Saltwater on sand; snow on the land

We've been in Vermont for a over a week now.   The rains have come today, but I think this is the warmest day thus far this year.  More than 2 feet of snow still covers much of the ground, and we hear the increasingly frequent thunderous harumpfs of big snow clumps sliding off the roof onto the ground below.

2 weeks in san francisco, the land of no winter.   All the days were sunny and warm, and we witnessed barely a trace of the notorious fog.  Otherwise, it was: get this wool and down away from me, go to the beach in shorts and flip-flops.   Leisurely schedule, bunking up in a spacious house in the city, going on lots of walks, amid a landscape in full bloom, lounging on the sand.  Good friends and family to visit with.   This became the vacation we needed, although we missed out on seeing some very important friends along the way (by cancelling the roadtrip).

And then wham!  We arrive in Vermont on the 'first day of spring', where the winter's still going, highs in the 20's, down to -5 at night and all the plants sleeping--as far as I can tell, not one bud on a twig has even begun to swell.  Of course, Gwen, who's in a space of vast openness and learning, adapts more quickly than I do, taking to the mittens, snow pants and sleds with gusto!

We've begun to connect with some of Rae's close friends--wonderful people--and I am beginning to gain a sense of community here.  Culture here's not frilly or fancy.  People seem to be down to earth with strong sense of place.

Well, that's it for now!
Sweet spring music!!