CONGRATULATIONS!

TO NED AND MARSHA MORAN, WHO HAVE SOLD THEIR JOE'S POND COUNTRY STORE,

AND TO

JEFF DOWNS, WHO NOW OWNS THE JOE'S POND COUNTRY STORE. (Picture taken in February, 2007.)

First, to Ned - we wish you "Happy Retirement," and hope you get to do lots of golf, fishing, reading, or whatever you've been looking forward to doing in this new phase of your life. We know you have been anticipating this day for some time, and now it's here, I'm sure you will have a wonderful summer to do as you darn well please. As for Marcia - I understand she will still work some at the JP Country Store, and that's probably a good thing - it takes some getting used to, having a husband at home all the time, so we wish Marcia the best of both worlds - working part-time and being "retired" part-time.

Next - to Jeff, who is very excited to be here in Vermont and starting off on a new adventure as owner of a country store - we say "Congratulations" and wish you all the success possible. I'm sure you'll continue to enjoy meeting neighbors and travelers throughout the coming summer. You've already experienced some winter in Vermont, so I'm sure that won't bother you a bit. With the great staff staying on with you, the transition should be smooth. Good luck with your new venture!

I hope lots of you will stop by to meet Jeff during the next few days. Jeff says he's not going to change much right away, so stop in for breakfast, lunch, a cup of coffee and a doughnut, gasoline, or whatever -- or just to say "hello." And if you see Marcia there, be sure you ask how Ned is handling retirement . . .