We're getting more input about the cell tower issue. Check at the bottom of yesterday's blog for a comment from Tom Morgan, and Angela Buttura sent this to me this morning:

Just wanted to inform you that Verizon has a wireless network extender for those people who have a wireless connection for their computer. You can purchase it from any Verizon store or online. I have been told that until Aug 31 they are running a special. They cost $200, but there is a $99 rebate until then. I have four bars on my cell phone using this device at my camp. It is suppose to be good for 500 feet, so I have been told. Thx Angela

This is good to know. In the meantime, Fred has a call in to the company involved with the installation of the equipment at the Sousa farm and as soon as we have talked with them, we should have more definitive information. I have to go into Cabot later this morning, so perhaps I'll stop by the silo to see what's happening there.

Evelyn Caufield gave me links to a couple of very interesting blogs I think some of you will enjoy. Perhaps you are familiar with this web site:
www.thepioneerwoman.com

Evelyn also sent a link to a blog a friend of her granddaughter's new sister-in-law (I think that's the right connection) maintains. It's quite impressive, informative and lots of good recipes!! Take a look: www.soupbelly.com

A couple of things to catch you up on our final JPA meeting. In case some of you haven't been able to be at any meetings or functions this summer, we thought you would enjoy seeing the new canopy over the BBQ pits. This was added this spring and makes cooking outside in sometimes less than perfect weather much more comfortable. No blazing sun beating on your or rain pelting down.

As you can see, the side curtains on the main pavilion give the benefit of shielding us from the wind and cold and give all the benefits of one of those fancy white tents people rent for weddings, etc., but we have the added advantage of a sturdy permanent roof over our heads that will withstand the roaring west winds, rain, hail and snow - whatever weather is hurled at us and we are cozy inside where the party can continue without concern. Come the end of August, the side curtains come down and are put away for the winter.

At almost every meeting or party, someone mentions how really nice our pavilion is and how lucky we are to have it. As most of you know, the original updating effort was begun by Andre LaPrade when he was president, and our facility has been carefully maintained and continually upgraded by our current president, Tom Dente. Our facility is fully used and enjoyed throughout the summer. We may not have corn roasts under the stars or clambakes around wooden picnic tables like the founders of our Association did, but we have great parties, with food prepared in a clean, functional kitchen and music and dancing; we have congenial business meetings where members offer and are appreciated for their expertise and common sense contributions to the decision-making process; and I think I can safely say members were genuinely sorry that Saturday was our last JPA meeting of 2010.

Not that people disappear now and we don't hear from them again until spring - that just doesn't happen. We stay in touch with many members throughout the cold winter months and enjoy hearing what everyone is doing at their warm, sunny retreats; and we get to brag about how cold, snowy, blizzardy and miserable our weather is here. Please excuse us for that - it is just one of the ways we cope, I suppose . . .

However, it's way too soon to think about cold and snow. The leaves are barely beginning to turn. Just a tinge here and there, so there's time. But it's time to think about getting in the wood supply, harvesting the veggies and putting the garden to bed. I'll want to stake the parsnips so Fred can find them under the snow, and finally we'll put away the deck furniture and give the windows one last washing. And yes, get out the down comforter. So much to do . . .