I had this in reference to the "Quillows" we added to the Local Products page yesterday - They [Quillows] really are marvelous, and we both use them here at home all the time! - Karen Cobb, Lynchburg, Virginia and Narrows Drive, Joe's Pond, Vermont.

Thanks, Karen, we appreciate that you took time to write. Actually, it was Karen who told me about Terry's "Quillows" some time ago, and I'm happy we now have them on the web site so others can see them and maybe order one in time for Christmas. I was impressed with how perfectly they are made. Terry is a fine seamstress, making a product that is both beautiful and practical.

Karen was here about a week ago to close camp and found their pontoon boat wouldn't start, but they managed to get it out ok and will have it going again next spring. Perhaps that stuff George Parizo told us about a few posts back would help. Winterizing boats and closing up for the season is sometimes a challenge. Besides turning off the water and draining the pipes, emptying the cupboards and packing away summer things, there are other chores when camp owners button things up for winter. The other day I posted a photo of the Morley's "summer ride" being readied for storage; yesterday I mentioned some boats were shrink-wrapped, others parked with tarps. Terry Powers told me yesterday her sons are coming this weekend to make the "teepee" they use to cover their pontoon boat. We got a picture something like that a few years ago and, having struggled with how best to cover our own pontoon boat for many years, we thought this was a great idea.

Andre LaPrade has a unique method of protecting his waterfront items, but he might have trouble finding that dock if some of the winter gales we have hit it. Looks like it could take off . . . I wonder how the heck he got it pulled up like that? Maybe it'll be a good measure of snow depth this winter. We'll keep you posted.

I found my snow depth measuring stick today when I was cleaning up the garage a bit after Fred had gone to recycling. I didn't have it out last year. Just as well, it would have been buried out of sight most of the winter. I plan to put it out this year, though. It isn't likely we'll have two years in a row of record snowfall, do you think? Just in case, I may put out a taller one . . .

In weather like today's, snow is about the last thing we're thinking about. We can expect another nice day tomorrow, I think, and maybe even more next week. Time to get all the outside work done. If we aren't buttoned up and ready for winter by Halloween, we've waited too long.