It’s not my way to state the obvious, but I was beginning to think that we might escape an almost snow-less January. However, the overnight three to four inches of the fluffy stuff on Monday-Tuesday seems to be Mother Nature’s way of preparing us for the forecast of a possible whopper of a storm on Saturday. Hope you have your shovels, roof rakes, scrapers and other winter battle gear ready. Yes, the season I/we love to groan about is upon us. My home heating oil supply went down quicker than normal (remember to get yours filled) this month due to the Arctic blasts, but I still prefer bare decks, driveways and roads to wandering out into questionable footing and traction.

Speaking of cold vs. white, it is too bad that the Boothbay Ice Rink committee didn’t have an inside track that late January was going to be good for skating. However, that rain storm last week just might have messed up the skating for a few days.

If you need ideas on how to enjoy the snow and ice, read Lisa Kristoff’s “Where it’s at” column this week. I used to enjoy winter recreation but this “old body of mine” just isn’t up to it these days. Give me a shovel – yes, I don’t mind shoveling – but don’t put me on a sled, tube, or skis (never been on them). I prefer to watch others enjoying themselves in the winter climate. So, I will be watching the Winter Olympics on TV beginning Feb. 5 rather than waxing down my sled runners! Oh, the memories!

Spring is about eight weeks away!