WISHING EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR! Fred and Jane Brown at snowy cold Joe's Pond Vermont

Walter Ruf sent a warning about a computer virus attached to an offer to preview Obama's inauguration speech. The message was a "forward" type message, and I rarely bother with this sort of stuff, but if I have time, I will usually search urbanlegends.com or truthorfiction.com to find out if the message is legitimate. Apparently this one is real. You can find out more by going to snopes.com

Thank you, Walter. We hope this will help lots of you have a virus-free New Year! I know there are other "bugs" out there, like colds and flu, and I hope you can avoid those, too!

I finally have my computer back WITH a printer that works AND a scanner that works!! It has taken I don't know how many days and hours, and even some nights, for everything to get worked out. Fred has been on the phone many long hours with Hewlett-Packard tech support people, and the deadline for the expiration of our patience was getting ever closer. I was prepared to return this, the fourth printer we've tried, tomorrow. Fred was up before dawn today and went through the processes of reinstalling various programs, following the last directions given him last night around midnight, and now things seem to be working just fine. Fred needs a medal and a nap, for sure, and I guess the printer can stay.

While my computer was out of commission yesterday, I got this picture from Pat and George Parizo on Sandy Beach Road. George explained the photo this way:

Dec. 28, 2008 Sun set at Joes Pond with UFOs in the top left Conner ( caused by reflection of the Christmas lights on the window)

This view is looking north from the Parizo's towards the fields above Rt. 15. Thanks, George for sending that.

I had also asked about the picture of the frost patterns on the window that George sent a few days ago. It was so beautiful and unusual. Here's what he told me about how he got that great shot:

How I captured Jack Frost

I have a Nikon D 70 SLR camera with interchangeable lens system. It's like a 35 mm camera only in a digital form. We had the shades pulled down over night and when I put the shade up in the morning, there was the subject. I had to move fast ( before my coffee and that was the hardest part) as the heater under the window was really cranking out the heat and the Frost would start to melt. No time to set up a tripod or pick a clean lens other than the standard lens that was on the camera that I had used outdoors in the snow storm the day before.

The trick was to focus on one Frost object at 18 inches away, hold down the focus lock button and swing the camera back to the center of the composed picture and shoot. ( if the focus was not locked the camera would have refocused through the window and the image would have been lost) I let the camera pick it's own settings as I had only a few minuets to capture the picture. I was successful on the the first try.

As for framing the picture, the dirty lens and less than clean windows may really show up as the image is enlarged but it may be worth a try. Might make a nice Christmas card for next year?

So there you have it, if anyone wants to experiment.

I hope everyone has a great day. I have to get going. I have a million things to catch up on, but at least my e-mails are all caught up and posted, I think. I'm sorry for the delays in getting everyone's greetings posted, plus pictures, etc., but with the computer hung up I had only a little time here and there to keep things current. My world is brighter and better organized today. I think I'll be ready for 2009 after all . . . as my Grandfather Bolton used to say, "barring accidents."

We've watch a dramatic drop in snow depth here today. We've had rain most of the day and temperatures in the high 40's. This afternoon the temperature began to drop rapidly and is now reading 40 degrees. We've also had strong winds. I think the wind went down a bit at sundown, but it's not entirely still yet. It was good to get the snowpack down a bit and also good to have the icy roads soften up.

I mentioned yesterday that our little restaurant in Cabot, Goldie's Gathering, is closing on New Year's Eve. Will Walters found out today that on New Year's Eve they will have specials on the menu that will include duck, tuna and salmon. Prices for the specials range from $12.95 to $16.95. Will also sent a copy of their regular menu.

GOLDIE’S GATHERING

3027 Main St., Cabot VT 05647 (802) 563-3377

Beer & Wine

Vermont Micro Brews - $3.75

Budweiser - $2.75

House Wine by the Glass - $3.75

And other Wines by the Bottle

Appetizers

Mozzarella Sticks - $4.25

Onion Rings -$4.00

Potstickers - $5.00

Chicken Fingers - $4.50

French Fries -$2.95

Sweet Potato Fries - $3.95

Dinner Menu

Entrees

Large USDA Choice NY Strip Steak - Market Price, Choice of Starch; Chefs Choice of Vegetables

Chicken Aifredo - $10.99, Grilled Chicken over Pasta, w/Alfredo Sauce and Broccoli

Grilled Apricot Glazed Pork Loin -$11.99, Served w/Choice of Starch; Chefs Choice of Vegetables

Large Chicken or Pork Quesadilla - $8.95, Served with Salsa and Soup Cream

Large Salad Topped with Grilled Chicken - $9.95, Mesc Salad w/Carrots, Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, Nuts and Choice of Dressing

Dinner Entrees served with Bread and Side Salad or Soup

Desserts

Pie or Cake - $4.00, add a scoop of Ice Cream for $1.00

Ask the Wait Staff for our Dessert Selection

*****

If at all possible, stop by and wish Rolf and Delores Happy New Year as they embark on a new phase in their life together. We certainly wish them well.

We aren't sure all the problems with the new printer and my scanner are resolved, but at least now both will work, but it only if approached in a roundabout way. Too complicated to explain, and I have the combination written on a sticky note because I would probably not remember everything in proper sequence. Meanwhile, there are a few comments and greetings from friendly people in faraway places I want to share, even though it's later than usual to be blogging tonight.

I know lots of local folks know Lori (Thorgalsen) Schrader. Lori sent this message and photo:

Thanks again for keeping me up-to-date with the news in the Danville area. I thought you might enjoy a Florida photo of my kids and the dog. Left to right are Sarah (11), Beckenbauer (almost 2) and Kristin (17 in two weeks). I really have a great deal of appreciation for what you are all going through weather-wise! After all, I grew up in Danville! I spoke with my dad yesterday, and I swear he'll freeze (what's left of) his butt right off yet! I can't send you much of our weather, but I have to say that turning on the air conditioning on Christmas is a real bummer. I would like a little of the cooler stuff, but don't think it is in our future for a while . . . We are due for some cooler stuff this coming week and we always look forward to that for a nice change. Dad says the snow is up to the windows and still coming! I feel bad for him, because he is pretty much homebound and winter can be a very difficult time. Fortunately he has my mom and siblings as well as several wonderful neighbors who check up on him regularly. We love the slide shows and the news from town. Thanks for all you do!

Lori (Thorgalsen) Schrader

Port St. Lucie, Florida

This came today . . .

Hi Jane,

Thank you so much for keeping us all up to date on life at Joe's Pond! Here's hoping 2009 thaws out a bit, and that you have a good winter, early spring and wonderful summer!

Tucson is beautiful today. It snowed on the mountains all night last night, and they are white all the way to the desert floor. Today the sky is crystal blue. It's only in the 40s, but tomorrow we will be back up into the 60s and by the end of the week back into the low 70s. Nearly perfect!

All the best,

Barbara and Irv Pollack (W. Shore Rd.)

It's nice to know what kind of weather other parts of the country are having and what our friends are up to when they are away from Joe's Pond. Thanks to Lori Schrader and Barbara and Irv Pollack for sending off messages to us.

Here's a bit of news from Cabot. Will Walters contacted me today to let me know that our lone restaurant in Cabot, "Goldie's Gathering" will close on New Year's Eve. Rolf and Delores Muench own the restaurant and have a home just outside the village. There will be a story about the closing in the next issue of the Courier, and we may know more later. There will be a New Year's buffet on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and then the doors of "Goldie's" will close permanently. The property is for sale, as is their home. Will said they plan on returning to Annapolis. We're sad they are closing. It was nice to have a restaurant in town, and Rolf and Delores will be missed. They have been very active in the community and have lots of friends in Cabot.

Happy Day After Christmas.
We went to St. Johnsbury today and things were fairly busy. Lots of bargains, I guess.

My computer has been off limits for me while Fred has been trying to resolve some issues with Hewlett Packard regarding our new printer. Too long and agonizing a story to relate, but it's sort of like trying to find the one bulb that is bad in a string of 150 Christmas lights. In the process of trying to solve the problems, my scanner was knocked out, and that was really upsetting. But tonight Fred finally got someone at tech support who had a clue, and with that and additional research on the internet, Fred now has my scanner up and running. But the printer isn't.

Talk about frustrations - there's an article in this week's Hardwick Gazette about the proposed installation of a cell tower on the Sousa farm silo on Cabot Plain. The Zoning Board in theTown of Cabot issued a permit for Unicel to move ahead with the project, but abutting neighbors, Andy Leinoff and his wife, Wendy Jones, appealed the decision. There is an on-going legal battle with no sign of resolution. According to the town attorney, Charles Merriman, there is little probability that there will be a resolution any time soon. He indicated it will likely be a case of "last man standing," in which case I guess Unicel would win out unless they find another, less contentious site. According to maps I saw this summer, the best coverage for this area would be the silo installation, so they may hang tough.

*****

Holiday Greetings!

We have obtained an exclusive preview for our subscribers of the new fire/rescue truck that was delivered to Cabot on Saturday.

To see pictures and read information on the truck, please use the link below. On this site you can also link to the builder to obtain more detailed information.

Sincerely, Will Walters, Admistrator

www.cabotvt.us/Rescue.html

*****

Tom and Camilla Dente send this message:

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe winter and return to Joe's Pond.
Tom and Camilla

* * * * *

I'm sure many of our Joe's Pond members will remember Susan Pilette. Jane Larrabee very kindly sent this to us today:

Susan Pilette, former Joe's Ponder (Jerry's mom), is celebrating her 90th birthday on January 7, 2009. She would enjoy cards. Her address is:

Susan Pilette

c/o Deb Grabowski

11 Lincoln Drive

Raymond, NH 03077

Thanks,

Jane [Larrabee]

* * * * *

Some of you will remember Bob Labrie - Bob contacted us about five years ago about our Ice-Out Contest and started a similar contest in his home town of Goshen, MA, for the benefit of their fire department. Over the years, their contest has grown steadily, and Bob has kept in touch with us here at Joe's Pond. Here's his "Meltdown" page on their web site:Goshen MA Fire

Bob sends this greeting:

I hope this note finds you happy, healthy and warm during the holiday season.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

With warmest regards, Bob, Sue, Sarah, Alyssa and Hannah

From Walter and Mimi in Florida -
Hallo,to all our friends, relatives we wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, FROHE WEIHNACHTEN and a better NEW YEAR,und ein besseres und friedliches NEU JAHR! In friendship yours, MIMI(IRMA) & Walter.



George and Pat Parizo sent these photos this morning. Their tree, at their home on Sandy Beach Road, and a Christmas Sun Devil over Joe's Pond.




I want to thank the many people who have sent wonderful greetings to us by cards or e-mail messages. We love to hear from you and welcome the wonderful photos and messages our "reporters" send. Without all of you, your contributions and your comments and encouragement, we would not be able to keep the web site and blog fun and useful. Keep those photos and messages coming!

Fred, Woody and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. Keep warm, happy, healthy, and safe and in touch with all of us here at our version of "Lake Wobegon," on beautiful Joe's Pond. Happy Holidays!

My sister-in-law, Ella Brown, keeps us up to date on the news of her adventures at their winter home at Beaver Creek, Colorado, where Tom is a ski instructor. Ella is a very outgoing, classy lady with lots of creative energy that takes her in many directions. Each of her "newsletters" is unique in some way - sometimes really funny, sometimes inspiring, but always pure Ella. I particularly liked the one I received today - so here are some excerpts.

Now this event I am going to call “A Walk in the Park” because so many nice things seem to happen while Grizz, the Handsome Dog, and I are walking around the lake in Avon. A light snow was falling and the sky was white. We met 5 nice dogs who all greeted Grizz with bounding joy. We continued along the trail and approached a woman and young child. I said hello and she smiled. I realized that she could not speak much English but I knew love for the baby, her grandson, would help her understand. I said , “Nice baby, pretty baby!” She said , “No, bad baby, bad.” The baby did not want to get back into the stroller. He is 14 months old and wanted to walk. He was making protesting sounds with a pacifier in his mouth. I asked her where she is from in Spanish, French and English and she understood enough to say Russia. Then I remembered enough to say in Russian (which I studied in Nashua at the Adult Learning Center in 1992), …. Here I am going to give a phonetic version of what I said since I cannot write Russian script on the computer…..”Kak va zu voot? Mean ya zu voot Ella. “ (What is your name? My name is Ella.) She smiled the broadest smile I have ever seen and answered, “Mean ya zu voot Ludimila”. After our English-Russian conversation about Grizz we departed on our own ways and will undoubtedly see each other again. I wish I had my Russian tapes and text here in Colorado with me.

Last Friday I encountered a group of fire fighters training for ice rescue. There were 2 men, one submerged and the other on the edge of the broken ice attempting the perilous rescue. Of course there were about 8 other firemen and supervisors watching the “rescue”. On Sunday 4 of these firemen were ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart. They told me that every year they go through this training, taking a chilly dip in the lake.

Several winters ago a similar ice rescue training was in progress at Wiers Beach in Laconia. One of the leaders of the training group got disoriented under the ice, got lost and the oxygen tank eventually emptied with the passing hours. This young man left a wife and 3 young children. It was the saddest thing that had happened for the Laconia Fire Department.

Tom has class lessons today. The following 2 days he will be with his private lessons, a family from England. At their home they have 2 dogs and 6 chickens! Doesn’t this sound like a strange combination?

We are going to the Beaver Creek Village to see an ice skating performance tonight. I’ll meet Tom there around 5:30 PM. I could put on my long fur coat to mix right in with the crowd of elegant tourists. Perhaps I will.

Ella befriends very interesting people. Last year she helped a group of Mexican laborers who were clearing snow around the condo she and Tom rent while in Colorado. They were cold and she gave them hot food and some of Tom's things and then went to thrift stores and found more clothing for them. She is a retired Spanish teacher, and I'm sure they appreciated very much that she took the time to talk with them and provide warm clothing. She said they send most of the money they earn back to their families in Mexico, so go without themselves.

The true spirit of Christmas is alive and well, thriving at the hands of Ella Brown.

From Karen Cobb:

Merry Christmas from the Lynchburg Cobb clan!

Saw the blog, and boy, have you guys been clobbered!

Cold here of late too, but nothing like you guys!

Photo taken at Amy's Pet Boutique where Lee played Santa to have pet pictures taken. Good idea with quite a few visitors that day!

Hope your holidays are safe and joyous ones!

This is a very special Christmas photo for you - you have to click on it to enlarge enough to see what it is all about, but it's from George and Pat Parizo, and they wrote:
"Jack Frost's work at the Parizo's - 94 Sandy Beach Road this morning."

Absolutely spectacular, George and Pat. Thank you!

A reminder the Budget Work Session scheduled for the Cabot School Board on December 29, 2008 has been canceled.

The weatherization went very well today. It was hectic with so many people dashing around in our house. The doors were almost constantly opening and closing and sometimes wide open; in the basement, one window was open to allow the hoses for the insulation through. I made a big pot of coffee and put out some bagels and let the men help themselves, and then Woody and I retreated to my office. Fred was in and out, assisting where he could. They had to wade in the snow to get to the back door and must have been really cold. The wind was relentless and it snowed all day. By about 2:30 one of the three trucks and its crew had left and the other two crews were cleaning up scattered insulation and packing up their tools, equipment and the long sheets of brown paper they'd rolled out to protect the floor as they went back and forth from outside. They gave us a run-through about what they'd done and the results of the final wind test, and by three o'clock they were out of the house, as quickly as they had descended upon us in the morning.

Their departure was anything but organized and swift, however. Snow had made our driveway slick and the two big trucks were parked with no wiggle room in the turnaround of our driveway. The first one made it out without incident, but the second one slipped and slid while the guys shoveled away snow and Fred spread ashes under the tires. Three or four of the men tried clinging to the back of the truck to add weight for more traction, and finally after lots of tries, the back end was pointed down the driveway. When the driver put on the brakes to keep from rolling out of control, the front wheels locked and the front end of the truck slid sideways towards the snow bank. As I watched from the kitchen window, it crossed my mind that if that big truck went back-end-to into the snowbank they might never get it out. I wondered if even John Randall could do it with his tractor. It would be a hard pull.

After numerous tries, pulling ahead a little and inching back, they got the truck far enough down the driveway so the driver could just let it back without using the brakes and it rolled safely out onto the road, the men scurried to climb into the cab and they were gone. Fred and I commented on what a nice bunch of men they were. They all knew their jobs and we didn't hear any grumbling, in spite of the bitter cold and miserable conditions wallowing in deep snow and the slippery roads. They were all polite and respectful and we appreciated that they took time to explain what they were doing and to answer our questions throughout the day. Now we're anxious to see how much difference it makes in the amount of fuel we use to keep warm, and tonight is a good night to test it. The thermometer will be well below zero before morning, if predictions are correct. It's 2 below now, but there's still a wind which knocks it down into the minus 30 degree range. We've got the fire going and we're snug as can be.

Tomorrow we'll begin putting furniture back in place in the basement and things will get back to normal around here. We're supposed to see some sunshine tomorrow, too, and that will be welcome. Then there's Wednesday to look forward to with more snow (or rain) showers. Same old, same old.

What winter sounds like here at Joe's Pond . . . turn up your speakers! video

The weatherization folks came as expected this morning. Two very big trucks and later a smaller truck with a trailer and the overhead insulation stuff. I haven't been able to keep count, but there must be at least eight or ten men, so all parts of the house are under siege.

Woody disappeared when the first two men came into the kitchen. I searched for him but couldn't locate him, but very soon one of the men called to me saying he'd found him. Woody was peeking out from behind some of my plants in the living room. I "rescued" him and he and I are now hanging out in my office with the door closed. He jumps every time someone comes in or out of the house. There are lots of knocking sounds and strange voices, drills whirring and feet stamping. They put long strips of paper on the floor and that makes an very loud crunch, crunch, crunch when someone walks past our door and down the hallway.

The good news is that they think they may be out of here by the end of the day. We were originally told it might take three days, and we were thinking of the storm coming in on Christmas Eve and whether work might actually have to extend to after Christmas. We'll see how things go.

Liz Randall has been out taking pictures of John clearing out the snow at their house. They are spending Christmas here in Vermont. Here's what Liz wrote to me this morning:

Merry Christmas, we are in our WINTER WONDERLAND village house here on Joes Pond.

I've attached some pictures I just took of John plowing out the driveway this is his 3rd time since Thursday....Still Snowing (Mon. 9:30 a.m.) .....

Lauren filmed a short movie of John plowing I will send that in a separate email...we are keeping snuggly warm by the fireplace....sipping hot cocoa and decorating the tree.....

Snow at the Randall's

We aren't keeping quite as warm as the Randalls - we've had to let our fire go out so the men doing the weatherization can retest to see if they got all the air leaks at the end of the day, but the furnace will take over. The workers are taking lunch breaks in teams - one team eats and the others work, then alternate. Pretty efficient crew. We should be cozy as a bug in a rug by the end of the day . . . I'll probably blog again tonight, but right now I need to get some regular work done on the computer. I'm watching the wind blowing around outside - looks pretty blustery.

My snow measuring stick shows nearly 3 ft. of snow on the ground. I think at least two feet of that has come within the last two days. Now the wind will move it around a bit and pack it a little before the next round of snow come in for Christmas Eve.

News from Joe's Pond about a couple of our Joe's Pond Association members:

From Homer Fitts at about 5 o'clock Sunday evening -

Hi -

Just in case you happen to watch the Patriots or the Seahawks games today, the snow has been coming at Joe's Pond the same way since 10:00 this morning. It was O.K. as I went to church but sure different when I came out after the coffee hour. Just had over a foot the past two days also.

I have an appointment in Burlington at 10:00 Tues morning so I will probably go to Burlington Monday afternoon and stay at Ellen's. She will go to the Oncologist etc with me. Sure lucky she is around. She keeps track of my schedule etc. Also the results of blood tests etc. I will then stay until after Christmas with them.

Started new medicine, Velcade, Tuesday. Did something as I never got dressed Wed. or Thurs. Did go to oncologist again Friday but my white blood count was too low to give me any meds. They hope to give me more Velcade on Tuesday ? This is supposed to work on the cancer in the bone marrow.

Hope you all can enjoy a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season. Will be nice for me as it always is to be at Ellen's with her family. Plan to go to Church Christmas Eve with them. We go early and then they invite loads of people to their house after. I stay up for a while and then I usually sneak up to bed by 10:00. Santa knows where I will be.

Merry Christmas with Love,

Homer

Always check my blood counts first.

* * * * *

This from Michelle Parker at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday:

Just wanted to let you guys know that Dave was helping ref a basketball game and pulled his Achilles tendon. He is having surgery Christmas eve and will be in a cast for possibly 4 to 6 months. I guess this is really a bad injury according to the doctors. I'm taking good care of him though, and I guess my shutdown couldn't have come at a better time so that I will have time to do what I need to for him here and at his stores.

Merry Christmas to you all.

* * * * *

If anyone wants to contact either Homer or Dave, you can send mail to them as follows:

Homer Fitts, P. O. Box 146, W. Danville VT 05873;
e-mail: FITTSJOESPOND@aol.com

Dave Parker, 9 Buena Vista Circle, Barre VT 05641;
e-mail: parker3vt@peoplepc.com

* * * * *

Homer and Dave are not only faithful workers for JPA, but are also both really nice guys. It's tough to not be feeling your best any time, but especially hard during the busy holidays. I'm sure lots of us will be thinking of both Homer and Dave and their families in the coming days.

I also heard this weekend that Sherry LaPrade's father, Joe Magne, is seriously ill in hospital in Florida. Sherry and Andre have a home there, so Sherry is able to be with her dad. Our thoughts are with Sherry, Andre and the rest of the family.

I'll try to keep you posted on the progress of our friends.

We're in the middle of another big snowstorm tonight. It's been snowing all day and I guess we've had about a foot, from what Fred says and also what I'm hearing on the scanner. Road crews have been busy all day plowing and sanding. Fred has been out snow blowing three times just to keep tracks clear so if anyone absolutely needs to get out they could, but I think all our neighbors are staying close to the fire tonight. The storm is going to be moving out of the area during the night, but the crews are worried about 20-30 m.p.h. winds and blowing snow, and temperatures below zero. Sounds like blizzard conditions.

That's what Woody's been doing all day. He stretches out in front of the fire until he gets too warm and then hops into my chair or gets behind the footstool away from the heat. We caught him almost asleep in this shot. He doesn't seem to mind a hard maple pillow.

We are just about ready for the weatherization guys coming tomorrow. We're wondering if they'll make it ok. I'm not sure exactly where they'll be coming from, but driving could be a little dicey coming from any direction.

We took some pictures of the snow - Fred did some after he finished clearing paths for Henretta and us around mid day; Jamie had been out and cleaned his long driveway with his plow, "The Peach." I took more pictures after dark.
snow storm

News from Tom Dente -
Hi Jane,
Just to let you know we do get snow in Connecticut. We received 12.2 inches of the heaviest snow I have seen. It wasn't wet just dense where each shovel full was the same as lifting 2-3 bags of sugar. It looks beautiful but cold with the temperatures going to 5 degrees tonight. And guess what; another storm on the way for tomorrow with about 8-10 inches predicted. It is nice in a way because everyone helps neighbors with their driveways and walks and the conversation flows. A good side to the snow.
Tom

I guess we shouldn't complain - sounds as if the folks in Connecticut have their share of winter, too. Maybe we're alternating storms somehow. They got more than we did from this storm, but I think the next one is expected to dump something like 12-16 on us. Just in time for Christmas travel. I guess we all better just lay in the supplies and hope for the best. Good luck getting around for the holidays, Tom; hope you and Camilla have your shopping done . . . ! Take care and stay safe.

Our temperature here is around 8 degrees above zero right now, but I expect it could go lower during the night. Somehow it doesn't feel quite as cold with all this snow.

The storm finally went by us a little after noon today and this afternoon has been absolutely beautiful. It's still cold - in the teens all day, and edging downward now the sun has gone down. We had a few hours of brilliant sunshine, enough to make everyone cheer up and get ready to face the next storm due in tomorrow. Fred says we probably got six to eight inches of snow, on top of whatever. There's plenty on the ground, and more than enough to shovel.

Last night before I closed down the computer, I had my scanner on and was listening to the road crews. It was after 11 o'clock and still snowing. They had been plowing and sanding all day and some of them had only had time out to grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee. Usually there is a fair amount of banter going on over the airways between the crews, but last night I could tell they were tired. They were still out there, though, and some were taking a few hours to rest but would be out again by four this morning, back on duty. But the conversations were matter-of-fact and quiet, with no banter. While the rest of us were sleeping, those guys were still on the job, making it safe for people who had to travel in the night and early morning hours - or for emergency vehicles, should they need to go out.

Just now I'm hearing a call to emergency crews that there's a one-car roll over near the Walden fire station on Rt. 15. Walden Rescue is responding, also a fire engine. The accident is near Chris Bissell's house. Chris, of course, is a Walden fireman.

Our neighbors, Liz and John Randall stopped by to pick up the maple bed and we had a nice visit with them. We hadn't seen the Randalls for a while, but Liz always lets us know when they're arriving so we won't worry if we see activity at their place, thinking it's intruders. We look forward to seeing their lights through the trees and to hearing John on his tractor. They had been to Lyndonville and said they saw some accidents along the way, so I guess the roads are still not good.

The fire truck is on scene at the accident. There are other rescue vehicles arriving now. Apparently someone is hurt, but Walden Rescue has apparently taken the person to the Walden Fire Station and the Hardwick ambulance will meet them there. The State Police are on the way and probably they'll need a wrecker.

We are very fortunate to have our emergency crews in this area. Most of them are volunteer. I'm pretty sure Cabot, Walden and Danville are. Not sure about Hardwick but I think St. Johnsbury has a paid service. These people have to be dedicated public servants in any case. They are out all times of day and night, usually in the most severe weather.

Fred and I were busy today getting ready for the weatherization people who are coming on Monday. We had an audit done on the house a while back and, although the house is not that old (1963), the materials and building methods have changed immensely since my father built this place. I know he would be amazed at the new products and methods being used today, and he'd probably take an "I'll have to see it to believe it," attitude on some of the stuff, but we figured it might be a good thing to tighten the house up a bit. I think this may be a good winter to do it . . .

They will be here for a few days, so it will be hectic, I imagine. Already we've discovered we have a lot more "stuff" in the basement than we need, so a lot of it will have to go. I'm not going to put everything back in place until I've sorted through. I have linen table cloths I'm sure I'll never use - most aren't large enough for my big pine table, but I don't know who'd want them. Almost nobody uses table cloths any more, including me. I use place mats. I have too many of them, too. Trouble is, I don't like to toss things that are still good. I like recycling, though. My kids still laugh about the dresses I used to make from discarded drapes. Just call me Scarlet O'Hara. But I once needed a cocktail dress back in the days when we dressed up to go out to dinner or a house party. I made a very nice sheath out of some gold brocade curtains I'd had given to me but couldn't use. The dress is long gone, and I wouldn't be able to fit in it now anyway, but I still have some of that material left . . . I wonder if there's enough to make a scarf? I could put some fringe on . . . that would be festive, and I could wear it to the family Christmas Eve party! I bet the boys would recognize it! But darn, I'll never find it in the clutter now we've pulled everything away from the walls in the basement - it's in a drawer or a trunk somewhere and I won't be able to get to it until Wednesday, or maybe later if they don't finish up by Christmas Eve. I'll file that idea, though, and when I come across that material I'll keep it. No point throwing out something good.

CABOT SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL BUDGET WORK SESSION

Monday, December 22, 2008

6:00 p.m. - Information Center

AGENDA

1. Call to Order: Chris Tormey, Chair

2. Board Discussion

a. Budget FY 2009 – 2010

b. Other

3. Adjournment

FUTURE MEETINGS:

1. There will be a Budget Work Session on Monday, December 29, 2008 at Cabot School in the Information Center at 6:00 p.m.

2. Next "Regular" Cabot Board meetings will be on Monday, January 5, 2009 at Cabot School in the Information Center at 6:00 p.m.

3. WNE Board meeting will be on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 7 p.m. in Twinfield Union School’s Library

4. Next Superintendent Position/Governance Search Committee meeting will be announced.

Laura Soares, VSBA, will meet with the Cabot School Board on Monday, February 2, 2009, at 6:30 p.m.

*****

A correction on the entry made earlier. Thanks, Cyndy:

Hi Jane,

I just read the note from Doris Kreis. Her grandfather's camp on Barre Ave. was owned by my uncle Archie Buttura. My father, Ali Buttura, owned the camp on Edgewood Ave., now owned by Doug & Klaire Martin.

It is a little colder here these days!

Merry Christmas,

Cyndy Buttura Rouleau

(P.S.- Cyndy and Ray are spending the holidays at camp on W. Shore Road - so they are experiencing our changeable weather here at the pond. Also, "Chico" Carcoba wrote this morning that his Florida family will be spending Christmas in Vermont this year. The grandchildren have never seen snow, so you can imagine all the fun it will be at the Carcoba house during the holidays!)

We are expecting another 3-5 inches of snow, so all the ski resorts are in great shape for the holidays. Folks who will be traveling will need to plan between storms, though, because after the snow today into tomorrow, another storm is heading our way Monday. We can't seem to avoid the on and off pattern. Perhaps that's a good thing. This time of year a long stretch of no snow usually means we have bone-chilling cold. That will come in January.

The bits I posted from Doris Kreis's e-mail yesterday, prompted a quick response from "Manny" Carcoba (known to Joe's Ponders as "Chico" - the very patient guy who logged in all those Ice-Out tickets for us over the past 14 years). Chico sent me a copy, so I know he won't mind if I post it:

HI DORIS,

I JUST READ YOUR NOTE TO JANE BROWN WHICH WAS POSTED ON JOE'S POND WEB SITE.

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING UP THOSE FOND MEMORIES OF BARRE'S NORTH END.TUCKY SANCIBRIAN LIVED IN HOUSE NEXT DOOR.I READ JOE'S SITE AS I KNOW LOTS OF CAMPERS THERE AS MANY WERE FORMER BARRE PEOPLE. ALSO I HAVE ENTERED THE ICE TKTS INTO MY COMPUTER FOR THE LAST 14 YEARS.I GAVE IT UP BECAUSE IT HAS GROWN FROM 3,000 TKTS TO OVER 12,000 LAST YEAR.AS I DO NOT RETURN FROM FL.THIS YEAR UNTIL APRIL 4TH, THAT PUTS TOO MUCH PRESSURE FOR ENTERING THEM BEFORE ICE OUT COMES.WILL MISS SEEING NAMES I ENTERED AS MANY OF THEM WERE ONES I KNEW.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR. MANUEL CARCOBA

To clarify for some of you who may not know the history that attached Doris Comoli Kreis to Joe's Pond, here's her own explanation:
Jane [Brown] and I connected due to the History of Joes Pond..my grandfather had a camp there.. (the one owned by Ali Buttura on Barre Avenue.) My aunt Mylka is one of those that drowned there..She was 31..that is when I was 15. She lived and had a beauty shop in the house between Dellies store and Buds Market. (Passeto's at that time.)

After I wrote about the nuns drowning her at Joe's Pond (story under "History" on the home-page menu), people began reminiscing about other tragedies here at Joe's and told me about Mylka. In a very roundabout way, I eventually made contact with Doris. The story is as yet unwritten, but a few pieces have come together. In the meantime, I'm happy to know Doris and very much enjoy our correspondence.

I heard from Ella Brown (Fred's brother Tom's wife) this morning from Colorado:

"It is another overcast day with more snow predicted, perhaps 10 to 20 inches. Whew! I must say, when it snows, it SNOWS! . . . Here in the resort valley [Beaver Creek] there are only jobs advertised for managers of restaurants, chefs, part-time nannies, massage therapists, nail technicians – the usual services for those who can afford it. Wal-Mart is advertising for help within the store itself. Unemployment benefits will soon be maxed out at this rate."

Beaver Creek Resort is in Avon, Colorado, about 8 miles from Vail. Beautiful area with lots of deep snow. Tom sent pictures last year which you can still find on the web site - I think around March or so. Tom is a ski instructor at Beaver Creek so can get great shots of the mountains. Ella skis and also takes great pictures, and I'm sure they'll be sending some as winter progresses.

I'm heading to Cabot this morning to pick up some material for the Historical Society - more work, but I'm always anxious to go through new material to find whatever surprises there may be. Sometimes a long-missing piece of information comes to light and we at the HistSoc have a "eureka moment!"

I sure goofed today! I drove down to Barnet this morning, going the back way through Peacham. The sun was bright in a clear blue sky and everything was like a beautiful Christmas card - snow on the evergreens, smoke rising from chimneys, the sparkle of the snow on the fields. There couldn't have been better photo ops if I'd been on a Hollywood set. But I forgot to take the camera. When I got home I was grumbling to Fred about it and he reminded me the winter is young yet and there will be plenty more snow picture opportunities.

I noticed in the paper tonight that the rail-trail folks are still making plans to continue work next summer (or fall). They are working inside, the article said, checking to see what permits they'll need or not need. I can't help wondering if the promised funds will dry up given the present state of the economy.

I came home through St. Johnsbury this morning and stopped at St. Jay Hardware to pick up a few things. I had in mind to get some of the new "creepers" for walking on ice. Heaven knows, we could all use a pair the way things have been going so far this winter. However, they were sold out, but the clerk said they'd be getting more in right away. After I got home, our neighbor, Henretta Splain, came to the door with a pair for Fred. She'd watched him slip and slide behind the snow blower while doing her driveway and felt sorry for him. We thought that was so nice of her. She's a good neighbor. I think she got them at Caplan's - so next time we're in town, we'll try there. Daughter-in-law, Marie, told me she and her sister use them all the time when they are walking in St. J. and they are great.

I had a nice note today from Doris (Comolli) Kreis who used to live in Barre. Doris lives in Montana now, but she has fond memories of growing up in Vermont. Here is some of what she wrote:

Jane,

Been a busy warm summer for us but now winter has arrived and we have found some zero temps which we are not used to out here, so we are setting some records.. Somehow I liked winter better with sleigh rides on Trow Hill.. ice skating at the Barre Aud.. and skiing in Sabins pasture.. somehow the magic of those winters are gone. Must be I grew up.

Anyway it's that time of year when we wish friends good health and thanks for being there.. You ,I thank for taking me down memory lane again and helping me restore some memories I had forgotten . Not just of the good times with my aunt [Mylka Brozicevic] but the good times of my youth and growing up in North Barre. Even the competition between Spaulding and Montpelier High, when I was going to MHS but spending weekends in Barre. But win or lose, I still had fun on game nights with those from Spaulding after the games..(I did have to sit with the MHS crowd ). And thank you for helping me to remember my father's side of the family more too . . . Tucky [Sancibrion] sent the census reports for those early years. They were all gone by the time I was 8. My father's sister had moved away in 1934 .. died a couple of years ago.. but never back to VT, and Maggi remarried and kept contact with his new wife until they died. My grandmother on that side had died when I was about five. So you had me digging out old pictures and just enjoying some warm thoughts.

We only have about two inches of snow ..but understand that is going to change too. Our winters are much milder. On top of skating at the Barre Auditorium there use to be a skating rink where the old swimming pool was.. below North Barre School, so I could walk in my skates to that rink. Then they moved it forward so it was nearer the sidewalk. Now there are buildings there. And even had lights so we could see and skate. Cold never bothered us.. along with sliding on cardboard down on Third street.. Toboggans were fun and haven't seen one of those in years.. along with the guys that had those jumpers.

Stay healthy and keep helping people connect. I connected somehow with Manny Carcoba.. his sister and I were friends growing up .. and he was just a toddler following behind us. now he is grown with a family of his own.. and Maria is gone.

.. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Doris

Here's something you may find interesting:

The Cabot Connects Mentor Program is sponsoring a monthly Crochet Workgroup that will meet and build a Granny Square Afghan from donated scrap yarns. If you like to crochet or you’ve always wanted to learn, this is an opportunity to do so. Donations of scrap yarn or crochet hooks will be received at the Cabot Coalition office.

Granny squares from individuals will also be accepted – 4 ½ inch to 5 ½ inch squares.

The final afghan will be raffled off to benefit the Cabot Connects Mentor Program.

Next Crochet Work Group - January 12^{th -} 7PM, Willey Building Meeting Room.

*****

I had a pleasant surprise this afternoon when Don and Audrey Walker stopped by. Unfortunately, they couldn't stop for a visit - Don was dropping off a check for Ice-Out tickets from a friend of our contest, Bruce Molinaroli. Bruce sells lots of tickets for us each year in the NYC area. Don and Audrey both look well and Don said he is busy scoring basketball games again this year. I've forgotten how many years he's been doing that - someone wrote an article about that last year, I believe - anyway, he's been at it for a long time. Loves the game and has lots of energy.

The snow doesn't seem to have started yet, but it's pretty cold outside - 15 degrees or so. Mother Nature must be really cranky about something or other, sending us something different every day and making life generally difficult. Get over it, Ms. Nature! We could use some consistently decent winter weather for a change.

This note came from Pam Hebert on the east side of Joe's Pond:

I would like to thank the Town of Danville for sanding Brown Road and our section of Old Homestead Road this morning. Joe and I were out at 7:00 getting him out of the snowbank after sliding on the ice.I spoke with Merton Leonard, Town Administrator and he most graciously told me he would see what he could do. Two hours later, our road was sanded. Thank you! Pam and Joe Hebert

Another quick turn-around in our weather. We're back to "winter mode" with temps in the 20's, a stiff breeze, and everything that was mush yesterday turned to ice today. Sounds like December in Vermont to me!

Here are some other Seasonal Signs:

Calling all Elves! Santa needs your help!

Come join us for our free Elves Workshop

Saturday, Dec. 20th 5-8 PM

At the Cabot United Church,

located on the town common on Main St. in Cabot

A dozen “secret” gift-making stations for your child to create family presents!

Presented by: Cabot United Church, Cabot Connect Mentoring Program,

and the Cabot Recreation Dept.

Parents are invited to drop off their children, or stay and join the fun!

Ages 3+up welcome.

Children will make their own gifts with help from our volunteer “Elves”

Light supper and snacks provided

Fun!! Gifts!! Creative!!

For information call:

Cabot United Church at 563-2278 or Cabot Coalition 563-3338

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Press Release: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Cabot area.

Come enjoy the 7^th annual Christmas concert performance by the

Cabot Area Community Chorus

Friday, December 19^th at 7:00 P.M.

At the Cabot United Church located on the town common on Main St. in Cabot

The chorus’ expanded program includes many traditional favorites, in addition to a mix of upbeat new tunes, solos and community sing-alongs. Their group has a great time singing and their enthusiasm for their music is contagious. The concert is free and a reception follows. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy this celebration of the season.

We just came in from a walk a few minutes ago. It was really very nice walking - we had to watch our step because there is ice on the road, but the Town of Cabot has sanded very well so it's really not too bad.

We took a few pictures along the way, of course. There is still some ice on our trees, but nothing too serious. I think the temperature changed quickly enough here so there was more snow than rain/freezing rain. Things are supposed to warm up tonight and tomorrow and be fairly seasonal for the remainder of the week - except for some rain somewhere in there. It will likely be snow here at Joe's Pond, though.

I had a note and some pictures from Liz Randall today. The first four pictures were taken by Matt Randall who goes to Lyndon State College. Lauren is on break from college in Keene, and Jason lives and works in Concord, NH. The Randalls have a home near us on W. Shore Rd. Here's what Liz wrote:

Hi Jane and Fred,

We went to get Lauren in Keene yesterday. These pictures were taken from the car after we left I-91 Exit 3 in Vermont heading toward Keene, NH Route 9 East...What a beautiful wight, but a lot of work for the work crews. The college and Town of Keene all had power and didn't look to have much problem with the ice - I guess higher elevations where hit hard...Jason said he didn't loose power but the shelters where full in Concord, NH with those who lost power. Unbelieveable! We are back on Long Island we had 5 inches of rain from the storm, but the ice is the worst...Heading up to Cabot later this week...Stay Warm! Liz

Liz Randall's photos

Here are some of the pictures we took along W. Shore Rd. on our walk this afternoon. As you can see, we have plenty of snow. There's some ice, too, but we saw tracks where someone had been on cross country skis along W. Shore Rd., and lots of tracks of various animals on the snowbanks, including deer and bunnies. We only walked as far as Geer's and Temple's because it was getting darker by the minute and we didn't have our little flashlights with us, so we cut the walk a bit short and headed home. Just as well, I was hot and tired by the time we made it up our drive. Now I'm just happy to sit here at my computer. I wanted to post to the blog before we have supper, though, because I expect I'll have a nap during the news. Fresh air (and exercise) does that to me . . . here are the pictures:
A Walk on the West Side

10:30 p.m. - The maple bed we listed here earlier has found a home!

Today was a great picture-taking day - if you don't mind the cold. It was also one of those nose-pinching, lung-searing finger and toe numbing days when, if you weren't properly dressed you could be dangerously vulnerable to frost bite. I don't think it got much over four degrees above zero on the thermometer outside my office; right now it's already four below. The sky has been bright blue, for the most part, and the sun was bright but with no noticeable warmth to it. I took the ones on the right early this morning before the sun had made it over the treetops.

I dashed out long enough to mail some Christmas cards, but most of the day was spent putting the finishing touches on a book I've just published for the Cabot Historical Society - "The Blodgett Papers." I think I've mentioned it before - Rev. Fred Blaney Blodgett (1874-1954) wrote at least two manuscripts that we know about, one "My Generation in Cabot" tells about his recollections, in 1952, of his home town; the second manuscript is "History of the Blodgett Family in America," and is a detailed account of his family, with genealogical connections. I'm happy that the book is finished and is now available in either hard cover or paperback.

There have been other family papers donated to our historical society that I may be able to preserve in the same way, and I'm constantly adding to the individual family files as I move through the collection. I think it's an interesting and useful way of preserving this information which would otherwise be carefully put away, the original papers being too delicate to be exposed to the light of day and handling. There is a great deal of history in Rev. Blodgett's manuscripts which would otherwise be lost. I have added family photos donated by one of his nieces, and added a few photos from the historical society's collection. The book is 168 pages.

Today was recycling day for us. Fred was gone most of the morning taking care of that and doing a few errands for one of our neighbors. He also took a few pictures along the way. The one on the right is of Upper Harrington Hill Rd. at the north end of Joe's Pond.

This afternoon I was pleased to find some very nice pictures from the Parizos of the ice-covered trees. I think I may have noticed the Parizos going by and then back down W. Shore Road as I was having a cup of tea and doing a sudoku puzzle a few hours ago. They listed the photos as follows:

DECEMBER ICE STORM 2008

NO1: BRICKETT'S CROSSING WINTER TREE JEWELS

NO2: FRED AND JANE BROWN'S HOUSE SNUG FOR THE WINTER WITH A WARM FIRE IN THE STOVE

NO 3: DOG AND IT'S DAD TAKING A WINTER RIDE

Thanks, George and Pat, for the very nice photos. At first I didn't recognize our house with the trees around it weighted down with ice. You are right, though, there has been a cozy fire burning brightly all day so we're very toasty. It's about time to turn on the Christmas lights in the living room, tune in some Christmas music, and settle by the fire to read the paper before supper.

It's been very quiet here all day. There has been almost no traffic on the road, the phone has rung only a couple of times, and Woody has slept most of the day after "helping" me make the bed first thing thing this morning (that always tuckers him out!)

Keep warm.