Although still grumbling about not having the opportunity to play hockey on North Sand Lake due to the unanticipated early transition to spring, the first winter thaw that I'm re-experiencing after inhabiting southern California for the past five years feels incredible. The lack of needing to apply several layers of camo gear, snow pants and waterproof boots to combat the intense snowfall and frigid temperatures of northern Wisconsin lends itself surprisingly well to enjoying unexpected time outside of the cabin exploring the surrounding area, watching the blue jays feed, and procrastinating on/avoiding activities that involve a computer.

Beginning each morning with a trip down to the lake to complete some Icememolgy related research and to enjoy a delicious Hamm's Special Light, I've been occupying my evenings, often into the early hours of the morning, alone in the cabin with music. I regularly find myself in some type of drugged-out like state in the dark, eyes fixated on the clock on the wall signaling three in the morning, exhausted but completely unable to turn away from whatever audio exploration I'm working on. I arise the following morning, much later than my alarm wants and feeling as if I hadn't slept, immediately scrambling back to the computer to hear the results of last night's session, much like an addict returning to the corner after a sleepless night.