We aren't doing very well weather-wise so far this summer. Most folks wouldn't call what we have "summer" - in fact, nights feel much like autumn. No frost yet, though. Today my thermometers are close to agreement, front and back of the house, one at 58, one at 60. We have a small fire in the wood stove. Fred says it's too bad we can't burn grass pellets - the grass is growing very well. In fact, he finally got to mow the lawn this past weekend after a three-week "enforced by the weather" hiatus, and on Sunday his cousin from Rhode Island visited and wondered why the "big clumps" of hay were on our lawn. We don't bag the grass when we mow, we like to leave it to enrich the soil - that way we don't need chemical fertilizers. What we need to do now is rake those "windrows" out so there won't be any "big clumps." Maybe - if things dry out a bit.
It'll be time to mow again soon, and that will redistribute the clippings.

Speaking of grass pellets, we heard recently that someone in our area may have a portable pellet machine soon to make grass pellets for fuel. We think that would be a great fuel source. We would happily convert some of our lawn to grow the specific grass recommended. Beats chopping wood, and takes a lot less time to renew. We'll be anxious to learn if this was just a rumor if if someone will really go ahead with the pellet machine idea. It will be like harvesting corn or going to all the neighboring farms with a threshing machine was years ago.

There were a lot of people around over the holiday weekend in spite of the quirky weather, and most of our Joe's Ponders were here, either back for the summer or at least for the weekend. It's nice to see all the cottages around the pond lighted and people out and about. We bumped into people on our walks and at the village - always nice to chat a bit. Fred got some pictures.

We received photos of our little grand niece, Hannah, yesterday. She was trying out some new shoes . . . Looks like it was nice weather where she was, either in Guilford, CT, where she lives with her parents, or in Laconia NH, if she was visiting her grandparents.

We managed a few sunny breaks yesterday, too. When that happens, all the boats appear as people take advantage of the all too short breaks in the weather. We've seen folks walking or running in the rain - we've done it, too. It's pretty nice, actually, because you don't get over heated, and if you don't mind being wet instead of just damp from the humidity, go for it.

We've been lucky so far this summer that no hard electrical storms have moved in on us. That's when it's time to get off the water, away from tall trees, towers or utility poles, fences or anything metal, and seek shelter in a substantial building, as soon as you hear it thundering. Stay inside, but keep away from corded telephones, any wiring or plumbing, and windows. A hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed is relatively safe.

Some summers we have hardly any thunder storms, and other years they can be ferocious. There have been some very hard storms, some with hail, in surrounding areas, but so far we haven't had that - just lots of clouds and showers. I'm pretty sure we'll get a break soon, though and have some real summer weather - and probably some whopping thunder storms along with it . . . such is summer in Vermont.

Don't forget to get your tickets for the baked bean supper at the Joe's Pond Association pavilion Saturday evening. Tickets are on sale at Hastings Store.