Beautiful day here this morning. It was cold last night - in the teens, but warming nicely this morning. It looked a little hazy as the sun was getting higher, but that may have been moisture from the warmth of the sun over the cold snow. Our trees were sparkling with frost, but that soon melted away and now we have another nice day - second in a row. Very welcome.

We were in St. Johnsbury for granddaughter Jo-Ann's basketball tournament game yesterday afternoon. It was a very good game. The Waterford 5/6 grade girls played Lyndon girls. The Lyndon girls were taller and heavier, but they were no match for the wiry, lightning quick and dedicated Waterford scrappers. One can't help being impressed with the way the Waterford team has improved over the course of the season and the way they play. This is a photo of the teams after the game doing the high-five thing. (Waterford girls in black.) It was nice to see how the teams interacted on the floor, too. On several occasions when someone took a tumble, a member of the opposing team would offer a hand up. Good sportsmanship made it all the more fun to watch. Waterford won something like 11 to 14 - I can't remember the exact score, but it was close all the way.

We saw some Joe's Pond folks there - Fred got this picture of Bo Keach - Bill is leaning forward on her left, and sitting in front of them out of range were Carmen and Richard Gagne. I know the Keach's granddaughter was playing, and I expect the Gagnes were there for the same reason, just like we were.

Jo-Ann only played for a few minutes early in the game, but she was fine with letting her more experienced
teammates bring home a victory. There will be another game tonight, but I don't think we can be there as we have another engagement.

Each time we've been to the St. Johnsbury Academy Gym, we've wondered about the building under construction in back of Brantview. (Picture at right.) I spoke with Tammy in the Development Office this morning and she told me it is a new dorm that will house 40 male students. Dale Wells (W. Shore Rd.) is the builder and it will be ready for students this fall.

We are saddened at the loss in Afghanistan of another fine young Vermont man, Cpl. Ian Muller of Danville. There is a story in the Burlington Free Press this morning: Cpl. Ian Muller Our sincere condolences to his family. I know they are very proud of their son and brother. The ache in their hearts is unimaginable.