The winter storm came as expected, on time and with the fury that was predicted. I just looked out and it is still snowing lightly and the wind is picking up, swirling it off the roof in big clouds.
     I measured 11.5 inches first thing this morning. It took me a while to even get to the measuring tube - I always shovel off the deck in order to keep it clear for measuring. I went out just about 9 a.m. and was back at my computer to make the report by a little after 9:30. The storm seemed to be letting up around 3 o'clock, so I went out to measure again, just so I'd have a closer count on the total snowfall of this storm. Once the wind begins to move things around, it's hard to get a good measurement. At 3:30 I measured another 4 inches.
     This has been a pretty dry snow so far, and with the temperature dropping - we're at zero right now - it will remain light and fluffy.
Visibility will be bad with the wind blowing it around, but the roads are clear and except for some possible drifting overnight, we don't expect any real difficulties.
     It's been a good day to stay inside and get some things done - like putting away a couple of Christmas centerpieces and doing some small mending projects. Also, I worked on the West Danville history book. I am finishing up a chapter about the loons. I hadn't realized until I did some research that there were no loons on Joe's Pond for many years - at least, none were noted. When the wildlife folks began to realize in the 1960s and 70s that some species were disappearing, the loon was put on Vermont's endangered list. The Vermont Loon Recovery Project was born and gradually the loons have made a comeback with conservation practices in place and the help of humans.
     It's going to be a very cold night. Please be careful if you must go outside, and always let someone else know where you are going and when you expect to be back. I read in the newspaper about the woman in Kirby who was found nearly frozen to death in her own driveway by her husband. She normally let him know when she was heading home from work, but that night she forgot, got home and slipped on the ice, knocking herself out. He wasn't aware until he decided to check on their animals because it was such a cold night and fortunately found her. She is going to be ok, but authorities say another 15 minutes and she wouldn't have been alive. Her hands were badly frozen, but she hopes to recover most of the use of them. She was one lucky lady her husband suddenly felt compelled to go out and check the animals when he did. 
     An accident like that can happen to anyone, any time. It is especially worrisome for people who are living alone or traveling alone, so it's always a good idea to check in with someone, even a neighbor, who can sound the alarm if you don't show up when you are supposed to. It's a good idea to keep your cell phone with you - but sometimes, like the lady who fell on the ice and was unconscious, more is needed. It is a good idea to always keep a blanket or two in the car, especially this time of year, just in case you get stranded. Your car may not be able to run or could run out of gas and you would be left with no heat. So keep snacks, water and blankets in the car - just in case.
     In the few minutes it has taken me (about 15) to write this, the thermometer has gone to minus 2 degrees and the wind is starting to blow. It's gonna be a cold night at Joe's Pond tonight!