It's Girl Scout cookie time

They're back.

Check your freezer and paw through the dark corners of your pantry - and start to make some room.

Because the Girl Scouts kicked-off the annual cookie sale program during the weekend.

... And this year, they're bringing in the reserves.

"This is the first year Daisies can do it," said Troop 333 leader and mother Rebecca Talafous, as she led her daughter Ansley, five, and friend Scarlett McKee, 11, through north Carson neighborhoods Saturday getting a jump on cookie season in the ice and snow. "Right now we're going door-to-door. I guess some people are a little surprised to see us out already. It's cold and it's just after the new year.

"But this is when we start. And here we are."

Ansley, who is selling cookies for the first time was learning the ropes from seven-year-veteran Scarlett, who plans this year to sell 1,000 boxes.

"Well, between 800 and 1,000," she said.

If a Girl Scout sells 500 boxes, it pays for summer camp, Talafous said.

"That's a lot of boxes though," she said. "So, it takes a little time."

Indeed, through the end of March, Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada - including troops from the Tahoe Basin to Elko - are targeted to sell some 530,000 boxes of cookies and raise more than $1.8 million.

That's a lot of Thin Mints.

"It kind of boggles the mind doesn't it?" Talafous said. "That's why we're getting started early."

On Saturday, it was Ansley and Scarlett's goal to fill up their first sale sheet. At noon, they broke for lunch - the sheet a quarter full.

"Looks like we're going to have our work cut out for us in the afternoon," Talafous said. "Selling cookies is hard work. Isn't it girls?"

"It's a little cold out here," Ansley said. "But it's OK. I like selling cookies. II think people like 'em too."

As for favorites, Scarlett said she couldn't wait to tear into a box of Carmel deLites, while Ansley prefers Peanut Butter Patties.

"They're so good, I can't wait," Scarlett said.

"Well, some of us still have a little leftover from last year," Talafous said. "All a part of being a Girl Scout."

• Contract reporter Andrew Pridgen at apridgen@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

Cookie time:

What the Girl Scouts are selling:

Cinna-Spins (new for '08)

Thank-A-Lots

Lemonades

Peanut Butter Patties

Thin Mints

Carmel DeLites

Peanut Sandwich

Shortbread

• Those wanting to order cookies directly can call (775) 322-0642 ext. 255

• Where your $3.50 per cookie box goes:

$.83 - cost of sale and distribution of cookies

$.60 - troop profit and incentives

$2.70 - supports educational programs for girls, financial aid, camp program and facilities and volunteer training.

Source: Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada