We've had a busy day today. This morning Fred went to W. Danville to do errands and to find out more about progress being made at the beach. This spring the old bath house was removed and the West Danville Community Club (WDCC) made plans, in conjunction with the folks at ANR and funds from the GMP settlement, to improve the beach area and construct a pavilion. Little seems to have happened on that project, but Fred learned from WDCC member Diane Jejer that the pile of rocks on the beach will be used along the shoreline to prevent erosion. Larry Rossi will place the rocks.

A new shed has been purchased from Larrabees to store equipment used to maintain the beach, and some trees and shrubs planted. There will be more landscaping done later in the project. Students and their instructors at St. J. Academy have designed a pavilion similar to the one at Wine Gate in St. Johnsbury, and will supply the labor to construct it.

We're glad to know that the project is continuing. The West Danville Community Club continues to fundraise to cover the cost of maintaining the beach.

Late this afternoon, Fred and I took a ride up to Cabot Plain where a neighbor is putting up a Huntington Home. There are six similarly sized sections, and we think it will probably be two stories high. The foundation is certainly not large enough to accommodate more than two or three of the sections . . . Nobody was there, so we couldn't get more details, but they will have a wonderful view across the valley to Rt. 15. The house in in a big field that was part of Howard and Frieda (Maynard) Stone's farm. Howard's father, Hartwell, owned what is now Richard Spaulding's farm; Frieda's parents owned the charming, now vacant old house facing the Cabot Plains School.

As we headed home from there we drove across the flat to the Sousa farm. We were surprised to find horses grazing in the fields above the house (about 18 of them). We were even more surprised to see some puppies frolicking near the barn. As we stopped the car, two large but friendly Shepherd's came to greet us - parents of the pups. The pups went off to play before we could get a good picture of them, but here's what they look like. The owner of the horses and dogs, Joe King, told us the pure bred pups are for sale - he has already sold the males from the litter, but hopes to sell the females, as well. You can reach him on his cell at 802-279-4413, if you are interested in one of the puppies. They are cute as can be and are 8 weeks old, so ready to go. Joe also told us he is leasing the farm and his cattle will be arriving soon. He will be farming organically. It was very nice to see activity at the place.We wish the King family well in their effort to bring the farm back to life.

As we left, we noticed an animal in the big field next to the school house. As it moved, we could see it was a moose. Fred was able to get a couple of shots before the camera began acting up. It was warm and sunny on the plain - and it always brings back a flood of memories when I go there.

I also heard today there will be another meeting on Sept. 22nd regarding the cell tower proposed for installation on one of the silos at the Sousa farm. I'll try to find out more about this tomorrow.