No point in trying to sleep in this morning - we had a very loud thunder storm roar through here at around 6:00 a.m. and it stayed in the area for a while. I really don't like T-storms one bit. They don't seem quite as bad where we live now, but when I was growing up on the farm on the Plain, we were the tallest things atop those fields of ledges, and buildings, stock, electric fences, trees or people were all targets. We grew up with strict instructions: at the first sign of an electric storm, head for cover. I remember more than once watching everyone bale off a load of hay, leaving pitch forks on the load while men and boys alike raced for cover in the barn or house. Usually they'd unhitch the loader and whoever was driving the old Ford truck would "step on it" and take the shortest route to the barn. Sometimes the load stayed on the truck, but just as often a sharp corner or an unexpected bump would shift the load and the truck would arrive at the barn empty.

Once in the house, everyone went into the parlor, a room with few windows and no water pipes, to wait out the storm. Nobody stayed in the kitchen or the bathroom, and nobody was allowed near the telephone. When there was a loud crack and flash of lightning that usually meant a hit close by, the adults immediately scattered to check the barns and the upstairs bedrooms. More than once the lightning came in on water pipes or down the chimney, scorching wood or starting small fires. Iron pipes got welded together, light fixtures literally blown out of the ceiling, the phone completely mangled, electric fence controls ruined, and cows struck down by those awful bolts of lightning. And all too often, a neighbor's farm would go up in smoke. Storms were worse up there, we reasoned, because of the ledges, the many springs, and just plain being so darned high. Thunder storms have always made me nervous, and I don't expect that will ever change.

One of our blog readers mentioned after reading about kayaking on Joe's Brook that he'd always thought Joe's Brook was the one leading into the pond. And he's absolutely right. According to the Vermont Road Atlas, Bog Brook and Steam Mill Brook join Joe's Brook as it flows out of Cole's Pond. It's hard to tell where Steam Mill Brook leaves off and Joe's Brook begins, but it's clearly marked "Joe's Brook" flowing out of Cole's Pond into Joe's. Cole's Pond is at an elevation of about 2,194 ft, which is 619 ft higher than Joe's Pond, and where Joe's Brook empties into the Passumpsic River in Barnet, is at about 1,083 ft. The newspaper article about the whitewater kayakers seemed to be about the exiting Joe's Brook, not the stream that runs into Joe's Pond. Either end, it would be an exciting trip, I guess.

I went to Cabot yesterday, out the South Walden Road, to pick up an album of newspaper clippings my friends Reta and Bill Gamble are donating to the Cabot Historical Society. I stopped to take a picture of some horses just outside the village. I always enjoy going out that road to Rt. 15, and I was delighted to get the album - I'll spend quite a bit of time scanning the clippings and making copies of much of it for our collection. I enjoyed seeing my friends, too. Bill grew up on Cabot Plain and went to the same one-room school as I, and I got to know Reta in high school in Cabot. We had a good visit, and they were able to help me identify some of the people in our photograph collection, so it was a worthwhile trip from all aspects.

A couple of reminders:

Again this year, Cabot United church is offering its special cookout and gourmet summer dinner series. There are two more in this series - on Thursdays,

August 7^th, and August 14^th. 5:30 to 7:00 PM, with take-outs welcome.

Your choice of:

Steak (Grilled or Simmered) or Ham

Baked potato, vegetable

Rolls, beverage, and desert.

There is no charge for the meal, however donations for our Fuel Oil Fund are welcome. If you haven't already tried these dinners, now's the time, you have two dates left. You won't be disappointed.

Tickets by reservation or at the door, call 563-2278 for information. Make these sumptuous church benefit dinners part of your summer plans.

Cabot United Church – On the Common, Route 215, Cabot, VT

*****

The Summer Cocktail Party is this Sunday, August 3, at the Joe's Pond Association Pavilion beginning at 3PM with the band starting to play about 3:30. This is the same as last year when the band began earlier than the tickets indicated. Next year's tickets will correct the start time.

Remember to bring hors d'oeuvres to share and BYOB.

I'm a bit tardy with news these days, but here are a couple of things I want JPA members in particular to know in case they didn't see the items in the Caledonian Record last week. Many of our members will be saddened to learn of the death of Margaret Ide on July 21, at age 92. The Ide family have owned the cottage on 140 Island Drive for many years, and Margaret was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of her Danville and Joe's Pond communities. A memorial service was held on Saturday; memorial gifts may be made in Margaret's name to the Danville Congregational Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 161, Danville VT 05828, or the Danville Senior Action Center, PO Box 173, Danville VT 05828. You may send condolences to the family on-line at Sayles Funeral Home We shall miss Margaret.

On July 22, Martin Maynard, of Danville, passed away. Martin was 84, and grew up on Cabot Plain on a farm near where I grew up. We went to the same one-room school, and those of us who knew him were very proud when he enlisted in the U. S. Marines in 1942. Martin was a very kind and decent man. His family, friends and the community will miss him.

Another Cabot person, May (Walbridge) Wheeler, died this month. May had lived in Cabot, Marashfield, Hardwick and Barre during her 97 years. At the time of her death she was living at the Mayo Manor in Northfield. May and her friend, Laura "Peg" Abbott, were responsible for recording burial sites in all of Cabot's seven cemeteries, finishing their work in 1984. With their permission, then sexton Velma Smith and I, in the 1990's continued and expanded Peg and May's work, updating and remapping all the cemeteries and creating a data base for the Cabot Cemetery Commission. We will forever be indebted to Peg and May, for without their careful planning and expert organization of information as a starting point, we would probably never have undertaken such a huge project. I'll miss being able to contact May for historical information, and miss her as a friend.

Here is some happy news - the engagement of Lindsey Luneau, daughter of Marc and Patrice Luneau who have a cottage at 67 Point Comfort Rd, to Frank Gelormini. Both Lindsey and Frank live and work in New Jersey. They plan to be married on Lake Champlain in September. We wish the couple every happiness.

*****

A friend sent me a clipping a while back written about the Vermont Paddlers Club for the Valley News. The article was about kayakers and canoeists navigating whitewater rivers throughout the state. Among the "obscure" waterways mentioned was Joe's Brook. I was surprised, as apparently my friend was, to learn anyone would attempt to navigate Joe's Brook in any kind of vessel. Club member Eric Bishop of Jericho said Joe's Brook in Danville is ". . . a river that went under the radar and now is a whitewater gem." Who knew?

Tony Shaw of Williston was quoted as saying, "[Joe's Brook] drains Joe's Pond and flows to the Passumpsic. In 10 miles, it drops 100 feet per mile. There isn't a river like it in Vermont." I knew it was downhill all the way along Joe's Brook, but had no idea the drop was so steep.

There's more: Bishop continued, "Just in the last five or six years, we discovered Joe's Brook which we never heard of. It runs along the road in places and was still unknown. It was hard to believe that in the 21st century we were still finding 10-mile long rivers in Vermont with spectacular whitewater."

The article explained that the kayakers and canoeists wait for spring or heavy rains before attempting many of the streams, and that could explain how they chose Joe's Brook as one of Vermont's "whitewater gems." After all the rain this summer, perhaps now would be an good time to try the whitewater ride down Joe's Brook - but according to these experienced paddlers, Joe's Brook should only be attempted by advanced class IV boaters.

That's enough to keep most kayakers and canoeists content to ply the waters of Joe's Pond and leave Joe's Brook to the experts.

From Steve and Bev Allen this morning, some facts about what is destined to become known as "the summer of the heap big waters" here at Indian Joe's headquarters:

Jane,

My son Doug is a Hydrogeologist. I asked him: "Given that the surface area of Joe's Pond is 396 acres, how many total gallons would there be if an inch of rain fell on the Pond?" His answer: "One inch of rise in JP is equivalent to 10.8 million gallons of water. "

Since my rain gauge shows a month to date total of 9.71" of rain, that's a heckuva a lot of water over the dam!

Think of all that water pouring through the narrows and over the dam 24/7 - lots of power there! Thanks, Steve and Bev, for sending this to us.

We stopped to pick up the mail on our way to Waterford to have dinner with Bill and Monika Saturday night. Bob and Theresa were at the landing by the bridge - that's Bob heading into Joe's Pond Country Store, and Theresa's in the boat with Casey. There was plenty of water going under the bridge (see picture below) - and while we were at Bill's there was another hard rain, just like tonight - after dark we get the downpours. Seems like things are going to remain soggy for a while yet. The forecast looks a little better for next week, but there still are showers forecast nearly every day.

Today has been pretty quiet. I went to the historical society building in Cabot this afternoon, delivered some DVDs of the pictures I've been working on and picked up more material to scan. We had a few visitors while I was there, and Bonnie Dannenberg found a picture of Olive (Stone) Gould (1844-1924) in a box we hadn't realized was there. I took a picture of the picture and here you can see how we found her and what she looked like after I brought her home and cleaned her up. Her parents were Walter and Mary (Sampson) Stone, and she married George Gould. She was Edwin Gould's mother and they lived on a farm in Lower Cabot, next to the cemetery. That stretch of road leading from the farm past Amanda's Greenhouse is called Gould Flat. The frame may be a lost cause unless we can find a professional to restore it, but we hope to have her picture displayed soon, both on the wall at the museum and in one of our albums.

I found a couple of obituaries on members of the Heath family and will send copies to a woman who requested information last week. We have no less than 48 Heaths buried in our cemeteries, but so far I haven't found any of the names she gave me. Obits often have a lot of information that will help connect branches of the family or survivors who may have information, so perhaps what I found today will help.

Jamie told us today about a family of turkeys, a hen and five chicks they've been seeing at their house above us. We haven't seen her, but Jamie said Otto keeps close track of them. Otto is still a puppy, but is already a big dog with an even bigger voice. It's probably the coon hound in him. It's surprising the hen would bring her chicks anywhere near if he barks, but I think there are berries and lots of bugs for them to feed on in Jamie's field.

Otto is still going to doggie-daycare a couple times a week and Jamie says he loves playing with the two or three poodles that go there. It's a poodle-party. Otto comes home completely tuckered out. Jamie and Marie think it's good for him to associate with other dogs and don't like to leave him alone at home all day unless they have to. Fred usually goes up to check on him on days he doesn't go to day care. I think our cat, Woodpile, probably stops by on days Otto is outside, too. Woody really likes dogs, but doesn't tolerate other cats at all. Jamie and Marie have a really feisty cat, Ricco, and even though Woody is bigger and stronger, we think Ricco beats the daylights out of him when he wanders too close. Ricco is Otto's best friend, so there's probably a bit of jealousy there.

I hope you've all had a nice weekend, and that the week ahead is memorable for you. Think "sunshine and warm breezes"!

Beautiful day today - as predicted - at least for the time being. Here's the latest water report from JPA President Tom Dente:
Hi Jane,
The last storm dropped about 4 inches of water which has sent the pond level back up and actually a couple of inches higher than it was with the last rain fall. The dam is discharging water at maximum capacity, unfortunately, the ground is so saturated that any rain will run off to Joes Pond in this area. Be careful of wakes and debris. Level should be back to normal in time for the next storm.
Thanks
Tom
P.S. My rain gauge shows about 5 inches rather than the 4 inches I reported before. That makes almost 12 inches in less than a week. Seems like this is the year for remarkable weather, snow in the winter and rain in the summer.

I've heard from a long-time Joe's Ponder this morning suggesting boaters either stay off the pond, go very, very slowly or use only canoes or kayaks because the wake from motorized boats will be very damaging with the water this high. Those of us who have been here many years know this isn't the highest it's ever been, for sure, but docks are covered and there are all sorts of things floating around out there that normally wouldn't be.

Fred was at camp this morning and took some pictures. There was a family of ducks swimming on our lawn. They enjoyed diving for more easily available food, and after their breakfast, settled on a piece of debris that was floating by. Things were fairly quiet at that early hour, but the ladies were busy at Hamilton's tennis court, getting ready for their morning game.

Enjoy the sunshine for as long as it's here today, and secure anything floatable in preparation for more rain this weekend. Let us know if we can help match up lost and found items. With water levels this high, things are bound to move around a bit.

Diane Rossi sent these pictures taken this morning - here's her report:

It's a beautiful morning, so we took a couple of pictures to survey the damages....Rouleau's dock is there, but you just can't see it!

This tree came down around 10 pm from across the street. Washington Electric was sawing it up about 2 am!

I guess it was actually hung up on the power lines so you could drive under it, but none of us seem to have lost power. No damage. I'm really glad the sun is out for now!

There's no news here today worth reporting. We've had off and on downpours most of the day - I guess we may have added a few more inches of water to the pond, for sure. Fred and I checked a little while ago to be sure the boats are ok, and things look about the same as they have. Water level seems to remain about the same, so I guess the rubber dam is at least holding its own against the deluge.

Our property tax bill came today from the Town of Cabot. With it came a sheet titled, About Your 2008 School Taxes - "The more you spend, the more you pay" . . .
I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure that one out.

I just heard there are problems on Rt. 15 in W. Danville with water running over the road - potential washout, so road crews will be out there unplugging the culvert and hopefully averting further problems. Drivers should be very cautious, especially when there is water in or across the highway.

Stay safe. The sun will shine tomorrow!

Over breakfast this morning, while watching the weather on WCAX, Fred and I decided we'd head to St. Johnsbury to do some grocery shopping and other errands. We normally make that trip on Thursday mornings - actually, we're experimenting with going into St. J. only every two weeks instead of weekly, and that's working out pretty well. Anyway, we figured we'd avoid the rain forecast for this afternoon and worse tomorrow. That was a totally good idea, but the rain came sooner than forecast and we ended up slogging around in a pretty good downpour and dodging puddles anyway. It could have been worse - it could have been snow!

Fred took pictures in W. Danville and along the way. You can see there's a lot of water going over the dam. Everything is wide open, according to Tom Dente, but now with constant rain, it is probably just about keeping up with it. The good news is that the water level in the pond had gone down yesterday quite a bit so hopefully there's a little room now for more water . . . Everyone should still keep close track of anything floatable around the water's edge, though. Just a little wind can wreak havoc by swamping boats that already have water in them or that are not securely tied at dock. Everything is pretty wet and gloomy, and as we headed down Rt. 2, it was obvious there was more weather ahead.

We were impressed with the new iron bridge crossing the Passumpsic River in St. Johnsbury Center. That's a favorite route to quickly access the interstate after a visit to the mall. It was replaced this past year and was very recently opened to traffic again. We didn't use it today, though, because we were headed into St. J. after stopping at the mall. We noticed the water in the River was pretty high, but didn't look threatening; however, there are stretches of Rt. 5 along the river that often become flooded. That was another reason we wanted to get into town and back to higher ground before a lot more rain.

While we were gone, part of our wood supply for 2010 was delivered! Not great news - we were saying only this morning we were in no hurry for it to come so we could finish up a few things before we have to think about getting it stacked, but it's good to know it's going to be here before snow flies. There will be a couple more loads, at least, but the way things are going, it won't dry much faster stacked than if we leave it in a heap where it is. Fred is heading out later today, between showers, to begin stacking it.

Here's a chance to go out for dinner and a concert and not have to travel very far. Click on the poster on the right to learn more about it. Sounds like a good way to spend a rainy evening tomorrow.

Don't forget the two benefits for young Zach Porter. If you don't wish to donate to the silent auctions, or can't attend the show on Aug. 14, and would like to donate cash, you can send donations to: The Zachary Porter Trust Fund, C/O The Passumpsic Savings Bank, P.O. Box 259, Danville, Vermont 05828 Attn: Chris Brill.

You can check Zachary's web site to find his story - The Incredible Zachary Porter
or go to our home page where you'll find information about the two benefits planned for him and his family. Evelyn Richer wrote this morning:

I have been in touch with the family today and they say Zach
has developed a cough, which is to be expected but that he needs your prayers...

I just listened to the weather forecast for the rest of the week. Keep your umbrellas, boots and slickers handy because you're going to need them. Showers this afternoon will be just a "warm-up" for the real deal on Wednesday when the heavy rain settles in. No relief until maybe a brief spot of sun on Friday, then more rain . . . I can't go on. It's too gloomy. I'm truly sorry for those folks who may be here on vacation right now, but let me tell you - there's a pretty diverse selection of books at Hastings Store, or you can visit the libraries in Danville or Cabot; there are lots of links on the web site for things to do in surrounding areas. Even in the rain, Joe's Pond is a nice place to be.

Tom Dente sent this water report this morning: The pond level is dropping, down about 30% this morning and hopefully by tomorrow down to near normal. GMP expects heavy rain fall starting tonight which will increase pond water level again since the ground is water saturated at this time. Ponders should be aware that some docks may float if not secured and debris may be present in the water for several days. Boats ties should be loosened to prevent lifting the attached dock.


I'm hearing on the scanner that there have been washouts on roads in surrounding towns and crews are scrambling to keep them passable. With more severe weather coming, the crews will be kept very busy. Drive carefully and expect the unexpected, especially if you are exploring back roads. There may be washouts or trees down they haven't been able to get to yet. With this much rain, the ground is super-saturated and trees may simply topple over because the ground has become too soft to support them.

I haven't heard from Steve Allen today, but later in the day yesterday, after reporting about the young eagle harassing the loon family here at the pond, Steve e-mailed that he'd spotted the eagle again. Here's what he said: The eagle was back again this morning - snagged something out of the water at Smith's Point and flew off over Keenan's. Good view thru the binocs...

We hope the loon family stays safe. Thanks, Steve, for that update.

Earlier this morning there was just a hint of sun through the clouds and I noticed the tamaracks along the road in front of our house were shimmering with moisture. Everything has been growing very well - my perennial sweet peas right outside my office window are unusually tall, and the hummingbirds are loving them.

Fred and I enjoyed dinner last night at Bill and Diane Rossi's. Tom Morgan came with us and it was an interesting evening. The conversation took some wild turns, everything from global warming to politics. Tom has a wealth of information on all kinds of things, and Bill has a way of interjecting new topics to consider so there's never a dull moment. Diane always has a great menu and everything was delicious. Fred didn't bring his camera, so Diane took pictures and sent them to me this morning. Left to right, Fred, Bill, Tom and me.

Sad news in today's paper. Tom Dente e-mailed me this morning:
"A long time 'ponder' Margaret Ide died yesterday. She was a very nice person and did a lot for Joes Pond during her active life here."

Margaret was a very dear lady. She will be sadly missed in both her home town of Danville, and here in the Joe's Pond community. Our condolences to her family and many friends.

I just heard from Sue LaGue that she and Andre LaPrade are teaming up to do a silent auction at the Pig Roast on August 9! Proceeds will benefit Lorraine and Phil Porter's grandson, Zack, who is six and has leukemia.

If you've been reading the blog (see entries below) you know Zack and his parents just moved back to Vermont this summer where the family intended to build a home and Zack would go to school in Danville. Everything has changed in the few short weeks since Zack was diagnosed as having leukemia, and the expenses will be huge for Jim and Steph. Zack is getting good care in Burlington, and Steph is staying at the hospital with him. They will hopefully soon be home in St. Johnsbury where a house has been donated for the family to use as long as they need it. In the meantime, dad, Jim, is working at Home Depot in Littleton while mom stays with Zach. Grandparents Phil and Lorraine are holding things together at camp on Sandy Beach Road.

So here's the thing. Sue thought Joe's Ponders would like to show their support, and figured rather than let the silent auction that we usually have with the Pig Roast drop, we could come up with ideas and still have the auction and put the money toward a good cause. She asks that you all begin thinking and talking about what you might be able to do, and wants you to make it fun. She said she and Andy can also use help contacting folks, collecting items, or whatever. Give them a call and let them know your thoughts or ideas on how you can help or what you can donate. If there's something you'd pay to have someone else to do or donate, let them know - Sue's an organizer and Andy knows how to get the job done! Sue says funky is good, so get creative. There isn't a lot of time, so tell your neighbors and make this happen. To reach the team, call Sue at home, 476-4505 or at camp, 563-2706; or call Andre at 563-2196.

P.S. - Sue knows Evelyn and Ray Richer are also doing a benefit on Aug. 14th, and she has contacted them. Evelyn and Ray are also doing a silent auction, but have no objection to Sue and Andre doing one with Joe's Pond Association folks, too. It's really a joint effort and people are anxious to help the Porter family in any way they can. So donate to one or both - it's all for the same good cause.

Good Morning! Sunshine today, thankfully. Everything is pretty soggy after the torrential rains we had all weekend. This came from our Association President, Tom Dente this morning:

Hi Jane,
The pond water level has increased to about 8-9 inches above normal, the direct result of 6.6 inches of rainfall over the past 30 hours. I've been communicating with Green Mountain Power since yesterday when they began running the generator at the dam, which is one of three paths at the dam to remove water. The sluice gate is open and the bladder is flat, thus providing the maximum amount of water discharge. Green Mountain Power folks will be at the dam and Joe's Pond today verifying operation of all systems to remove water and prevent flooding. Boaters should be extra careful to prevent on-shore wakes today and tomorrow.

Thanks
Tom
P.S. - A further warning concerning the pond water level increase should be to folks who have boats tied to their docks. Make sure the tie ropes are loose enough to accommodate the rise in water level without pulling on the dock. Also the marker buoys for sunken island, etc. may drift off their location. Boater be aware!

Looks like another week of rain which will not help our situation. Just think if this was snow.

*****

It's good advice from Tom, and boaters should also be aware that when the water gets high like this, various stuff floats away - docks, playthings, logs and other debris - so please watch where you're going in your boats and go slowly. Hitting something half-submerged could seriously damage your boat. The run-off from the surrounding hills means it may be a while before the water level goes down, and it may even rise during the day today. Be aware that boats without covers may fill with water and sink, so keep an eye on your neighbors' boats as well as your own.

*****

From Steve and Bev Allen:

Sunday afternoon we heard prolonged loon distress calls. Looking out over the Pond we saw a very large raptor – definitely an immature bald eagle - flying low over the water and harassing the loon family. The big bird passed over them several times, bringing frequent calls from the two adult loons, then dipped down in front of our camp and plucked something out of the water - fortunately not the young loon! Then the eagle disappeared into the Cove by the Association Dock and the distress calls stopped, probably because the threat had left the area. Ironically, the Loon Watch has been this weekend, and the newspaper reported that one of the chicks in the State had been taken by a bald eagle. Then this morning (Monday) there was a flotilla of 5 adult loons headed south on the Pond. The Pond is very high right now - we measured 2.22" of rain yesterday.

Steve and Bev Allen [Meadow Lane]

Here's an update from Evelyn Richer on Zach, and a link to his web site. I have added it to my "Bookmarks."

Hi Jane… there is a blog set up for Zach Porter if anyone wants to be updated on his situation…

http://theincrediblezacharyporter.blogspot.com/

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of folks when we approach them about the benefit… we have promises of wonderful donations…

Thank you to all!!! I think we will have a wonderful crowd the night of the show!! Thank the Lord for his hard work!

Blessings, Evelyn and Ray

We walked down to camp and back Saturday evening and Fred took some pictures those of you who aren't able to be at Joe's Pond may enjoy. These were taken around 8 p.m., just as the sun was setting, so the east side of the pond had a lovely golden light, but where we were, on the west shore, the sun was already behind the hills.

We left Woody in the driveway. He was waiting for nightfall, which is hunting time for him, although a lot of the time I think he is just crouched somewhere quietly watching and waiting, on high alert, and that makes him so tired he has to sleep most of the day. He doesn't seem to mind rain or wet weather and often comes in very wet, but loves it when Fred or I wipe him down with a paper towel.

We saw a few boats on the water, but we think most people were inside enjoying the take-out barbecued chicken from the West Danville church. We noticed the markers on Smith's Point - the new barrels have been lettered and are out on both the point and Sunken Island, and you can plainly see the additional buoys marking the sand bar, or "shoals" coming out from Smith's. It's very shallow between the barrel and the shore and the Joe's Pond Association hopes to keep people from going across there and running the risk of damaging their prop or boat.

A little further along W. Shore Road, we stopped to chat with Cynthia Vanetti. Cynthia has been at Joe's Pond many years and has loved every minute, she said, but has put the cottage on the market, saying she's looking forward to doing something different now. It's a lovely spot and she's made some beautiful changes to the original cottage, making it very cozy and efficient. We'll miss Cynthia when it sells, but it will make someone a very nice summer getaway spot.

Down the road at our place, Bob and Theresa were the only ones there. The weather was off and on again rain and I guess Jamie and Marie were catching up on things at home; Bill and Monika went to the Big Apple Circus at the Hopkins Center in Hanover, and we'd been busy during the day. We didn't stay very long because once the sun goes down it gets dark very quickly, and with storms still in the area, we were anxious to get back. It was good exercise, though, and a very nice evening to be walking. We saw several people along the way, which is always fun. On our way back, some folks were just arriving at Nate Drown's cottage, and we knew the excitement they must be feeling as they unpacked two carloads of people and equipment for their summer vacation at Joe's Pond. Unfortunately, today has been a very rainy, muggy, good day for catching up on sleep sort of a day when being at camp means naps, jig-saw puzzles, a book you've been meaning to read and haven't had time, a swim among the raindrops (why not, there's no thunder or lightning and you're going to get wet anyway!), or writing those "wish you were here" postcards that are so irritating to receive when you're the one stuck at your job wishing you were on vacation at Joe's Pond - even in the rain! The last picture is from our cottage looking up the pond along W. Shore Road. I hope we get better weather later this week; right now it's still pouring.

A rainy Sunday, good for curling up with a good book in a hammock on the porch, or in my case, a comfy chair next to the wood stove where we have a very small fire to chase out the dampness.

I went to W. Danville this morning to deliver Ice-Out tickets to Joe's Pond Country Store. It was raining pretty hard - again - and ice in the pond is about the last thing on my mind, but the contest does get rolling as soon as tickets are available (in July), so I was glad to slosh through the puddles, tickets in hand. At Hastings, I was "announced" by Garey's talking fish as I entered the store - and again when I left. They have sold quite a few Ice-Out tickets there, too, and there were some returns in the mail, printed from the web site. Everything is working!

In yesterday's Caledonian Record there was a report on the Rt. 2 Project. The Vermont Agency of Transportation has apparently signed off on everything now, accepting the concessions the community and arts council made to get costs down. There will be fewer lights plus fewer and smaller trees. The project is moving ahead with rights of ways and acquisition work, and bids for the actual work will go out this fall and construction is scheduled to begin in the spring and expected to finish by 2010, except possibly for the landscaping. I can hear some of you saying you'll believe it when you see it. Anyway, I guess that's good news - or bad news if you have to travel east from Joe's Pond.

This came this morning from Evelyn Richer:

On Zach Porter - the last news that I have for an update is that now Zach is waiting to see if his blood count and leukemia cells are all in the right proportions… I must say that Steph and Jim are oh so wonderful about all of this… they have the right attitude…. They feel they were brought here to Vermont to be with this community for Zach’s sake… unlike the reason that they had thought… (to come to build a new home)… God’s Plan was a bit different … but it’s all working out for them and that is wonderful… she even feels blessed that Zach has leukemia and not some other horrible disease that has no cure… What a wonderful and faithful outlook…

We continue to pray… and are grateful, Jane, for your help in keeping everyone aware of Zach’s condition too…

Blessings, Evelyn Looking forward to seeing everyone there on the 14^th… [at the benefit - see yesterday's post]

Thank you, Evelyn, for keeping us informed of Zach's progress. We're all rooting for him to be better real soon.

Here's the complete message from Evelyn Richer I should have posted this morning, but I missed part of the message - my error and I apologize. Here's the whole thing:

I have wanted to send you this announcement now for a couple of days… but I think I finally have permission to share this sad news… our dear friends and neighbors, Lorraine and Phil Porter (here on Sandy Beach Road) found out over the Fourth of July… after their son and family moved back to Vermont from Florida, that their son's youngest child Zachary, who is six years old, has leukemia… what a devastating blow to the family! They had plans of starting to build their new house right away in Danville and to enroll Zachary in Danville Elementary School for this fall… but instead the house building plans are on hold and they have been spending this month at Fletcher Allen in Burlington. Stephanie~ Zach’s mom, is staying at the Ronald McDonald House, while Zach undergoes his first round of chemo… Jimmy (Zach’s father~ Phil and Lorraine’s son) is working at Home Depot in Littleton and living in their fifth-wheeler until they all can move into a home in St. Jay that has been donated to them for as long as they need it.

Naturally our heart is broken for them all… soooo….

Back to the reason for my posting… Ray has been asked for several years now, to give a loon presentation locally.. (The last one was about 9 years ago)… so on August 14^th at 7pm at the Danville School Auditorium we will have a Zachary Porter Benefit Show… it is called “Another Miracle in the Marsh” and will feature some unusual shots of the loons during their breeding season… (Including rare egg laying shots!) There will be a question and answer session following the show and there will be several framed photos up for auction and raffles too… there is an admission fee of $5.00 (children under 12 get in for free)… ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO ZACHARY’S FAMILY to help with their extreme expenses for fuel to travel back and forth to Burlington for Zach’s chemo… and for other related expenses… (There will be an opportunity to make a monetary donation if you so desire)

Phil Porter, Zach’s grandfather, has been a ‘Joe’s Ponder’ since 1945… and Jimmy was born in Vermont and was taken from Vermont to serve our country in the military… but now after many years he wants to raise his son back home in this area… Since the news has ‘leaked out’, everyone has been so generous and supportive; they are very overwhelmed… but we know that they haven’t seen anything yet… once the community rallies around them they will be just fine…

We ask that everyone mark their calendars and come out on Thursday the 14^th of August to show their support for this family as they face some monumental challenges in the months ahead… We ask that you bring the ‘big’ checkbook to the show… but most of all we ask for many prayers for Zach J

Thank you Jane for posting this notice… Blessings, Evelyn and Ray

A few items of interest for you -

I guess most of you remember that the W. Danville Church BBQ is Saturday - take-out only. Reserve your meal by calling 563-2732 or 563-3397. Better do it right away so you won't miss out.

If you're looking for something to do with the kids on Saturday morning, here's a possibility:

The Cabot United Church and Mark Shelton present

Captain Radical Pirate Show

Saturday, July 19^th at 10:30 AM at the Cabot United Church, Cabot, VT

Be part of the adventure: sword fights, sea monsters, secret missions!

Games, music, theater, more…….. FREE admission. FREE food after the show.

Costumes not required, but prizes offered for best costumes.

Largest pirate ship jumphouse in the Kingdom!

.

Children should wear bathing suits under their costumes as we will have water games also if it is a hot day

For info: call Cabot United Church at 563-2278 or visit captainradical.com.

*****

On Tuesday, July 22nd, you may want to plan to attend the Walden Church Supper. Tickets are on sale at the door at 5 p.m., they will begin serving at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are numbered so it's first-come, first-served. Here's the menu: (for further information, call Diane Cochran, 563-2392)

Macaroni & Cheese

Baked Beans

Ham

Variety of Salads and Rolls

Coffee - Tea - Milk

Homemade Pies

Adults - $7, Children $4

*****

Right now we have thunder storms rolling through, one after the other. I'm hearing on the scanner reports of trees down and small fires started by lightning. Just before lunch I heard that the church in Sheffield had a fire. I don't know how bad that turned out to be, but it sounded serious. I think that must be where we used to go for really great chicken pie suppers in the fall when I lived in St. Johnsbury.

After having our refrigerator and phone at camp blasted by a power surge caused by a lightning strike a couple weeks ago - the same one that got Jane Milne's TV and computers, I guess - I hesitate to be working on my computer when there's a storm brewing. I'm scanning pictures from the Ennis family right now and that's very interesting, so I've worked in spite of the scattered thunder and rain. The Ennis family was well known in the area. During WWII, all six of Ora and Jennie Ennis's boys served, and now I have pictures of the family when they were little kids and teenagers as well as the boys in their uniforms. All the boys came home safely. There were six boys and four girls in their family, and they lived on a farm in Marshfield and later in E. Cabot.

Minutes of the Joe's Pond Association Annual Meeting held July 5th are now posted on the web site. On home page, (www.joespondvermont.com), select "Joe's Pond Association" and click "minutes" on the drop-down menu.

We've been having lovely weather for the past few days and Fred and I have taken advantage of it to get some outside work done. The chimney has been cleaned, the lawns mowed, I've pulled bushels of weeds and trimmed low hanging branches off some of the trees around the house. There's still lots more to be done, but we also wanted to take a little time off from everything, so we took some friends to Littleton to celebrate the birthday of Elizabeth, shown at right as she was leaving her house.

We have all have enjoyed the Eastgate Restaurant in the past, and knew it had been closed for a few weeks for renovations, but were surprised and disappointed when we arrived to learn their beautiful big dining room is now a "function room," the fountain is gone and the setting sun shines into an empty space. Now, there is only the Bar and Grille room, windowless and dark, with at least two large screen TV's, a section with the high bar chairs and high tables that nobody over 60 should attempt to mount. Fortunately, there were plenty of normal height tables and both ladies were agreeable to giving the place a try. We were assured the chef and waitstaff were the same as before - only the menu had changed. At right, Louise, who went with us.

In spite of a limited menu of mostly fried everything, we found the food very good and our waitress was a true super woman with great good humor and boundless energy. She even sang "Happy Birthday" to our friend, Elizabeth. Everyone in the bar joined in and made the event one I'm sure we'll all remember for quite a while.

Yesterday was another interesting day for us. Fred's cousin Ora, from Rhode Island, came to visit with her friend, Kate. We had been expecting their visit for a couple weeks because they usually come just about this time each year. Kate has a camp at Newark Pond and they both enjoy spending time there away from their busy lives. It has been a tradition over the years to take Ora and Kate on some sort of adventure. They are both interested in all sorts of things so have explored much of this area as well as places south and north of us, especially the St. Albans area where Ora's father's family lived.

We try to think of local places they might not know about, so we after lunch we set off for Cole's Pond. Fred and I hadn't been there for a couple years, so it was fun for us, too. There are lots of new houses going up Cole's Pond Road. We went down Eastern Avenue, on the eastern side of the pond and found a lot of new cottages there, too. Some may have been year around homes, but looking across the pond there seemed to be several year around places there, too. There was a family of loons on the pond, and I found the old retro-fitted grader they use on their narrow roads. I remembered seeing it several years ago and was please to see they still have it. There was an interesting railroad car at the end of the road, too. Beyond the "railroad crossing" seemed to be a private road, so we didn't go there.

We took lots of pictures at the pond and coming back where the views to the west are spectacular. We continued to East Hardwick and stopped at the Hardwick Health and Fitness labyrinth Ora and Kate had told us about. We didn't know about it, but Kate knew some of its history, so we enjoyed walking through it. I think to be fully effective it should probably be a solitary trek, but the four of us happily explored it; I'm not sure we left more at peace with the world or ourselves than when we came; we were all very relaxed when we arrived. Ora and I peeked into the exercise facility in the downstairs of the building and it seems to be a very nice facility. We took pictures:
Slides

This message came today:

I Found two swim tubes up against my dock in the middle pond on Sunday morning.

One is transparent green and the other is black/red, both with back rests.

I'm fairly certain they came from the RT 2 side, near Point Comfort.

If you want to claim them, please call 413-695-4671.

Due to the windy conditions on Sunday, I couldn't keep them from blowing

around the yard so I've got them in the barn.

Regards, Jim Bernotas [252 Laperle Dr.]

Wasn't it nice to have another cooler day!? I actually got some work done in my flower beds. Found a few surprises - HUGE thistles, my lavender was overwhelmed by ferns, and there were several tiny evergreens doing very nicely in the cool, moist shade of the bigger plants. I always hesitate to pull them up - each one is a potential big fragrant spruce or fir and good for the environment, right? I know from past experience trees pop up in the darndest places and for a while can be a wonderful source of enjoyment. But they get bigger and then it's really, really hard to move them or cut them down. Besides, these were way too close to the house. Already I have maples and cherry trees that I left where they sprouted that are beginning to block out the view from our deck. It's a dilemma, though because although I love the view, I also appreciate the shade, especially of the cherry that took up residence at the east corner of the deck. It makes sitting on the deck akin to hanging out in a cool, shady tree house. Someday it will probably have to come down - Fred has his eye on it for wood, I think - but it will be a hard choice. So unless I find something worth transplanting to a better location, I pluck these little intruders out of my garden right away.

Someone recently chided me for complaining about the heat, indicating that Vermont doesn't get THAT hot - and I suppose that's correct. Although, I've always thought we Vermonters have to adjust from the cold spells to these hot spells rather abruptly sometimes, so it's not the same as for folks who live in oven-like climates year around with little fluctuation. Anyway, I decided to see just how hot we have been in the past. According to the National Weather Service, three consecutive days above 90 degrees constitutes a heat wave. I was surprised at how many times in the past this has happened in Vermont. Take a look: Heat Waves These figures were for Burlington, Vermont, which is generally a bit warmer than we are here at Joe's Pond, but it is still interesting.

Don't forget that the Baked Bean Supper is tomorrow night. Yesterday Hastings Store still had a few tickets, so perhaps you can still get one.

After the rain this evening, I went outside and took some pictures. The Sky was unusual and for a few minutes everything had a beautiful soft golden glow. Before I could get many shots, the glow was gone. The second picture is looking towards Walden, after the glow. There are layers of forest and hills, and when it's a little darker and with less mist, we see lights from houses tucked into the hillsides where, only a few years ago, there were only trees and fields. We actually see fewer lights this time of year because of the foliage. In winter, it's amazing how many homes are on the hills above Rt. 15.

I took some pictures of the flowers in my garden, too. They were especially fresh and vibrant after the soaking rain. These tiger lilies have all sprung up from seeds dropped each fall. I'm not even sure where I got the first plants. My red peonies were lovely until the heavy rain today. Now they are battered and ready for some serious deadheading. The white peonies have long since faded. Now that the weather is going to be a little cooler, I'll get outside and get some of those chores done in my flowers.

Don't forget to get your tickets for the bean supper at the JPA pavilion on Saturday. (See more information below.) And remember that Kevin Johnson's group will be picking up returnables on Sunday - NOT Saturday as previously advertised!