The snow that fell last Dec. 9 was followed by some rain and un-seasonably cold weather. For more than a week, we have ice over driveways and steps. The snow cover includes a crusty top layer but it is not deep enough for snow shoes. Our only walk in the back woods since last week extended only to the beaver bog, shown here.

There are deer tracks and the squirrels have been having a grand time eating pine cones that are scattered across the woods as a result of the big Oct. 30 wind storm.