We've been enjoying a pretty nice day again with a fair amount of sunshine, but the thermometer registers only about 54 degrees as clouds roll at us from the west.  We're expecting rain by this evening, but right now, there are brilliantly sunny periods with threatening dark clouds obliterating the son periodically.  Typical early fall weather.
 

Remember that stone on West Shore Road that did in two tires for Ray Rouleau?  We got another picture today - Cabot came within a day or so and that boulder is GONE!  Some of us thought it was likely part of a ledge known to be in that vicinity that causes problems by heaving the road every winter and blocking drainage in the spring which creats a colossal mud hole; but all is well now.  The road has been widened a bit at that spot and a fresh coat of crushed rock added that may help drainage next spring.  We can only hope.

I mentioned a few days ago that our new Ice-Out Contest pay-on-line page was nearly ready to function.  It's up and ready for anyone to try now.  Go to "Ice-Out Tickets Pay On Line" under JP Assn on home page main menu to see how it works.  Users must purchase 10 tickets to be able to pay on line, but tickets are still $1.   You can still use the printable tickets and send the money in the mail for as few or as many tickets as you wish.  That page is "Mail-In Tickets."

Our frequent partridge guest visited our ornamental apple tree again this morning  The visits are almost daily now that colder weather is here. Like other animals in our climate, I suppose partridges need to store up food/reserve for the cold weather ahead.  Sometimes it's difficult for them to find food in the winter, especially if we have an ice storm that coats tree buds and left over berries.  They sometimes have to go several days without much to eat, and a bit of extra nourishment now probably helps them make it through. 

West Danville had quite a bit of activity around the store - a number of out-of-state cars were in the parking area indicating the leaf peepers are beginning to show up.  Looking down the ravine of Joe's Brook by the the dam, the trees are showing some early color.  At the store, we were pleased to see a big sign (sorry, I didn't have the camera with me!) announcing the arrival of baby Ava on the 23rd.  Garey said he'd have Jenny and James send a photo and details about their new daughter, so I'll post that soon. 

As we were making our way towards Danville in a long line of traffic this morning, we spotted at least three separate flocks of geese heading south.  We weren't able to get a picture, but they seem to be clearing out ahead of cold weather, as usual.  Most folks I've talked to have cleaned out their vegetable gardens and settled flower beds for the winter - it's time.  Like a neighbor told me yesterday, "Things naturally stop growing this time of the year."  It doesn't really matter if you diligently cover tender plants on the first frosty nights - the growing season is over and you may as well accept it and pick the tomatoes and whatever else is left, dig your root crops and call it a day.

That's what's happening in Danville, but in a different way.  While the work (mostly paving) is continuing and there are some delays going through town, things are looking better, especially the Diamond Hill Store where Tom and John always have a lovely seasonal display - a happy distraction from the chaos going on around them.  There are definite signs that workers on this project are also going to call it a day very soon.  A few short weeks from now  snow will cover the scars of construction, the rumble and bang of heave equipment will be gone and Danville can breathe a sign of relief - until spring.

We're looking forward to our annual get-together with neighbors on Tuesday when we get turkey dinner take-outs from the Cabot Fall Foliage Day supper.  If you want to go or order take-out dinners, the number to call is Rose Bothfeld, 563-2715.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, serving at 5:00 and 6:15 p.m. at the gym.  It's a great meal and you can't beat the price.  If you're going to be at the festival, it starts with a Coffee Hour at 9 a.m., but this year location for coffee, registration and information is Willey Hall instead of the gym where it has been in the past.  There will be tours, a corn chowder and chili luncheon  ($6.00 and $2.50) at the church at 11:30, 12:30, and 1:15, then more tours in the afternoon.  There's an on-going craft sale at Willey Hall, and Tara Rogerson, co-chair, tells me there will be entertainment, so it should be a very nice day for visitors.  It looks like the weather will cooperate nicely for both Monday visitors in Walden and Tuesday visitors to Cabot.  Beyond that, we can't be sure, but it looks like it might be really nice all six days of the Fall Foliage Festival.