I'm looking forward to seeing from the house is a big granite rock that's alongside our walking trail.  I've always admired that boulder, and hope I'll be able to see it from the house - at least for a while before vegetation begins to hide it again.  There are also ledges along the hillside in a couple of spots, and those will be nice to see, too.  I have a feeling the deer will follow the ravine past the big boulder and may enjoy having easier access to our lawn and apples.

It will be interesting to see the area after the snow is gone.  There are still piles of brush that will be picked up for chipping, but for now, it makes for great hiding places for bunnies.  It does change the look of things, though, and from just a little way past our back lawn, there's a great view of the pond!  I'm hoping some of the trees below the house that block the view will be removed, but because it's so wet there, John said he might not be able to get to them.  We'll see how it goes.

We got an e-mail from Don and Diane Sherwood today.  They got together with some other Joe's Pond folks in Florida and sent a picture:
Hi Jane !!!!

 "Hello from Sunny Florida!!!!!!" A group of folks from Joes Pond [Aimis, Rickers, Rouleaus and Sherwoods] met for lunch at the Captain's Table on the Fisherman's Wharf in Punta Gorda on February 17th. It is a fabulous place to eat and we all had great meals. We had a good time catching up with each other. One thing that we all agreed on was that we can't wait to be back at the Pond!!!!!

We all say "Hello" and look forward to seeing everyone this coming summer.

Don and Diane Sherwood

PS: Sunny Florida was 38 degrees on Monday morning!!!!!!!!

That 38 degree temperature reading takes the edge off our envy of those folks basking in the sunshine in Florida while we hang onto our hats and brave the blizzards here in New England, don't you agree?  Of course, their weather will be much nicer much sooner than ours, but all the same, that's pretty cool for them.  

Here's the photo:  From left to right, Ray and Cyndy Rouleau, Charlie and Alice Aime, Sandy and Bill Ricker, Diane and Don Sherwood.

We received an update from Dotty Noyes today on their grandson, Nicholas.  You'll find it by following this link and clicking where it says "update."