We've been watching our humming bird feeder carefully these last few days, but not even the wasps are around most days, and apparently the zippy little birds have moved on. Fred took this picture last Sunday, and I guess this little female was carbo-loading the last time for her trip to South America. We'll begin watching for them to be back around the first of May, but it all depends on the temperature. They depend on flowers and insects for food, and freezing temperatures pretty much rule out both.

We covered our garden last night, and may again tonight. Even with heavy black plastic covering the plants, some of the leaves on the cucumber and squash plants looked a little frost-bitten this morning, I thought. They may perk up, but I guess the actual growing season is pretty much over with. It's nice outside today, though.

We walked on West Shore Road this morning. The loons were very loud. It looked like two adults and there seemed to be nothing bothering them. We met the people who bought the place that used to be Molly's Pond Craft Shop on Rt. 2 overlooking Molly's Pond. They have turned it into a private residence and will live there year around. Their names are Jill and Tom McGann, and both are native Vermonters! We're pleased they are neighbors, and I invited them to join some of our Joe's Pond Association events next summer.

On the right is a scene along W. Shore Road. The foliage needs just about another week and it will be pretty near peak. It's turning rapidly in our area. Other spots a little away from the Pond don't seem to be coming along as quickly, but that's good because whenever people get out to look for foliage, they will be able to find beautiful scenery for several weeks, somewhere in the area.