I spoke with Homer Fitts yesterday (Monday). Homer said he's feeling much better now and his cancer is in remission. Very good news. He was sorry that he missed the Joe's Pond Association Spring Meeting, so I briefed him on some of the highlights. We'll have the minutes posted, but both Fred and I have been busy since the meeting. We've been checking the on-line directory, trying to catch any errors. If you notice an error, please let us know. I try to keep up with address changes, but I usually miss a few and newsletters are returned. I make the corrections to my address list and remail the newsletters, but then we have to update the on-line directory.

Here are some of the highlights of Saturday's meeting: Steve Larrabee reported that the Rail/Trail is way behind schedule. He said they are awaiting a decision on whether they'll need an Act 250 permit and the whole process is taking much longer than expected, but things are in place so when they get the go-ahead, things will happen fast.

Skye Nacel, who has a fitness business, spoke to us about perhaps having fitness classes, utilizing the rail-trail and the pavilion. More on that at the July 4th meeting.

The loon pair have two eggs that should be hatched around July 4th, according to Ray Richer. Again, he warned that we should give the loons plenty of room and not harass them in any way so if both eggs hatch, the chicks can be safe. Ray also said if you have erosion problems due to runoff from brooks or culverts, contact Kelli Merrell at: kelli.merrell@state.vt.us

You'll notice a difference in the sound level, I think, with the new ceiling in at the pavilion. We didn't have a really large group at the meeting Saturday, but I thought it seemed quieter when everyone was talking before and after the meeting.

Diane Rossi and I will be co-chairing the 2010 Ice-Out Contest. We will have Ice-Out tickets ready for you to pick up at the Annual Meeting on July 4th, and we'll strive to get your tickets to you before the end of the summer if you aren't at either the Annual or End of the Year Meeting. If we don't connect with you, we will be sending your ten to you so you can include them in holiday cards, etc. If you need more, just let us know and we'll send right out.

That's about it - you can read the minutes in a few days. I'll let you know when they are posted.

Fred got a picture of an Eastern Kingbird this weekend. We weren't sure what it was at first, but Fred was pretty sure it was in the flycatcher family.

On Saturday evening we were at Juniper's, a very pleasant restaurant on Darling Hill in Lyndonville, and stopped at the chapel owned by the Downings. It's a lovely spot and the chapel is very impressive. We took lots of pictures, but I'm posting only a few. It's open to the public and you can visit any time - it's worth seeing.

Here's a picture taken from the balcony showing the interior. The main floor sanctuary is equally lovely. The outside picture shows the building and the cross that has caused so much concern. Mr. and Mrs. Downing want to light the cross, but neighbors object.

The last photo is a view of diners on the deck at Juniper's. There is a breath taking view from the deck and the sunporch, where we sat. We thought it was a bit chilly and windy to eat outside, but several people were enjoying eating there. The food is very good and the wait staff are friendly and attentive.

We're going to be enjoying a stretch of very nice weather for the next few days, according to the forecast. I hope there will be no more frosty nights for a few months. Our gardens could use some nice warm days.