Back to Wintertime

Spring-like weather is no longer with us here at Joe's Pond.  The temperature has plummeted and will drop well below zero tonight; today has been very cold in spite of the bright sunshine.  All the slush and melting snow is now rock solid, reminding us it's still winter and frozen is the norm.  This picture shows how pretty it was this morning, looking across the pond towards Route 15.  There are a few bare spots, but they were sparkling with frost this morning, so still looked pretty white.  The trees - everything, was frosted, and nothing melted all day.  My rain gauge was encased in ice this morning and I had to use warm water to release it from the post so I could bring it inside to measure the contents - .10 inches, once it was thawed out. 


I was really happy just to see the sunshine this morning.  Woody shared my enthusiasm, and he got to follow the sun from one windowsill to another, snoozing or just gazing out, hoping to see a bird or chipmunk or deer to make his heart jump and liven up his dull existence during these long, cold indoor months.  He seems to know when it's too cold to be outside, so next best is hanging out in the windows.  He's had several spurts of energy today galloping from one end of the house to the other, jumping over furniture and bounding off tables and chairs.  He gets scolded, but that is part of the fun of it, I guess.  Adds to his excitement.

This will be a difficult Christmas for lots of people who, due to the ice storm, are left without electricity and heat.  We hope they find a place at a table with family or friends where they can enjoy a warm meal and perhaps join in some of the festivities of the season.  Most people are very resilient in these difficult situations; but the "Christmas, 2013 Ice Storm" will certainly be remembered.

We were sorry to learn today that a former neighbor died this past week.  Bob Davis, who managed Cabot Farmers' Co-op for many years and who built the pretty white house just below Cabot Plains Cemetery, passed away last Friday.  He was 94.  According to the obituary, he was general manager of the co-op for 32 years.  I hadn't realized it was that long, but in the Cabot Historical Society, we have a great deal of memorabilia about him and the creamery, and he certainly made his mark on the organization and our community.  Bob moved away from Cabot some years ago, and we have missed him and his wife, Barbara - both were active members of the community.  Our thoughts are with his family.

Wishing everyone a lovely Christmas Eve and a beautiful day tomorrow with family and friends.  Merry Christmas!

P.S. - I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas