Another January-like day.  It probably isn't as cold as most days in January, but being the very beginning of winter weather, we always seem to feel the cold more.  Today I wore my creepers for the first time this season when I walked up Jamie and Marie's driveway.  It was completely snow covered, so creepers were a good choice.  It was interesting to see all the animal tracks in the new snow in their driveway and on our back lawn this morning.  Probably animals begin to worry a bit about where their food supply will be now that snow is on the ground.  I've been watching squirrels stockpiling crab apples from our tree, and partridges feasting on the tiny fruit left on the ornamental apple trees.  We have seen some turkey tracks, too - they're all roaming about, it seems.

Now that winter seems a sure thing after all that exceptionally nice weather we had earlier, I'm looking at all the things I didn't get done, like cutting back most of the perennials in my flower garden.  I didn't get anything "put to bed" properly this year.  It's funny how these things work sometimes, but I recently read an article that said it really doesn't make any difference to the plants whether you cut them back or not.  And it said NEVER wrap anything in plastic for the winter.  I learned that lesson last year after years of wrapping my rhododendron and holly bush in plastic.  The rhododendron did much better this year - however, the holly definitely had some frost bite.  It should have been wrapped, but not in plastic, I guess.  I'll try something else this year - if the weather warms up sufficiently.  If not, it's going to be on its own.  I will probably tie it up so the snow I shovel off the deck won't break it down - on the other hand, it's pretty sturdy and may do ok without any attention at all.  Which is probably a good thing because I doubt I'll get out there to do anything at this late date.

Time flies by so quickly, it's amazing.  My problem is that I get involved in things at the absolute worst time.  I should be careful not to take on inside projects when I should be working outside.  We have most recently been working on updating the website, which some of you have very kindly reported either works well or doesn't on your hand-held devices.  It was those new-fangled devices that got us started on this project, and now we're hoping to kind of streamline the whole thing.  We worked on the Ice-Out page today.  I'm trying to put into practice what writers should always remember - condense your thoughts into as few words as possible.  Not as easy as one might think.  Did you happen to see the CBS clip where war veterans were asked to describe the war in six words?  I was impressed.  I'm not known for my brevity, either in writing or talking, so paring down our website is an excellent exercise for me.

The web cams at Rossi's are working.  Remember that you have to access our website using Internet Explorer browser.  Then click on Webcam at the top of the page and follow directions.  Diane has directed the cameras so there's an excellent view of the pond - any activity can be seen clearly.  With weather this cold, it won't be long before you'll be seeing ice.  There won't be any Ice-Out paraphernalia out there until at least mid-March, but in the meantime, check it out from time to time to see what our weather is here at the pond.

We thank those of you who have taken time to let us know you are seeing the web pages (and my blog) well on the smaller screens of your hand-held devices.  It's always nice to hear from readers, and I hope you'll continue to let us know if something isn't quite right about the site - plus, send photos or messages about where you are and what you're up to.  This is generally a pretty quiet time here in Cabot and West Danville, so I often don't have much to write about, and really, really appreciate your contributions.  I'm sure readers appreciate having something more interesting to read than my ramblings, too.

By the way - the Corley cottage on Channel Drive has been sold.  David and Lori Tilgner, of Stowe, got in touch recently to let me know they are looking forward to meeting Joe's Pond folks next summer.  They have two youngsters, Alex, 11, and Kate, 7.  I'm in the process of making the necessary changes to our directory and address lists, and we welcome a new family to the pond.