Our recent weather has been dreadful. It certainly has been a more challenging winter than last year. It has shown in several ways, especially in our attendance at lodge. Let's face it: it's hard to get out when the roads are bad and there is snow, hail, sleet or whatever else nature throws our way. Well this too will end, and it should end this upcoming month. With that in mind I am taking the lodge dark next week, February 27^th; hopefully this will put us at the end of winter. After that, brethren, we have work to do!

      We had our annual Valentine's Dinner this past Saturday. I wish to thank WB Ralph McLemore and my wife Robin for their help. The lodge looked great with red and white tablecloths, candles and valentine's decorations. We had a great meal: Hamilton chicken (my secret marinade), a springtime rice medley and, of course, cake to finish it off. There was a little scare for me at the end of the day: my wife and daughter had left earlier and I remained behind to clean up. They called to say that the interstate on the way home had been closed because of ice. It was a long and cautious drive home, I assure you.