We got what has to pass this year for April showers today.  It wasn't the nice, soft rain that turns grass green and brings flowers into bloom; it was a cold, slushy, harsh half-snow-half-rain sort of April rain that doesn't even do much to help melt the snow.  Our temperature stayed in the 30s -- I don't think it ever got higher than perhaps 38.  We also had lots of biting wind.  As far as I know the wind hasn't caused too many problems, but the slushy rain just made the mud a little harder to navigate.  Back roads are NOT getting better.  Anyone who is waiting for mud season to be over before returning to Vermont may have a long wait.  I think this year is going to be a doozie.

If any of you watch "Across the Fence" on WCAX-TV every day a little after the noon news, you probably saw the program on the 2016-17 maple ambassadors, and some of you probably recognized Jack Beauparlant, of West Danville.  Jack has had an ad in the Joe's Pond newsletter for several years advertising his lawn care business, "Cuttin' It Close."  Take a look.  I think you'll be as impressed as I was with both these young people.