Our journey of 2004 around the sun has started. For 365 days your world and mine will orbit the sun and travel about 35 million miles, but you’ll hardly notice it. It’s a free ride. And even though the sun is currently closest to the earth, the northern hemisphere is tipped away from the sun, making for our winter season.

This new year has descended upon us with subfreezing temperatures that made this the coldest January in many years. I trust all of you have been hibernating to stay warm. Nothing compares to a glowing fireplace or a toasty wood stove on these cold winter evenings. The only good thing about this time of year is that the days are gradually getting longer.

Despite the frigid weather, Mousam Lake is alive with ice fishermen. The lake is dotted with their fishing shacks, not to mention vehicles coming and going on and off the ice and snowmobiles darting through the woods. Maybe you’ll get the chance to walk or drive over the lake soon while it is still safe to do so.

Happy new year to all, and let’s hope that the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow!