It seems that living in the U.P. you tend to view winter as a battle ground (with the exception of the enjoyment of winter sports). So when you get the start of a winter that is as unusual as this one is, you take note of it. I mean, here it is, 7 Dec and the yard is almost completly void of snow!! Sunday after Thanksgiving, there was almost two feet of snow on the ground! We've only had a couple nights of below zero temps and only a few days of poor driving conditions. BUT....we all know whats going to happen! Skiers and snowmobiliers are chomping at the bit.