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...