Here we are with another dreary, snowy, coolish day when we are really, really ready for Spring.
I measured an inch of new snow this morning, but under that was at least a quarter of an inch of ice.  Ice is on everything - although it's beginning to melt away now, and the temperature is slowly rising above freezing.  Still, there's no sun to sparkle through the icy limbs on the trees.  I took some pictures this morning and made a slide show.   I was hoping to catch the ice falling from the power lines along the road below our house, but I wasn't quick enough with the camera.  Long slices of ice would fall and the line would bounce a bit as the weight shifted, and then more would fall further along.  The same was happening on the trees, and the branches slowly began to lift.

We are expecting some rain, perhaps, in a while.  That is going to mean lots of water coming off the hillsides again.  I think it's good that we got a little more snow, though - there wasn't as much as usual during the winter.

We are happy to let everyone know the hardware store in Cabot opened as promised on Friday.  Reports are that the shelves are well stocked, gas is selling for $3.69/gal., and Butters Restaurant is open for business again at the back of the hardware store, where Julie Ackermann had her lunch counter.  We haven't been in to see for ourselves, but we're told things are running smoothly and the restaurant is open for breakfast at 7 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and evening take-out between 3 and 6 p.m. Pre-order by calling 563-2422.  I don't have a menu, but give Stan a call and he'll let you know.  We know the food is good, and lots of people missed the restaurant when it closed back in January in order to move into the space at the hardware store.  We wish all these young business people well - Stan and Kathy Linkovich at Butters and Bobby and Stephanie Searle who own the hardware store as well as the general store.  It's wonderful to see the space occupied again.

I'm pretty sure everyone will have more energy and enthusiasm once the weather turns around and we begin to see some new green showing on the ground and trees.  I got some pussywillows a couple of weeks ago, but while the ones I brought in and put in water developed beautifully, and now they are remaining as is without any water, the ones still on the trees seem to be at a complete standstill.  I guess nature takes care of things like that - once we get some really warm weather, the buds will pop out again.
Personally, I'm ready!