With 1.40 of gauge catch this week, conditions are near normal for December.  The Pascoag Reservoir was mostly frozen over until yesterday’s warm rains but some ice still remains.  Ice fishing will have to wait for a while.  Fat squirrels and rabbits have been busy in the yard and winter birds like blue jays, woodpeckers, owls and chickadees have been heard.  Trails at George Washington state park were wet in the usual places earlier this week but are likely soaked after yesterday’s rain.  The NIDIS website shows no drought in the state and George Washington state park is still posting Low for fire danger.