It isn't snowing this morning, but it looks as if it will before the day is over. We had only a dusting overnight, and it's getting warmer quickly. Right now it's about 20F and on the rise. I think I heard on a weather forecast last night we might get a little rain.

The Sherwoods and the Rossi's came for dinner last night. Diane Rossi said the skiing was very nice at Burke yesterday. Don said the best thing about skiing yesterday was taking his boots off at the end of the day. As we were chatting over dessert, Anne Michals called to let us know she is going to sell her cottage on Narrows Drive. We are always sorry to hear that someone is selling and won't be part of the Joe's Pond community any longer, but Anne said her family is on the west coast now and she gets to Vermont only briefly each summer and it's becoming too much of a chore. She has rented the cottage for a number of weeks each summer (you can see it listed under rentals) and said that has gone very well.

There has been a correction to the information sent out by the Cabot School Board, prompted by Peter Dannenberg's question yesterday. Here it is:

The School Board wishes to make an important correction regarding the letter sent explaining the budget.

The following statement in the letter is incorrect
increase next year’s homestead property tax rate by approximately 2 .0%, resulting in an increase of $ 28 40 for every $100,000 of homestead value; and

The Correct amount is $28. It is not $2840.

Sincerely,
Chris Tormey
Chair

As some of you may know, the Rev. Bill Cobb has resigned as minister at the Cabot United Church. He will continue his work with Faith in Action. This morning I received the following regarding plans at the church for the immediate future:

The Cabot United Church would like to inform the interested public of its new services.

Starting this Sunday, 1/10/10, Cabot United Church will be conducting Sunday worship services downstairs in the church vestry until warmer weather. This will save on heating bills for the balance of the winter months.

Also, please be aware that since Rev. Bill Cobb is no longer Cabot's pastor, services will be conducted by "guest" and lay pastors, and then an interim minister, until a permanent replacement is found. Sunday, 1/10, will be Greg Burtt; Sunday, 1/17, will be Marvie Domey; and Sunday, 1/24, will be Kenneth Mundinger.

As always, Sunday services are at 10:30 in the Cabot United Church, and there is a friendly gathering with light refreshments afterwards.

With a new year beginning, we will have numerous changes to look forward to, especially in the field of technology. Here are some of the things you may not want to buy, or may want to wait to buy: 10 Things Not to Buy in 2010

We have just talked with Bill and Monika in Johannesburg, South Africa. They are making preparations to head home a week early, if possible, since the interview at the embassy went well this morning and daughter, Jo-Ann is cleared to come to U.S. with them. They are one happy family, believe me. There have been a string of frustrations throughout their time there, but over all, everything has turned out fine and their mission to bring Jo-Ann home will be accomplished. We can't wait to meet her and have them safely home. We still don't have any photos to show you - I guess we'll have to wait for them to get home and download the tons of pictures I'm sure they've taken.

Joe's Ponder, Barbara Pollack tells me she spent time in Namibia in the 1960's, when things were quite different there, I expect. She will enjoy meeting Jo-Ann and Monika next summer and comparing notes on that country.

Right now, summer seems a long way off, but it will be here before we know it. Diane and I are seeing an increase in Ice-Out Tickets coming back, lots of them coming one to an envelope, which probably means they were tucked into a card or someone's Christmas stocking. We appreciate all of you joining the game.