This is what "spring" looks like this morning here at Joe's Pond.  We had 3 1/2 inches of new snow overnight and it's still snowing.  The temperature has moderated a bit, about 25 degrees this morning, and heading up, but there's a brisk NW wind out there, typical of March, blowing snow around a bit and dusting off the trees.

It's certainly going to be a while before Fred can put away the snow blower.  However, you can see that there are bare spots on the driveway, and if the sun comes out even a little while later today, the driveway will be clear; that's a good indicator things are beginning to warm up a bit.  The earth, if not the air!

All this snow is good news for the skiers/boarders/snowmobilers.  We heard from Dan and  Karen Keene (W. Shore Rd.) this week  they are heading to Colorado where the boys, Ryan and Peyton, will be competing in boarding.  Here's what Karen wrote:

Hi Jane,

Here are a few pictures of Peyton and Ryan in action.

Both boys will be out competing in the USASA Snowboard Nationals at Copper Mountain Colorado March 29th - April. 4 th.

Peyton is competing in both Slalom and Giant Slalom which is amazing considering he broke his arm about 5 weeks ago while training.

Ryan is competing in Slalom ,Giant Slalom, Boarder Cross, Slope Style, Banked Slalom, and Rail Jam. Both boys are very excited to compete and represent the Northern Vermont Series.

Prior to nationals the boys will be attending a BK Pro nationals preparation camp which will be coached by their uncle Bud Keene. Bud is the former US Olympic snowboard Team Half-pipe Head coach. He now exclusively coaches 2 time Olympic Gold medal winner, Shaun White.

Our entire family has been longing for good times at Joe's Pond and cannot wait until great weather arrives. Cheers, Karen

Who knows, we may be cheering on one or both of these young men at the Olympics a few years from now!  We wish both Ryan and Peyton successes in competition - and no more broken bones!  (Top photo is Preston competing at Stowe; bottom photo is of Ryan.)  They are fortunate to be able to work with their Uncle Bud Keene, who was prominent behind the scenes in Sochi. We'll keep an eye on these two!