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.