Wednesday, March 18th, 2003.

5:30 pm

It's still snowing. I've never seen anything like this.

I keep going outside to brush the snow off of the trees. The tops are loaded, but I've managed to get the lower branches clean with brooms, rakes, and my arms. I'm drenched and cold, but for some reason I keep going outside. I'll be amazed if any of them make it through the winter, at this rate. But I can't shake the feeling that they are grateful, that I am helping them win the battle against Old Man Winter.

The sun should be setting soon, but the West holds no sunset this night.

"Together we will take the road that leads into the West,
And far away will find a land where both our hearts may rest."