February 23

Winter has not loosened its grip much yet, though ground hog's day is past. The days are getting longer quickly now and the intensity of the sun's rays are noticeably stronger, even Merlin the cat enjoys lounging in the sun on the deck where the snow has melted away. It is almost time to tap in for maple syruping but I think we will forego this year as we will be gone two weeks of the season. Lyn and I had an excellent tramp in the snow today, away down the salt marsh into the cattails and reeds. Rollo enjoyed the walk as much as anyone. I've been making canoe paddles again, just finished a nice white oak one with excellent strength and a nice spring to it. Next I think I'll laminate some white cedar from Metallak with the white oak and see how that works up. Also I'm trying a new material for the tips which takes about 7-10 days to dry but has residual flexibility and good abrasion resistance. Maybe we will have to try them out on the St John River or the St Croix. Only a month till spring but of course in Maine there are still two more months of possible snow.

February 9

At last word John was planning to plant peas and spinach in his garden at Southern tomorrow, but we are quite a ways off from engaging in that sort of activity here on Great Island. The snow shoeing is superb at present, the shop is just right for finishing the dory and the fire is great for reading a book beside. But gardening will have to wait for a few more months. We have about 14 inches of snow on the ground and another 5-8 inches are expected tonight.