We have had snow showers all day - I took this picture at about noon, and tonight there's quite a bit more snow on the ground and the trees look like Christmas.  It's pretty, but likely won't remain long.  We'll be getting colder weather over the weekend and into next week, so it won't be long before serious winter sets in.

 On October 28th, I took this picture of the petunias at Hastings Store; Tuesday I got the picture below of the same flowers.  They are no doubt covered with snow tonight.

By contrast, Andy Rudin sent pictures of fall color in his area (Philadelphia).  He said they are about a month later than here.  It certainly looks nice there.  Click on the pictures to make them larger. 


To keep you up to date on our burglar watch going on here at Joe's Pond right now, the State Police have been in touch with some of the folks here who have concerns about camp break-ins, and have offered some tips.  They say it's good to install a surveillance or  game camera so even if you aren't here, there will be a recording of anyone entering your cottage.  If you live here, you may also want a motion detector that will alert you if/when someone is approaching your house, and yard lights that are either on a timer or that operate by a motion detector.

Now that there is snow on the ground, it is easier to see tire tracks and footprints; however, if your place is closed up for the season, they suggest one way to know if someone has been inside is to sprinkle talcum powder on the floor.  An intruder may not even notice it, and it could provide a clear footprint, that could turn out to be evidence the police can use.  

Deer hunting season is coming up very soon and there will be a lot of unfamiliar vehicles on some of the roads near the pond.  That will make it more difficult to figure out who's hunting and who's looking to find an easy mark to break into, but we should all still be vigilant and keep watch of our neighbors' places and report any suspicious vehicles.  Call either 9-1-1 or the St. Johnsbury police barracks, 748-3111.