Debated. Was this the week to slip to Near Normal? It was looking like a tough call. We had 11" of snow melt this week, which was the equivalent of 1.50" of water, plus ~0.50" of new precipitation, plus "Trace" reported every day. However, I just checked the basement and it is surprisingly on the dry side. The melting did remove some frost as the ground became squishy and heaved a little. But either that 1.50"+ of water went down only slightly and refroze in place OR the water barely made a dent in how dry the ground is, because it didn't appear to flow *through* the ground. Outside, the ground feels hard again (below freezing temps) but also, the dead leaves are crispy. The humidity has felt wintery-low due to both cold temps and a pretty windy week. So, sticking with Mildly Dry. 

Two unusual reports of deer deep inside of villages. This was when there was ~9-11" of snow on the ground. Otherwise, winter birds observed and evidence of rabbits.

Feels unusual to see the ground again after a few weeks of snowcover. I guess that's what I get for saying that we were rocking the "White Christmas" vibe here...as now it is looking like we won't have one.

Still, the solstice is imminent so the light is winning. We are on the upswing now.