We can take comfort that misery is scheduled to peak today, so things will be getting better.

The full Wolf Moon is shining over the cold (-1 °F / -18 °C) and snowy landscape. Snowfall reports vary widely around the state. We picked up about 20" (50cm); places on the coast nearly doubled that. We weren't able to open our usual doors because of the snow; instead, we had to jump off the front porch and make our way through knee-deep whiteness. After the long cold stretch, the snowblower needed some coaxing, but finally started and performed admirably. The whole household, along with reinforcements, participated in cleanup. Mike and Matt returned mid-morning to plow the driveway. By noon we were ready for a world that wasn't ready for us. That was ok. There was plenty to do inside and, later in the day, there was football.

Many schools and government offices in eastern Massachusetts are closed today. (Our local school district is open.) The state and some businesses are using that delightful phrase, "Nonessential workers should not report to work."

A raised coffee cup in memory of Johnny Carson, David Nyhan, and Rose Mary Woods, each of whom has made our lives more interesting in their unique ways.