It's always such a pleasure to report good news here - and this is particularly nice because so many of us had our doubts that the black Lab, Lilly, who ran off several weeks ago, could possibly survive the severe cold, the rain, the snow, and hunger she would need to endure.  But, survive she did - and she's now back home.  Here's what her owner, Melissa Yu, wrote for Front Porch Forum: 

I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have continued to keep thier eyes out for my missing black lab, a special thanks to those on Joe's Pond, those in Cabot, those in Marshfield, and the riders of the Route 2 Commuter. After three weeks of searching she was recovered on the Johnson Road in Marshfield. A special thank you to the lady with the golden retrievers, especially the one named Lilly, who was willing to feed a shy stray dog and let others know, you were a savior to a very scared and lost young lady.

Lilly is home tonight, laying on her favorite couch after having some soft dog food and a good drink of water. Thank you again, it really was a miracle that she was recovered, as she had lost her tags somewhere along the way!!

We are very happy for Lilly and for Melissa.  There were lots of people worrying about her that will be very relieved she's ok.

Not nearly as miraculous, but worth mentioning, our missing newspaper showed up the next day.  Coincidentally, there have been others in our area who have had missing and/or mixed up mail - packages, letters, etc., and it seems there have been some major changes in some of the local post offices and substitute carriers, so that could be the reason.  I'm sure things will get ironed out eventually - people do the best they can in these situations.  We're very used to having mail delivered without a hitch most of the time, so when something does go wrong, it stands out.  

We've had a little snow today - enough to brighten up the view so we are looking at pretty white hills instead of muddy brown spots and muddy roads.  The snow has made roads a bit tricky, and it covered up the icy spots on the back roads so we need to be a bit cautions, but with that in mind and in some cases, special expertise, navigation is possible.  This picture shows how you can sometimes - not always, but sometimes, recover from sliding off the road by just "gunning it."  This picture was taken when Jamie and Marie's hill was particularly glare, and shows the tactic Jamie used to get out of an otherwise tough spot.

The next pictures is of a "snow wheel" that "grew" on Jamie's plow.  I can't explain it - Fred noticed it and got the picture the same day he got the one above.  These ice storms can be exciting and interesting - along with being dangerous.  It's all part of the fun of living in the north country.  I bet some of our friends basking in the sunshine and warmth down south wish they could be here to joing in the fun . . . !