Here in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California, we are in the season known as "fake Summer." The temperature has almost reached 70 degrees F the last few days. The fruit trees and daffodils are in glorious bloom. The last windstorm cleared all the dead needles off the towering Ponderosa Pines.

Today is Tuesday. A blizzard is predicted for Thursday. And some wonder why the Donner Party had a tough time in this area this time of year in 1846-47.