[at-l] Winter Continues

[Art Cloutman]

I got up early this morning planning on going to Gunstock to ski on 3 
inches of fresh powder.  My wife asked me if I would clean off her 
car before I left. So, I stepped out the door with my handy armstrong 
shovel and a broom to do my husbandly chore and discovered not 3 
inches of powder but 6 inches of heavy wet snow with sleet and rain 
falling.  In the process of cleaning off her car and making a path 
for her I decided I will not go in to work(ha - nice work if you can 
get it)  at Gunstock until the rain stops.

We have not seen the bare ground since December 3rd.  Total 
accumulation so far this winter is over 80 inches.  Much of that has 
compacted.  Some has come in the form of sleet and freezing rain 
which can be difficult if not impossible to shovel.  there is 
probably 3 inches of ice on my driveway.  The snow and ice has 
compacted so much on my front walk that the walkway is now higher 
than the first step.  I must step down a few inches to get into the 
house from the front.  Last year we were complaining that there was 
not enough snow.  You may remember that our septic system froze about 
this time last year because we did not have enough white stuff on the 
ground to insulate the system from freezing.  I had to take showers 
and do laundry at Gunstock in the campground.  I'ld rather have snow. 
Besides the skiing is GREAT!!! and Mt Washington is pretty in white.

When spring comes sobos may find a lot of flooding due to snow melt. 
Will likely promote a healthy crop of black flies and mosquitoes in 
May and June for those hiking in Maine.

The snow plow just came through.  Large 4 wheel drive truck is having 
difficulty because of the ice under the snow.  Guess we'll need 
another load of sand.  We've already spent $500 on plowing and 
sanding this season.  But, I think it is worth it.
-- 

Life is Good!!!
Art Cloutman