Is it Spring Yet?

Our weather has warmed up considerably, but it doesn't seem to want to stop snowing. I have no idea how much snow we've gained today, but it's at least another 4-5 inches, I expect. It seems like we can't get a break - it's either cold, snow, or both. I got a report on the thickness of our ice today - 27 inches. I thought it would be more like 48 inches, it's been so cold. However, Bob, my fisherman friend, said it's at 27 and isn't solid, blue ice, but a softer, white ice. This means it will melt quicker once warm weather comes. Old-time ice cutters always looked for clear, "blue" ice that was at least 12 inches thick, as that would last longer in the ice houses. When you are calculating the date on your Ice-Out tickets, this may be important to know. 

When I came into my blog space this afternoon, I discovered the entry I made almost a week ago had not been sent. I'm not sure why - but it is posted now, and you will find it just below this one. It is important, as it has information from Barry Cahoon about the recent meeting he attended at Fish & Wildlife.

And here we are - almost Valentine's Day and then Town Meeting Day, the first Tuesday in March. Spring IS almost here - and maple sugaring season, then mud season, the end of our Ice-Out Contest, and finally, open water at Joe's Pond once again! Can't wait.

Here is something special being offered in Cabot - a Valentine's Day turkey pie supper! So good! Here is the notice:

When: Feb 14, 2026, 5 to 6:30 PM
Where: United Church of Cabot, Common Rd, Cabot, VT

Valentines Day Vermont Turkey Pie Supper ~~~ Feb. 14, 5 - 6:30 pm
Dine-in or Take-out, By Donation
Cabot United Church. 426-3783 

The church always puts on a super-good dinner using turkeys from the Bothfeld farm, and all the trimmings. They do turkey dinners to perfection. I'm always impressed - and always stuffed. Turkey pie is going to be just as delicious, I'm sure.

 Speaking of meals - middle son, Bob, and I did our "First Thursday" lunch last week at the Village Restaurant in Hardwick. Bob had mac 'n cheese with bacon, chicken, and seems like one other ingredient I wouldn't have expected. He said it was exceptionally good. Lots of calories (and cholesterol!), but definitely worth the risk. It was one of their "special" items that day, apparently a trial by their chef. Bob hopes they keep it on the menu. I had a hot turkey sandwich - and it was really good, too, served with lots of gravy and mashed potato. 

We had a riverside table and watched as workers secured suspension cables from an enormous crane to the long footbridge that crosses the river nearby. The bridge has been deemed unsafe due to erosion of the supports for it on each side of the river. I'm amazed that it has lasted as long as it has with the river flooding frequently, ice jams, and general erosion over time. There is a temporary bridge for the workers, but not for the public, we were told by our waitress. The old footbridge was removed the day after we were there, I learned from the Hardwick Gazette. The new bridge and repairs to the supports are expected to be completed by November.

If you intend to vote by absentee ballot, you need to contact your town clerk now to have one sent to you, if you haven't already received yours. Our mail is pretty sketchy lately - some days we don't have any delivery - so allow extra time. I've asked for mine to be sent to me. Also, Cabot Town Reports used to be sent to everyone, but that became too expensive, I guess, so now they are available at the Town Offices and the stores. 

Stay warm and safe - don't drive in this messy weather if you don't have to! Think Spring!