Yesterday, January 1, 2008, I turned on the television to locate a football game, when what to my wondering eyes should appear?

The first measurable snow finally arrived this week here central Pennsylvania. While I've enjoyed the unseasonable warmth, the snow and cold reminded me that I've missed them, too. One of the things that I do appreciate about a little snow is the story it tells every morning. In the warmer weather, I only know what critters have visited if I see them.

Several people have commented to me lately that they're missing winter -- where's the snow and cold?  Here in central PA we're enjoying yet another week of above normal temperatures and sunshine.  We had a brief dusting of snow about a month ago, but that's been it so far.  Actually, here near Williamsburg, PA, it's been more than a year since we've had measurable and disrupting snow.  All those snow shovels and snow blowers are standing ready by the back door, along with buckets of sand and salt, but we haven't needed them yet.  Instead, the bikes are still out, and people are enjoying brisk walks along the Lower Trail, a local Rails-to-Trails project.