We had to go into St. Johnsbury to do errands this morning, so we decided to go early to beat the heat, if possible.  We did pretty well, and were back home by a little after 10:30.  We stopped in West Danville to pick up the mail, and Fred got some pictures.  There is little, if any, water going over the dam right now.  We don't know if it's a result of the burst penstock from last Friday or because there's been no rain for quite a while.

Fred spoke with one of the employees of Green Mountain Power, and he was concerned about the old plant having been so badly damaged.  There's no "quick fix" to be had, I guess. 


In Danville, we were delayed due to the road work.  The town and the road are more torn up right now than they were last year, it seems to me.  Access to the bank was severely limited, and there was a long stretch of construction from the bank to about Marty's.  It's hard to figure out why things that were all torn up last year and then seemingly put back together are now being torn up all over again.  Seems counter productive, but then, it is a big undertaking and very complicated, I'm sure.

 I sure don't envy those workers out there on days like we've been having this week.  It was hot and dusty, even at eight o'clock in the morning. There were long lines of traffic in both directions, but as far as we could tell, everyone was being patient and enduring the wait in the heat and dust and the really rough road without fuss. 

St. Johnsbury was hot, too, and we got back home as soon as we could.  We think the weatherization we did last year is making quite a difference in how fast the house heats up in hot weather, too.  We keep it open at night to let in what cool air there is, and then close it up before the sun gets hot in the morning.  With the shades down and windows closed, it stays pretty cool.  We cut some trees last year that gave us quite a bit of shade, and I'm missing them; but even without the benefit of shade, the house seems to stay comfortable, especially with the ceiling fans going.  Today even our cat, Woody, seemed to mind the heat.  He was quieter than usual, and spent quite a bit of time sprawled on the floor here in my office.  Normally he'd want to be on the rug I keep on my desk for him.   He's outside tonight, though, enjoying the lovely cool night air.


Fred had to go back to West Danville late this afternoon.  The beach was still busy - it has been a great week for swimming.  All the schools are out now, so families are looking for relief from the heat.  We're expecting rain tomorrow, so there will be some relief for everyone. 



We're thinking this weather is at least two weeks earlier than we're used to - haying started earlier and lots of other things seem to be happening ahead of schedule.  If our weather pattern continues to change, we may be raising peaches and avocados - and already some scientists are warning our lovely maple trees may not survive the new warm temperatures.