Determining the winning limerick for this month wasn't easy, as there were several notable entries. No doubt the "bitter chill" of past weeks inspired readers.

Eventually, our panel of judges (me) selected Georganne Austin as February's Limerick Laureate. Indeed, two of her verses vied for the best.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

Wear two sets of long johns until

When you open the hatch

You no longer scratch

So then you can toss them at will.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

Try a nip from the fruits of the still.

It may be illegal

But think of the beagle,

The "hair of the dog" beats the pill!

Georganne is originally from Kentucky, although she has lived in Southern Pines for the past 66 years. She was first attracted to the town because it was small and cozy.

Now living happily in Belle Meade, she enjoys the stimulating company of its bright residents.

An English teacher in junior high school first introduced Georganne to limericks. She has written verses since, often creating them for friends on special occasions. Twice a Limerick Laureate winner in the past, this most recent honor is timely, as tomorrow is Georganne's birthday.

A close second to Austin was Wallace Stefany of Southern Pines, who also recognized the beneficial affects of wool undergarments and whiskey.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill,

Wear long johns and drink Old Bushmill,

Eat plenty of starch

From November through March

And pray they don't shut down the still.

I'm certain limerick writers are no quicker to take to the bottle than, say, iron workers. So it's probably a coincidence so many of them embraced the same theme. David Carpenter of Southern Pines provided this tonic for the winter blues.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

Take a trip up the road to the Hill.

At the Carolina Inn

With a tonic and gin

Rain or shine, cold or not, it's a thrill!

Gordon Esch of Pinehurst seized upon a similar remedy.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

I think I'll install me a still.

Should the temperature slip

I'll just take a nip

This cure is no run-of-the-mill.

In case a libation proved insufficient, Ken Layton of Carthage forged a fall-back position.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

I'll drink what Dad made in his still,

And if that' not enough,

And the going gets rough,

I will cuddle with Dolly or Jill.

Ted Atwood of Seven Lakes knows a guy who, it would seem, knows neither Dolly nor Jill.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

Was a goal that Sam strove to fulfill.

But sad to relate

He had no warm bedmate

Now he' hot 'bout a huge heating bill.

Regina Armswood of Pinehurst advised us to think Caribbean.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

Consider this thought, if you will.

Fly off to Aruba,

Take lessons in scuba,

And pity poor folks shivering still.

But Kendra McGirt of Pinehurst said hit the slopes.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

Grab your skis and head for the hill.

With luck it's all white

Powder snow's such a sight,

Down the slopes with no falls, such a thrill!

Could be that Harriette Corbin of Southern Pines is not pleased with the cloying number of presidential candidates.

To endure winter's raw, bitter chill

Why not take a magical pill?

You could sleep through it all

And you'd never recall

All the awful, political swill.

Are you ready to write a limerick? Try this first line for the contest ending in February: "This spring you are likely to see "

Conjure up loopy springtime sights: birds auditioning for "American Idol," shrubs pleading for pruning, the growing honey-do list Results will be published on March 25.

Now for March's contest, with results appearing on April 29. April is one of the most popular golfing months in the Sandhills, so our theme will revolve around that exasperating sport -- a bountiful source of humor, often unintentional.

And this time you have a choice. You can use this first line: "When golfing my usual shot " Or you can create your own limerick in its entirety. Just stick to the subject of golf. Write the best one and become a Limerick Laureate.

E-mail your verses to joelimericks@earthlink.net, or mail them to Limericks, The Pilot, PO Box 58, Southern Pines, NC 28388.

By submitting verses, you agree to have them edited and published at any time without compensation.

Joe Piper, a resident of Seven Lakes, may be reached at joelimericks@earthlink.net.