The temperature here has climbed into the forties. The thaw was announced last night by the thump of snow and ice sliding from the second story roof to land on the roof of the sun porch or the back room.

Somewhere nearby, someone is taking advantage of the weather to engage in target practice. Either it's target practice or they have awfully bad aim and the prey is remarkably courageous or slow, judging from the number of shots. The neighbor's dog doesn't like the noise and has started to bark.

The ground is still snow covered although there are patches of darker slush here and there. The sky is overcast, a featureless off-white.

It's the sort of day that makes you feel like going back to bed. The cat is curled up in her "nest" on the bottom shelf of the office book case. I can hear her snoring.

The first week of the new year is almost history. I should be working. Writing a blog entry makes me feel like I am doing something.