Isn't it funny how things work out sometimes? After six days of no precipitation to report, I was looking forward to reporting my .09 inch reading after last night's showers. I read the gauge at around 8 o'clock before the sun could evaporate it, and then went on with other things until my report time, 9 o'clock. At around 8:50, I answered a couple of e-mails and then went right to the CoCoRaHS web site. I got on the site ok, but when I tried to log in, I got a screen saying my computer couldn't find the site. We suddenly had no internet. So there I was, precipitation to report and the internet is down. Of course, this isn't earth shattering. I was sure nobody was looking for my report specifically; nor would it matter if I was a few minutes late, but I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to change the gray square to green on the map.

We eventually discovered our phones were dead. We had service at the outside box, but nothing inside. The people at Fairpoint made a couple of suggestions which we tried, but when that didn't work, we requested someone come to check it out. We left the kitchen phone plugged into the box outside under the open window so we'd hear it ring if we had a phone call, and went on with our day. Within a couple hours, the service man came - a nice young man who said he lives in Newbury. He switched some wires around in the box that got us going again and I made my report. Better late than not at all. Tomorrow I'll have more rain to report, probably, and hopefully I'll get it done on time.

All this made us realize how we depend on technology. Especially the computer. I couldn't even check L.L.Bean's daily markdown until after lunch! But we put the down time to good use and did some organizing in our basement where Fred used to have his office and where I keep all sorts of non-essentials and treasures, all of which translates into chaos. We have been waiting for just the right time to sort through and toss some of it, and today was a good time to do it. We no doubt could benefit from more computer "down time". . . just not when I need to make my report!

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On Friday, June 12: Cabot School graduation at 6:30 p.m. on the Common.

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Cabot Creamery will be celebrating 90 years in business on June 13th. There will be a festival of events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with performers, food, raffles, and exhibits under tents in the parking lot and gift center. Parking will be on the common by the church and school or at the recreation area at the north end of town, and there will be a shuttle bus to deliver visitors to the activities. Sounds like it'll be quite a fun day - there's a BBQ and other food on sale, plus hay and tractor rides in addition to performers such as Northeast Fiddlers Association, Patty Casey, Banjo Dan and the Plowboys and the Radio Rangers. There will also be representatives from other Vermont companies such as Ben and Jerry's, Green Mountain Coffee, Vermont Smoke and Cure, Vermont Pure and Lake Champlain Chocolates. Lots of fun and things to see and do.

Also on Saturday we celebrate Vermont's Free Fishing Day, when residents and non-residents can fish without needing a license, so dust off your fishing gear and get out there. Looks as if the weather on Saturday will be perfect for all the planned activities.