[at-l] Signs Of Spring

[Art Cloutman]

I almost made it raking off the pine needles from my lawns before the 
black flies came out in force.  We can usually plan on them between 
Mother's Day and Father's Day.   Sure enough they are swarming in 
central NH now.  I would give them a couple of weeks before they 
infiltrate the mountains to drive hikers out of their minds.  While I 
was raking on Tuesday a waterskier showed up out on the lake.  Water 
temperature is around 40 degrees so I am sure the skier hustled to 
get out of the water after his/her ride.  It must have been great for 
the skier because there was no other boat on the lake.  It looked 
like a mirror out on the water with the Belknap Mountains reflecting 
from the opposite shore.  I don't think there will be any water 
skiing today because the temperatures are in the 40's and there is a 
steady wind blowing from the north.  The wind helps control the black 
flies but makes it difficult to finish my raking.  However, it would 
be a good day for a hike.
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Life is Good!!!
Art Cloutman