Global warming? Bring it on.

A good part of the family has gathered in Maine. Brother Gideon, Susie and Labrador Perkins defied the storm warnings and drove up from Greenwich today, and Gid reports his smoothest, fastest trip in years. The highways were empty ("it felt like the 60s", says he), and the fast moving storm kept ahead of them the whole way.

The girls are here, as is Pal Nancy, so all in all, a wonderful day. But outside activities are going to be limited this week, or conducted in thick down jackets. No trip to the ocean for a quick dip is planned.