This has been another day to hang out in the house - even if we didn't have this virus thing going on. I had a hard time believing we had four inches of snow on the ground this morning when I measured. I had almost put my snow shovel away a few days ago, but then decided doing that was a sure way to have more snow drop on us. I should know better than to try to outsmart Mother Nature. The good news is, some sugar makers in this area are still getting sap runs.

Fred and I were walking around our lawn a few days ago when it was fairly nice, and one of the things we noticed was that our maple trees really hadn't started to bud yet. The winter buds are there, but they look to be still dormant. I was noticing some pussy willows on the back lawn have been the same for at least three weeks. Normally they would be leaves by now. We'll get there, but it sure is a slow process this year. Strange year in so many ways.

I heard from George Parizo that Pat is at her daughter's now, recovering from all those broken bones from a fall she took a while back - plus a shoulder replacement that had been put on hold due to the virus; but while she was in hospital for her broken leg and other injuries, they did the shoulder replacement. I expect it will be a long and difficult road back to normal, but she was released to her daughter's today (Wed.) and will be finishing her recovery there, not far from home - but whether George can visit or not, I really don't know. Perhaps with mask and keeping his distance.

Kate and Jay Chatot sent an interesting webinar done by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS). This is posted on the Joe's Pond website, so when you have a few minutes, go to home page and take a look - or click on the link above and watch it now.

Have you noticed that there seems to be some good things happening as a result of this horrible pandemic? Like areas that have little or no internet service are getting some serious attention. Also, many public buildings are opening Wi-Fi access for free. There's more about this - the Vermont Department of Public Service issued an update of what various companies are doing to help during this crisis. I can't help thinking that this will be the start of something much bigger - lots of people will no doubt find that working from home is better for them and will want to continue, at least to some degree, and hopefully that will be easier in the future.

I imagine stores that haven't offered curbside pickup or home delivery may find that is something their customers will want continued in the future, too. We're all learning new ways of doing things. Things like cooking at home, doing projects at home - in other words, finding ways to be less dependent and more self-sufficient, and surely that isn't a bad thing.  I'm pretty sure parents will have a new respect for what their children's teachers do on a daily basis now they've had a taste of "home schooling, too. I hope parents remember that "recess" is an important part of the process and they get outside for a break with their kids during these long study sessions - or better yet, send them outside by themselves, as long as they know the rules and abide by them. We're all learning what it's like to be with someone 24/7 for days on end. That alone can make or break a relationship! Everyone, no matter their age, needs some "me" time. So give the kids some space, and take a little time to be by yourself every day. If you don't already have a hobby, find one. Most of all, try not to worry.  It will get better, and soon, I believe.  It just may be a lot different than before.