I mentioned to you during the week about the "Run the Ridges" road race on Saturday, June 13th. Here's a poster, in case you didn't find the information on our Schedule of Events page.

It's one of those beautiful-but-windy days here at Joe's Pond. We've had strong winds most of the week - some that were damaging in the central Vermont area, but aside from a few downed trees, we haven't heard of anything serious here. Today is a blessing - it's warm enough to work outside, and the wind is strong enough so the black flies aren't bothering too much, unless you're in a protected area, and then they just swarm all over you.

Our tree blossoms aren't very far along yet, but in St. Johnsbury on Thursday, there were clouds of petals coming off the trees in places. I took this picture as I was waiting for Fred to pick up Woody's food at St. Johnsbury Animal Hospital.
All along the streets in St. J. there were beautiful ornamental apple trees in bloom.

Here at our house, the wild cherry trees are pretty much at full bloom, and my serviceberry is, but the crab apple and ornamentals are going to be at least another week before they come into bloom, and my regular old apple will be a bit later than that, if it has any blossoms this year. Some years it doesn't bother to bloom - last year it was loaded. The deer love to come in the fall and pick up the apples, so we always hope we get at least a few. The crab blooms every year, without fail, and the bees and humming birds love it. Later the deer, cedar waxwings, turkeys and squirrels all feast on the fruit.

Such a pretty day - I know you are all enjoying it if you are here at the pond - and if you aren't, we'll try to reserve some of the nice weather for when you do get here!