Summer!!!!!

Can you believe it? The temperature reached 60 degrees today - a record high! People were wandering about in tee shirts and shorts. The day was balmy, the skies blue. Thoughts of 3 below and Christmas snow seemed like a fading dream. I've heard of January thaws, but this is amazing! I was so happy that I had several meetings in other locations that forced me to be outside for traveling purposes. Aw.

January thaw usually happens towards the end of the month, and provides relief from weeks of frigid arctic weather. OK, we have had a day or two of single digit weather, but not enough to be tired of it and longing for a break. It even makes me wonder about maple sugaring possibilities. Usually, when the winter temperatures rise above 32 degrees, the sap begins to flow in the maple trees, and that's when you want to hammer in a tap and hang your bucket.

Its one of those mysteries I have never understood. You would think that the sap would explode from the tree when it freezes because water expands when it freezes. And when it thaws, it should take up less room and sink to the bottom of the roots, not flow freely from the spigot as if caringly donating its life blood to save a sweet tooth. But what do I know? Sap only flows when the pressure inside the tree is greater than the atmospheric pressure, so they say.

Anyway, I can't think what will happen with the temperatures in the sixties. The poor maple trees will be confused and maybe they will start to bud instead of weeping sap. People sure are jumping into summer mode in the blink of an eye. I'm enjoying it completely. Way better than fighting your way through a blizzard! Here's hoping it lasts awhile.