Is it resolution time again? Last year I resolved to update this bloggish site weekly and I've done it. I'm rewarded with a year of thoughts, images, memories I can get to from anywhere. I usually don't say what my resolution is until I've done it, but in the coming year I resolve to answer personal email on the same day I receive it, and actually answer instead of thinking answers to people. I'm online all day and I read email as it arrives, but since I'm at work, I don't answer it and then it gets away from me. For the theater, I resolve to book only performers I've never seen live, and to get more world music. Exceptions gratefully accepted. Here's an interesting video by a women's bluegrass band called Uncle Earl. The new Dixie Chicks? Lots of end of the year things starting to appear. Today the NYT lists The 7th Annual Year in Ideas.

Early this week the lake was "caught," as they say, frozen over, but not quite safe to walk on. I'm listening for the sound of a snomobile or an ice auger to tell me when it's safe. I snow shoed on Connor Mill Trail midday; this tree is at a precarious angle over the stream and collects snow. The early winter has many people cheerful; snow cover is the world's happy light.