Memories of last winter in Connecticut have been filling me with dread. For weeks I traveled between my house and the garage along a 24-inch pathway with 3-foot walls cut into the snow. I became adept at cleaning and salting the narrow canyon that represented my access to the world. And I developed a routine of throwing the ice melter kept in twin copper buckets at either end of the canyon ahead of me as I walked. ■ Our worlds seemed to shrink as the difficulty getting anywhere was a constant factor. It felt like spring would never come. And then, before you knew it, we were complaining of 100-degree weather in July! ■ When you add in unsteady national economic news plus the constant stream of hysteria from Europe, I am amazed at how we all continue with the most positive of outlooks. Business seems to be moving strongly forward in Connecticut. Last year, Norwalk’s Lillian August opened a huge new store in New York. Home Boutique of Greenwich and Michael Greenberg at Riverbend doubled their size. Our Gold Sponsors for the refurbishment of the Governor’s Residence (Christopher Peacock, Duralee, Elizabeth Eakins, Rogers & Goffigon, Schumacher, Bender Showrooms, Fovama Oriental Rugs, Home Boutique of Greenwich, Klaff’s, NuKitchens, Paris Ceramics, Ring’s End) were unstinting in their efforts and in their desire to produce a marvelous result. ■ Even closer to home, the holiday party invitations from my neighbors in Silvermine demonstrated positive energy. And the fact that our giving tree at the Silvermine Market was replenished four times and the Silvermine Community Association scholarship fund awarded a record amount of funds to our students showed an endless supply of goodwill, generosity and positive thinking. ■ So bring on the snow canyon: This year I may leave the ice and ski down to my garage!