The wind is blowing right out of the north here today - and moving the ice at least somewhat onto the shores near Barre Avenue and into the channel.  We got pictures of the ponds and I've made a short Slide Show of them.  There's lots of open water in the first two ponds, but not much in the big third pond.  The flag is still flying, and the clock is still ticking.  

We started the slide show with a picture of our road as we were leaving this morning - we wanted to show you that West shore Road is remarkably good so far - just a little muddy spot by Ken and Nancy Mason's and another on the Danville end right before Route 2.  It's all very passable, though.

We took the rest of the pictures on our way home, around noon, and drove down to the fishing area just to compare ice conditions where the Ice-Out setup used to be with where it is now.  It all looked about the same - pretty solid.  At the fishing area there is an ice-fishing shanty waiting to be picked up.  We were surprised to see it has been neatly foamed inside - that should make it pretty nice and warm with just a little heat, even on cold, windy days.

It isn't very cold today, but the wind is whipping.  It is apparently windy on the Maine coast, too.  Fred just sent me a link to an Osprey Web Cam site - I've been sitting here watching the two osprey's balancing against the wind on their perch, but finally first one and then the other left, so I did, too.  They are interesting to watch, especially if you use the "full screen" button (little arrows that show up when you pass your curser just above the "Live" icon in the lower right corner) - and be sure to have your speakers on to hear the wind and the call of the osprey on occasion.   It's like you are sitting in a tree-top right next to them. Pretty neat. 

Now we have sad news.  We were sorry to learn of the death of Russ Reed, a long-time friend in St. Johnsbury who had a cottage here a few years ago.  Russ was Beth Wechsler's (Barre Avenue) father.  Russ was in the insurance business in St. Johnsbury for years with his brother, Ron; I knew them both and appreciated their counsel and kindness over the years.  Russ knew many people in the area and was a kind and gentle friend to everyone.  He will be dearly missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Beth, her mom and the others in their family.  Condolences may be sent to Bob and Beth Wechsler at 157 Gilcrist Rd., Stowe Vt 05672; and to her mom, Virginia Reed, 91 Brightlook Dr., Apt. 6, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.