We've endured another day of pretty continuous rain.  Everything is soggy and chilly.  I turned up the thermostat this morning, hoping that would bring some warmer weather, as often happens after I've got the house all warmed up.  That didn't work for me today, though.  The thermometer outside my office window ready 55 degrees, and although it seems not to be raining now, the clouds are low and probably ready to drop more on us as the evening progresses.  The good news is that once this system moves out of here, we are going to have a pretty decent weekend, weatherwise.  We look forward to it.  This is depressing.

I recently noticed in some real estate handout that Bentley's Bakery in Danville is on the market.  I hadn't heard anything about it, but suspect the road being torn up for so long may have had a big impact on them.  It's too bad they couldn't hold on a little longer - things will almost certainly improve by late summer and for the future.  It's unfortunate businesses there have had to struggle for so long. 

Did you know it's going to be against the law to feed bears in Vermont?  There was a recent article in the Bennington Banner that states clearly that on July 1 the law changes and people need to be aware that they are responsible for removing bird feeders and other temptations that attract bears - or protect their property with electric fencing.  We all know people who feed the birds all year long and enjoy seeing bears - but it's not doing the bears any favors.  If they cause trouble, they will likely be killed; authorities say once a bear has become accustomed to easy pickings and humans, there's no other way.

Some people here at Joe's Pond have been bothered by beavers.  I found out this week that Scott Ackermann is a professional trapper who works with the State and towns when it is necessary to remove troublesome beavers.  His cell is 279-7416, in case anyone wants to give him a call.  I'm sure he can advise you, and may be able to help.