REMINDER

LUMINARIES AVAILABLE FOR THE EVENING OF JULY 3RD

The Luminaries are available at Hasting's Store or from Pam Hebert, Sue Bouchard, Pat Rubalcaba, Diane Sherwood, or myself. I will bring a supply to the meeting on Sat. am, and have them available from the back of my car after the meeting. They are $1 for the bag and candle. The idea is to place one every 10' or so along the waterfront, so the pond is ringed in candlelight during the fireworks on the evening of the 3rd, or the 6th if it rains on the 3rd. The candles are advertised to go for several hours, so it is possible we might be able to use them again on the evening of the 4th, but my experience has been that the wind eats them up faster than that. --Diane Rossi.

It is very pretty when there are lots of luminaries glowing on waterfronts around the pond. The "afterglow" effect is a thoughtful, quiet tribute to Independence Day after the booming celebration of our fireworks display. Plan to contact one of the above or see Diane at the meeting on Saturday (June 30, 10 a.m., Recreation Area).

We seem to be a clearing house of lost and found lately. I'm pleased we found the owners of the life preservers Bryce Montgomery found last week, and now he's found more - - - Here's what he says:

Guess we must be a Magnet!!! Found a package of 4 Jackets out by the Sunken Island.Nice jackets which I would like but somebody really misses them. All in the same package. What a loss. Please post it. Our Phone is 563 3296.Thanks a lot.

*****

I'm sure some of you have been watching the progress of the new home now in place on the Randy Rouleau lot. Last fall we talked to the men who were doing the work on the lawns and cleaning up the brush next to the road, and they assured us that the existing cottage that was moved there back in the 1940's from the small island was going to be left in place. Recently we were told that is not the case, and as soon as the new house is ready, things will be moved from the old cottage and then it will be demolished. This is sad to hear. The little house was built by Sim Whittier and has quite a history here on Joe's Pond. I touched on it briefly as part of "The History of Joe's Pond" which can be accessed from our home page. We are also giving Sim his own page with pictures, a poem he wrote, etc. It's nice to remember such a colorful character from our past.
The top photo is the way the island looked when Sim Whittier lived there, and the second photo is how the same house with additions, at the Rouleau property on West Shore Road. (Click photos to enlarge.)

I haven't been able to post anything for the past couple of days because my computer went into "overload" and crashed - sort of. At least I couldn't get to any of my files, and that literally kept me awake nights - but now Fred has it all working smoothly again, I'm able to get back to work at the good stuff that keeps me busy on days like this when it's too hot to be outside.

Civil War buffs will be interested that David Book, retired teacher and principal at Cabot School, has written a book about the men from Cabot who served in the Civil War. David traveled to 15 national cemeteries and researched the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and utilized area newspapers, letters and journals for information about these soldiers. David is going to talk about his book with Linda Mullally on radio station WSTJ at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the Fourth, and then he will be at the Cabot Historical Society museum if you would like to meet him and take a look at his book. It is published by Vermont Civil War Enterprises, Newport, VT., and costs $15.

Cabot celebrates the Fourth of July with a big parade everyone turns out to either participate in or to watch; a barbeque; big rummage sale; crafts, displays, games and fun throughout the day. The Historical Society rooms will be open - a quiet place to stop, sit down in our research area to look at albums of old photos or clippings or the town reports and yearbooks we have in our collection - and chat with David and meet some Historical Society members. Hope to see you there.

Good morning! Cool but bright - so far, great for working outside. The stiff breeze (spell that w-i-n-d here at Joe's Pond) keeps the black flies off balance so they don't bite, and the fresh, invigorating air puts a spring in one's step. So why am I inside at my computer instead of out pulling weeds or something? Because I want to do a little catching up and in particular wanted to post good news after the last two posts about stupid people chasing defenseless wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife - son Jamie (Dimick) who lives just above us here on W. Shore Road, told me this morning the bear he's seen from time to time recently made another appearance at around 6:30 p.m. yesterday on their lawn. The bear appeared to be curious and was heading for the house, so Jamie went out on the deck and clapped his hands. The bear ran back into the woods - back towards our house. We weren't around last evening (celebrating our anniversary along with Don and Mary Encarnacion down the road - we went to Juniper's on Darling Hill in Lyndonville, a lovely spot and great food and service, but that's another story) so we didn't see anything of him, but I'm sure the bear passes through our property often. Jamie said there have been a few problems in Cabot Village with bears showing up, too. Nothing serious, though.

Evelyn Richer got in touch the other day to let us know about our neighbor Jack Dowd's posting on "youtube." Here's a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPuwDvTN0DA
We have also put a link to his web site on our web site's "artists" page. I know you'll enjoy seeing his work. I've had his "Weekend in the Hamptons" on my JPA record book for some time now, but didn't realize who the artist was, let alone that he has a cottage right here on Joe's Pond! Gotta love his talent and sense of humor!

Just a couple of reminders, then I'll go outside to work until lunch - don't forget the rummage sale at Cabot on the Fourth. Call Terri Persons, 563-2090 if you have items to donate, or drop them off at the Masonic Hall in Cabot Sat. afternoon, June 30th. Then there's the church benefit auction on July 14th in Cabot - call 563-9999 or 563-2715 for pickup if you have items to donate for that. I will try to list a drop-off spot for you soon.

It really dismays me to have to post this - I had hoped the instance of the youngster chasing the loon family with his motor boat was just an example of a kid not knowing any better; but this is worse because adults should be setting a good example for their children, not teaching them how to be bullies. Here's what Evelyn reports:

We’ve had another “harassing of the loons” today from an adult male with a child in a kayak … they were pursuing the loon family causing them to call out in stress (male yodeling) and the male also did the “Penguin Dance”… the worst form of stress visible with the loons… This guy was within the cove were it is posted to stay clear… the loons seemed to be smart enough to retreat to the cove for protection... the kayak had been ‘herding’ them from out on the main pond… but the Kayak kept on coming until Ray saw them… he told them they were harassing the loon family and to back off… All that the guy said in response was, “I know…” (Sometimes!!!) What a poor example this man is giving his son… Like you said on the blog, bring field glasses if you want to view the loons… If they are watching out for you, they can’t keep watch for their other natural enemies… (An eagle from above, or a large mouth bass from below)… We all should know better… but some folks feel the signs that are posted do not pertain to them! Thank you to all the vigilant loon watchers on the pond!!! Our loons are very fortunate to have such a protective group caring for their welfare.

Just a note… as fantastic as it is to quietly and peacefully paddle a kayak up close to view a loon, think of how frightening the kayak looks to the loon… the paddles look like large arms or wings flapping as they paddle along… and most of them are very brilliantly colored as well… A loon is alarmed more by visual stimuli than audible stimuli… so seeing this ‘large colorful flapping creature’ coming silently toward it is very disturbing… If possible stop paddling for a while if you find yourself facing a loon encounter… keep a low profile and just peacefully float… or even better, turn your kayak sideways and keep paddling… they cannot see both paddles (broadside) and the threat is not as alarming…

DISTURBING OBSERVATION
This message was sent to me this afternoon:

Jane,

We hadn't seen anything on your blog to date, so we thought we'd report the sighting of two proud loon parents giving their fluffy chick a ride by our camp. Also almost as quickly we saw a young person in an aluminum outboard boat, who had just been racing another aluminum outboard too close to shore, harassing them to the point that they loudly complained!

Regards,

Steve & Bev

We have asked our Joe's Pond members to be watchful for things like this happening. Harassing wildlife is a punishable offense and state police should be notified. If you see something happening like Bev and Steve describe, try to get the numbers off the boat (they should be displayed on either side of the bow of any motorized craft, and even a partial number may be traced) and report it to our State Police at 748-3111. They will take it from there.

The loons have many natural enemies, and it is sad when humans add to the dangers they face. The baby loons cannot fly to get out of the way of speeding boats, nor can they dive like the adults. We have repeatedly asked people to respect the loons and give them plenty of space; parents should instruct their youngsters accordingly. Please remind anyone who is heading out in a boat from your camp to watch out for the loons - do not go close to them, observe them from a distance with field glasses, and above all, DO NOT HARASS THEM.

NOTICE

Cabot Selectboard will be filling the vacancy

of the position of Town Clerk

Qualified, interested parties should contact

the Town Clerk's Office by July 18th, 2007.

Tel- 563-2279

Per order of Selectboard

NOTICE

Cabot Selectboard will be filling the vacancy

of the position of Town Treasurer

Qualified, interested parties should contact

the Town Clerk's Office by July 18th, 2007.

Tel- 563-2279

Per order of Selectboard

NOTICE

Cabot Selectboard will be filling the vacancy

of the position of Lister

Qualified, interested parties should contact

the Town Clerk's Office by July 18th, 2007.

Tel- 563-2279

Per order of Selectboard

Notice!

I found two life jackets in the middle of the Big Pond. One juvenile and one adult. Both blue in color. I would like to find the owner. They are nice jackets and somebody is missing them. They can contact me at 563-3296. Bryce Montgomery.

REMINDER

BAKE BEAN DINNER

June 30th, 6:00PM

Joe's Pond Pavilion

ADULTS: $5.00 - CHILDREN (under 10): $3.00

Beans, Hot Dogs, Salads, Desserts, Lemonade & Coffee

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:
Hastings Store, or call

Judy 563-2017

Wendi 684-2247

Camilla 684-3615

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW SO YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

The bit about the rat urine causing illness created a bit of a stir with some blog readers. Here are a couple of links that you might like to try to learn a little bit more. In the meantime, washing off the tops of cans before opening them or drinking from them makes sense to me - I just don't like the idea of my coke flavored with urine, of any kind!

snopes

This came from the About.com "Urban Legends" site:
Comments: If you compare the two different versions above, one of which began circulating in 2002 and the other three years later in 2005 (with variants in between), you will find them identical except for the following features:

• The first claims the woman became sick in Belgium, the second in North Texas.
• The first refers to the disease as "Leptospirosis," the second calls it "Leptospirose."
• The first claims a study in Spain showed that the tops of soda cans are "more contaminated than public toilets," the second says the study was done at "NYCU" (perhaps meaning NYU, or New York University).

Not to worry -- neither version is true. Though rat urine can transmit diseases that affect humans (if the rat itself is a carrier), it is not inherently toxic or rife with "deathly substances." There is no record in standard medical research databases of a study comparing the cleanliness of soda cans with that of public toilets. Soda cans are typically stored and shipped in shrink wrap or cardboard cases, so they are an unlikely vehicle for dried rat urine, contaminated or otherwise.

Leptospirosis is a real (though relatively rare) disease and it can be transmitted via rat urine or feces, but the only cases reported in Texas over the past several years affected the canine population only.

This rumor is very similar to, and may have been inspired by, another email flier warning of deadly diseases transmitted via rat urine/droppings on soda cans that began circulating in 1999.

The past few days have been busy with a variety of things going on and many e-mails flying back and forth. As you know, people send me notices, bits of information, and comments, and I try to post those items I think are interesting or helpful right away, otherwise they may be lost in the clutter of my desk or my mind forever. Tonight while I was preparing our meal, I remembered that Carolyn Hamilton had sent the following to me, probably a week or more ago. The e-mail has long-since been discarded, but fortunately I'd saved the message in Word. Here it is - and thank you, Carolyn. This is important information everyone should know and heed.

An investigation by the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta discovered that the tops of soda cans can be encrusted with dried rat's urine, which is so toxic it can be lethal. Canned drinks and other foodstuffs are stored in warehouses and containers that are usually infested with rodents, and then they get transported to retail outlets without being properly cleaned. They said there is a virus (much like the Hanta virus) that lives in dried rat and mouse droppings.

Once dried, these droppings are like dust and can easily be breathed in or ingested if a person does not wear protective gear or fails to wash face and hands thoroughly.

*****

Part of what has kept me busy recently is that I've been rounding up items for the Fourth of July rummage sale in Cabot. There are always items that I no longer use or wear and when there's some life left in whatever it is, I hate to toss it, so periodically I take stuff to the Salvation Army in St. Johnsbury or donate to a good cause like the rummage sale.

As I packed things up for Terri Persons to pick up later this week, I recalled how, when my boys were little and we lived in St. Johnsbury, we always supported the sales that South Church had. I'd have the kids help me go through their things, picking out items of clothing and toys they'd outgrown, to take to the church. Grandmother Dimick always volunteered to work on the rummage sales, and very often brought us treasures she'd found, sometimes a book or a dish she thought I'd like. She loved finding clothes for the boys, enthusiastically declaring, "I found the cutest shirt (or sweater or jeans) I'm sure will be just right for one of the boys." She'd open the bag and pull out her "find" - more than once one of the items we'd only hours before deposited for the church to sell! It was ok, though. It's the thought that counts - and the memories.

Terri told me she's picked up some really nice items already and said she will be working at the Masonic Hall on Saturday, June 30th from noon on, accepting stuff for the sale on the 4th. She will pick up your items ahead of time if you give her a call, 563-2090, or you can leave them off on that Saturday. There are sure to be some collectibles and probably an antique or two, so if you can, go to Cabot on the 4th, watch the parade, stop at the Historical Society Building and see our newly restored painted curtain, visit the rummage sale, crafters, eat some BBQ - have fun!

NOTICE

There will be a special meeting of the Cabot Select Board on Monday, June 18th, at 6 p.m. in the meeting room at the Willey Building to discuss filling the position of Town Clerk.

*****
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF THE TOWN OF CABOT
(According to Title 32, Vermont Statutes Annotated, Section 4111)

Notice is hereby given that the listers of the Town of Cabot have completed the abstract of individual persons, co-partnerships, associations and corporations owning taxable property in Cabot as of the 1st day of April, 2007, and this list is in the office of the Clerk for the inspection of taxpayers, and on the 28th and 29th of June, 2007, at 9 o'clock in the a.m., the listers will meet at the Town Offices in Cabot to hear grievances of those aggrieved by any of their appraisals or by the acts of the listers whose objections thereto in writing shall have been filed with the listers as prescribed by statute, and to be determined by them. Unles cause to the contrary be shown, the contents of said abstract will, for the year 2007, become the grand list of Cabot and of each person, co-partnership, association or corporation therein named.

Signed: Listers of the Town of Cabot,
Carlton Domey, Doug Harvey
June 15th, 2007.

This came from Helen Morrison on West Shore Road: (mailed to me at 8 p.m.) - The photo is not the bear she saw, but you get the idea . . . they're BIG!

I have had a good healthy bear visiting, twice in the
past two weeks.  Tonight he lumbered through my garden
and headed down to the road.  Barbara and Michael (Pupino) saw
him.  My worry is that he is out looking for food at
camps.  And a nuisance bear can become a dead bear.
He is such a gorgeous animal.  I wonder if we could
put something on the Joe's Pond Blog or wherever is
appropriate, warning people to keep all garbage in
their houses until the very day of pick up.  Then he won't be drawn to the camps for any reason...and can stay up here in the woods, safe and healthy.  Thanks. Helen.

Let me add to Helen's plea - bears are also drawn to bird feeders - even those for hummingbirds.  They also relish any sort of garbage.  I know some fishermen bury the remains in the woods after cleaning their catch - not a good idea.  Bears have a keen sense of smell and will find it.  They can do real damage to your property.  Screen doors or even glass in doors or windows are not enough to keep them out if they are hungry enough, so please be careful - keep garbage to a minimum, freeze it until you can dispose of it properly, and never set your trash out over night.

The bears aren't out to hurt anyone, and our native bears aren't known for attacking people unless someone comes between a mother and her cubs or if they somehow feel trapped or threatened, so show them some
respect - don't tempt them to come to your house, and like Helen says, they can live happily an safely in the woods.  This time of the year they are looking for food - berries aren't out so there isn't much for them to eat in the wild, and they are known for taking advantage of an easy meal like your garbage or bird food.

We are saddened to learn that John "Jack" Baxter, a long-time member of Joe's Pond Association, passed away on June 8 at his daughter Marcia's home in Parrish, Florida. Jack was 88 - he would have been 89 on July 11. Marsha will be here in a few weeks and told me there will be a memorial service on his birthday, July 11th, at the Passumpsic Cemetery.

Marcia said her father had lung cancer that became much worse in the last few months. You will remember that his wife, Elizabeth "Lib," died about four years ago. Marcia said her parents had been married for 65 years.

Jack will be missed by his neighbors on North Shore Road and many others in the Joe's Pond community.

CABOT CHURCH WANTS YOUR

GOOD USED STUFF FOR OUR JULY 14TH AUCTION

     WE'LL PICK IT UP AT YOUR CONVENIENCE !!!

 ON SATURDAY JULY 14TH THE CHURCH IS HOSTING A BENEFIT AUCTION IN THE SCHOOL GYM IN MEMORY OF COLLECTOR MYRA HOUSTON WHO CONCEIVED & BEGAN TO ORGANIZE THE PROJECT TWO YEARS AGO.

PLEASE CALL LYNN ROCKWELL 563-9999, OR ROSE BOTHELD 563-2715

 FOR INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE FOR PICK UP.

PLEASE:
No clothing unless vintage,
No books unless genuinely old and valuable.

We are saddened tonight to learn of the very sudden and unexpected death yesterday of Chris Kaldor, Cabot's town clerk. Chris was very well respected by the community and one of the nicest, most accommodating people to work with that I've known. He will be sadly missed in our town, and our thoughts and sympathy are with his family and many friends and co-workers as we all face a future without his presence.

BOATERS BEWARE!

Pat and George Parizo let us know there is some underwater obstruction in the middle pond. Pat said it is 100-150 feet off shore on the right as you head for the narrows to go into the big pond. She thought it might be a partially sunken log, but couldn't be sure. Their boat was not damaged as they weren't speeding along; however it could be dangerous for faster moving boats or for water skiers. The Parizos have let Ray Richer know, but in the meantime, be cautious in that area. I'll try to let you know when the problem is resolved.

FARMERS' MARKET

ON THE COMMON, CABOT VERMONT
Fresh locally grown and made produce.
Sponsored by Cabot School
Every Sunday, Starting June 10, 2007
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

On Monday evening, June 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cabot School library, students from Helen Morrison's AP Biology and Bioethics classes will offer a presentation on their week-long trip in May to volunteer in the relief effort in New Orleans.  The presentation will include beignets [pronounced ben-YAY, which is a French pastry/doughnut]  and punch, posters, a half-hour video of their experiences, as well as personal accounts.  

DON'T FORGET!

BAKED BEAN DINNER

TIME: June 30th, 6:00PM

PLACE: Joe's Pond Pavilion

ADULTS: $5.00

CHILDREN (under 10): $3.00

MENU: Beans, Hot Dogs, Salads, Desserts, Lemonade & Coffee

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: Hastings Store

OR CALL: Judy 563-2017

Wendi 684-2247

Camilla 684-3615

I have a string of "announcements" to post tonight, so here goes:

The group of students who call themselves "The New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast Travelers" that recently spent a couple of weeks volunteering in the south are back and will share their experiences with the community on Monday, June 11th, at the Cabot School Library, at 7 p.m. All interested are welcome.

*****

Friday and Saturday

June 8^th and 9^th

8 PM

Willey Building Stage

Main Street, Cabot, Vermont

CABOT SCHOOL DRAMA

PRESENTS

a Neil Simon Play

Laughter On The 23^RD FLOOR

*****

To Cabot Residents:

Due to a resignation, as of July 1st, a vacancy exists on the Cabot School Board. The School Board invites letters of interest from persons who wish to be considered to fill the position until the March 6, 2008 election.

Letters should include qualifications and reasons for interest and should be sent to:
Washington Northeast SU, 6328 US Route 2, Plainfield, VT 05667, by Friday, June 15, 2007.

The School Board shall make the appointment at their June 18th meeting.
Washington Northeast Supervisory Union
Cabot School - Twinfield Union School, Tel. 802-426-3245; FAX 802-426-3801

*****

We were walking on West Shore Rd. earlier this week and noticed things are moving right along at Randy Rouleau's work site. It looks as if it's nearly ready for a building to be placed on the foundation.

The Noyes property further down the road is looking good. The lawn at Fillion's that was graded to make access to the Noyes property has been smoothed and is going to look very nice.

In fact, all of West Shore Road is looking very nice. When we got to the Dimick cottage at the corner of Barre Avenue, there was a bird on the water, sort of snuggling up to a buoy just off the waterfront. At first we thought it was a duck, but when we got a better look, we weren't sure what it was. Not big enough for a goose, longer neck than the common loon - we took pictures, and concluded it might be a red-throated loon. What do you think? It seemed unafraid of us, and kept close to the buoy (we think it thought it was it's mate) until we came too close, then it swam away. It didn't dive, but we could see the color of its throat.

On the return trip, we spotted a pretty little deer by Randall's mailbox.

Tonight, on the way home from Orleans, we saw a really big moose. We took pictures, but it was way too dark, and they didn't come out. Just now, as I'm typing this, I had a return visit from a raccoon. It stands on the deck railing and stares in the window at me, then stands up so I get a good view of his underbelly. It's a little unnerving when the only sound is the clicking of my keyboard, to suddenly hear a thump and find beady, banded eyes peering at me out of the darkness. I wonder what he's looking for. We used to have one who visited regularly when we lived at camp. We had a small female calico cat at the time, and the raccoon would come up onto the deck and gaze longingly through the sliding doors at her. The cat, "Hideous," always seemed intrigued by the 'coon. We thought it must be love.

We went to hear a presentation about researching on the internet to identify old photos and/or documents, and how to find information about people who lived many years ago. It was very informative and I'm hoping it will help me fill in some of the gaps I'm finding as I go through the paper collection from the Cabot Historical Society. I have dozens of old photos we have not been able to identify - about all we know is that they were probably citizens of Cabot at one time or another. The presenter was John Roberts from Hinesburg, sponsored by the Vermont Council on the Humanities in conjunction with Barton Library, Lake Region Union High School, Orleans County Historical Society, and the Old Stone House Museum. Nice group of folks. I am anxious to get started with my detective work!

Ok - who did it??

Who left the home-made cinnamon buns on the Rossi's doorstep on Sunday????

That was a totally nice thing to do, but Diane hasn't been able to find out who it was, so she can't thank them. This is driving her a little crazy - and making those of us who DIDN'T do it realize we should do nice things like that more often. If you don't want to 'fess up, this will have to be your "thank you"! So please, get on the phone and call Diane.

*****
Here's something you might like to attend . . .

This weekend, several Cabot residents will be performing in the Moving
Light Dance Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. If you
haven't seen this group's performances, they are full-fledged ballets
(like a play, telling a story through dance), choreographed by
Christine Harris (the group's director)
to suit the capabilities of the kids
involved, so they are very enjoyable to watch.

Performances are:
 Saturday, June 9, 1:00 pm at the Barre Opera House
 Sunday, June 10, 2:00 pm at Twinfield Union School

Admission will be $8 adults/$5 children, general admittance. The box
office will open an hour before the show.
(NB: Barre Opera house has air conditioning and plentiful,
comfortable seats, so if you can go to
Saturday's performance, I would recommend that one.)

Cabot dancers are:
 Tatiana Kaptan starring as Theseus, the Duke of Athens
 Mazie O'Connor as the Queen of the Bugs, attendant on Oberon
 Clementine O'Connor as a butterfly
 Clara Mueller-Harder, Billie O'Connor, and Grace Moriath as bugs
 Karen Mueller-Harder as a courtier,
and numerous kids you know from Marshfield, Plainfield, Calais, etc.
(and the beautiful posters for the show were painted by Julia Kaptan)

Hope you can come!

Karen (token adult in the dance school)

WANTED!

GOOD USED, CLEAN ITEMS FOR THE
CABOT 4TH OF JULY
RUMMAGE SALE & AUCTION

TOYS
FURNITURE
CLOTHING (especially men's and children's)
DISHES
BOOKS
BABY ITEMS
LEFT-OVER YARD SALE ITEMS

Please call Terri, 563-2090 after 5 p.m.
for more info and pickup
before July 3rd.

Now is a good time to clear out unwanted items or things you haven't used or worn for a while. Somebody will treasure what you no longer need.
Benefit of the Cabot PTSO

Joe's Pond was a favorite recreational spot as far back as the 1800's. Here is a photo of a group of people from the Town of Cabot, Vermont, at a picnic somewhere on the shore of Joe's Pond, taken sometime before 1900. Included in the photo are Dr. M.D.Warren (1852-1927), J.M.Fisher (1833-1913), Henry Hills (1840-1913), Harvey S. Dow (1835-1919); Mrs. Moses Haines (1846-1940); Levi Cole (1842-1905) - just some of the names listed. I expect the photo was taken on the west shore of the lake, perhaps in the vicinity of where the Dr. Watt cottage once stood, where the Drown, Decker and Walker cottages are now. They would have traveled either over the Plain and down the Bayley-Hazen Road, or to Walden and then along Market Road, now Brickett's Crossing Road and West Shore Road.

Groups frequently got together for picnics in those days, coming by horse and buggy to favorite knolls or glens for a day of socializing. Those two fellows in the front row are probably holding bottles of blackberry wine or some other some other home brew. Hard liquor was frowned upon by the IOGT (International Order of Good Templars) that was active in the area at the time, yet there were many stills in Cabot, and nearly every farmer kept a barrel or more of hard cider on hand to offer a visitor something "to wet your whistle." (Photo donated to Cabot Historical Society by Julia A. Farrington in 1941.)

Several people have asked me recently how Sue (Fitts) Martin is doing. Some of you will recall that last year she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. I was happy to get the following e-mail from Homer yesterday, and he said it would be ok for me to let folks know in the blog, as he said, "what the power of medicine and prayer can do."

Sue went back to S.L.C. [Salt Lake City] yesterday after 11 days here.

She and her family will be back July 7th to stay until after the Danville Fair. She did a lot of planting around her place. Also cleaned up some of mine. Is completely free of any cancer cells and feels super great! Homer

*****

Some of you know we have a cat, Woodpile, that we took in a little over a year ago, thinking he was a stray - he wasn't, but that's another story. What's important is that we got to keep him and think the world of him. Woody is a hunter, and after being on his own the whole summer before we took him in one cold November night, he's very good at it. He indicated right away he wanted to be outside when the nights are warm enough, and having brought up three sons, the last thing I wanted was to wait up and worry about him until the wee hours, so we installed a "kitty door" for him. That works very well except for one thing. Now Woody can bring home to us all sorts of trophies and pals. Tuesday morning it was a young squirrel, carried gently by the nape of his neck and released with pride in our kitchen.

Fred hollered to me from where he was working in the basement when he realized the cat had something in his mouth, and both of us rushed to head him off. We arrived in time to see the cat drop the squirrel and walk away, unconcerned. The squirrel frantically criss-crossed the kitchen, searching for a hiding place. Woody meowed loudly, expecting praise. Before we had a chance to corner the squirrel, it went under the refrigerator. To make a very long story short, we spent the next three hours trying to capture him. All we accomplished was that instead of being under the refrigerator, he went into it, and although we took an access panel off in back, we still couldn't reach him - but with a flashlight and by lying flat out on the floor, we could peer through the grates on the bottom of the fridge and see him from time to time. We finally gave up around noon. What's the worst that could happen, we wondered? He'd die in there.

I was resigned - we'd never get the body out and we'd have to get a new refrigerator. I had closed the cat in our bedroom while we were searching for the squirrel, and when I went in after we'd given up, Woody was comfortably sound asleep at the foot of the bed. He needs lots of rest so he can hunt all night . . . and whoever said we needed a cat, anyway, I grumbled.

That evening, while watching the news, we heard a clatter on one of the window screens in the living room. All our screens are on the inside - and sure enough, the squirrel was behind the curtains on the screen, and then ran along the curtain rod, across the fireplace mantle, through the dining area towards the bedrooms, and disappeared. The chase was on. Woody knew exactly where he was every minute, and with his help, Fred was able to corner the frightened squirrel in the bathroom, and after a short struggle with the squirrel running up Fred's arm and across his shoulders, Fred caught him. Fortunately, Fred had grabbed his fireplace gloves right away, so although the squirrel chattered angrily and tried repeatedly to bite him, he came away unscathed. We deposited the youngster in the woodpile in back of the house and hoped Woody couldn't get at him again, and we congratulated ourselves that he was out of the house, unharmed, and we wouldn't need to order a new refrigerator - at least, not this time.

Woody continues to be out all night, last night he brought in a mole for us, but it was dead . . . We're rethinking the kitty door. Although it is convenient for him (and for us), and it's nice that he wants to bring his little playmates home to meet us, we'd really rather he left the baby bunnies, field mice and young squirrels outside. Also, if he can get through that little kitty door, we wonder what else might navigate through it - a curious skunk? the clever raccoon that peered in the window at me a few minutes ago from the railing of the back deck? I don't want to think about it.