The first snow fell overnight and the dreary landscape has been transformed into a veritable wonderland.  The bare trees are a lacy delight, and the world somehow feels refreshed.  Cardinals and finches are beautifully obvious in the sunlight against the white scrim of snow.  The overnight paths of deer are clear on the covered grass.  A skim of ice coats the pond.  Chester is gracefully settling into the “deep midwinter.”