This week, winter has shown us the most amiable of smiles. There's no holding a New England winter to any constancy; its whims are enshrined in folklore and all our memories.

Mid January, and our dirt paths have turned to sponge and daytime temperatures are reminiscent of March. It's a January thaw, as much a part of winter as Saturday's return to snow, and it served notice to all who might take the season for granted. Depend on nothing but variety in our weather, and all your expectations will be met.