Quiet Spring Day

 Not much going on here today except a lot of melting of snow! That said, the block hasn't moved, but it seems to me there are spots where the ice is darker, but not near the Ice-Out setup. Diane sent this photo a few moments ago (on the left) - compare it to the one on the right from last night. She said a little more of the block is showing - she thinks the snow has probably melted from around it. We lost most of our snow on the ground today. With rain expected tonight, things will begin to change, I expect. 

We are happy that the next several days will be more like April should be - no snow or single digit temperatures in the forecast! Just nice warm, wet, spring weather! When I went through West Danville this morning, there was a channel the whole length of the first pond, and lots more open water in the middle pond. I expect the ice is getting pretty soft - it was in the 50s today, with sun shining most of this morning. I just looked (at 6:15 p.m.) and it's 61 degrees! Windows open and fresh air for sleeping tonight, for sure!!!

My friend, Mary Whitcomb told me about an article on wake boats that was posted on Vermont Digger. It is very interesting to get some insight to what the people at the state level are thinking. Seems to me they should begin thinking in terms of making it easy for lake associations and marinas to install wash stations. They haven't cooperated with our lake association in considering that option. They really need to be willing to sacrifice a couple of parking spaces if that's the only alternative, or relax any regulations that prevent installation at the state-owned fishing access at our lake. So far, it seems they are determined to stick to their guns and refuse to consider reasonable options. 

We are grateful they are willing to act quickly to change the laws regulating wake sports, but we are already fighting milfoil here and trying to prevent spreading it to other lakes, and it seems short-sighted to not do everything in their power to make it possible for us to install a wash station at the fishing access.

I'm thinking the maple trees in the woods behind my house are beginning to show a little rosy color, like there may be some buds beginning to show. That will put an end to sugaring season - but it's good news for those of us who are tired of bare trees, snow, and cold. And I can definitely see some pussywillows on at least one tree in my back yard! Unfortunately, they are all pretty high up - I've cut them for so many years, the trees are well "pruned" and no branches within easy reach. They are fun to see, though. A sure sign of spring!