SKAGIT VALLEY, WA

Residents of Skagit Valley awoke Sunday morning to local news reports that Saturday's snifter in places like Everett and Lynwood had all but melted, and to assurances that the snow had moved on. But they're eyes said otherwise. All over the Valley, not just in "the foothills", as was reported on KOMO mornings new, did the white blanket cover cars, roads and driveways.

Along with this snow's blanket effect came the chilling of spirits. "Happy Almost April," adults were heard saying. "I can't believe it's almost Spring," said others.

While weather forecasters on all local stations give assurances that the snow will pass quickly, residents of places like Mt. Vernon, Burlington and Sedro Woolley, find it a little unbelievable. Just when they want to be planting fuchsias and are preparing for the annual 25th Tulip Festival Festival, which starts April 1st and runs through the month, La Conner residents, also under cover of snow today, are wondering when they'll see blooms make an appearance. And hoping, despite the weather, that they'll see tour buses and other tulip gazers come to town.