Winter for the ages

Maybe I should have had a V-8, but instead I have mystified myself with the steady snowfall we have had since December. I am told on good authority that we have had over 12 feet of snow since November (and our Maine coon cat Gabriel will certainly vouch for that as his cat door exits in to nothing more than a tunnel on to four feet of further snow). The cat door does not even interest the mice or squirrels anymore. Speaking of which, have any of you seen a squirrel lately?

I did hear a delirious bird chirping yesterday, but I am sure he was just excited because our cat could not get out of the nature imposed tunnel soon enough to grab him. Yes, he got away with eight lives.

Do any of you remember a winter like this since we were kids? I do remember deep snowfalls with the wistfulness of a 6-year-old who was only four feet tall and everything felt big (plus I did not have to shovel back then). All I could wish for were snow days.

I remember leaving in the morning, maybe stopping around noon for a little milk with the girls and then heading back out. Back in the “good ole” days, we skated, tobogganed, built bonfires, toasted marshmallows and just had great fun at no one’s expense (other than the marshmallows).

If I could reinforce one thing, share these snow days with your children in the best way you can. Go out and build a snow fort or a snowman and take pictures. These are memories that will live in your hearts, but possibly not your minds.

Laker lore

Kudos to the Lake Region girls basketball team and their coach, Paul True. They had a fabulous year and although they may have been out-heighted by Waterville (apparently Waterville has a 6-foot-tall senior who can palm the ball), they had another great game. It certainly drew a crowd to Bangor and my husband reports that the fans and supporters were awesome.

Congratulations girls. For those of you moving on to college we wish you well. For those of you still on the team for next year, eat your Wheaties, drink plenty of milk, listen to True and of course your parents as well. The season was a job well done, you all deserve a “high five.”

Share your snapshots

The Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber is working on a new Web site. What that means for all of you amateur photographers is an opportunity to shine.

The chamber is looking for photographs that reflect the essence and spirit of our Lakes Region to be posted on the new Web site. All of us have some, so get them in. For more information, or to submit photos, e-mail mike@mainelakeschamber.com, or call

647-8104.

Make it an evening out

The Eighth Grade Parent Night will be held at Lake Region High School Wednesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. All incoming freshman and their parents are invited and encouraged to attend. This is so important as even though your child may seem mature and able, they still need mom and dad. Heck, I still do and I am…

This evening is designed to get parents and students to meet with teachers and staff and obtain basic information. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the high school at 693-6221 ext. 230.

Make a special night of it. Go out to dinner, have a conversation and listen to your teen. This could be your last opportunity to bond with the person that is sure to become a stranger in a very short period of time. Enjoy it while you can!

Enter the dragon

Easter is coming and the Naples Public Library is expecting a dragon. Yes, it is the Dragon Egg Hunt March 15 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. This is for children ages 7 to 12. The rules are that you must listen to the dragon, follow the rules and then save the egg. What awaits you? I cannot tell, or I would be slayed. For more information please contact the library at 647-6841.

This ends another week and I hope all of you are safe and sound before the next wave of storms descends upon us. I would love pictures of your roof experiences, amazing icicle formations or more importantly, that picture of you and your little one with a snowman or an outside winter adventure.

I do want to thank those of you who have been so kind during yet another hospitalization and surgery for my mom. She has gotten so many cards from people she does not even know yet thanks all of you from the bottom of her heart.

As always, I welcome information, suggestions and ideas.

Have a great week and do not be a stranger.

From left, Naples residents Norm and Donna Rollo and their son Evan got some help shoveling the roof of their home on Long Lake as their dog Ranger joined in.