We spent much of today in Littleton, with various appointments.  We had lunch at Miller's Cafe and Bakery - a favorite spot when we are in that area - and although Littleton seemed busy and very Christmasy, there was construction going on by the old mill site and Miller's seemed to be quiet.  These reconstruction projects do take a toll on businesses.

It was nice to be able to cruise down Eastern Avenue in St. Johnsbury without any detours, excavation holes or pot holes.  The new pavement is very smooth and we hope businesses that were able to hold on through that construction project will now see an upturn.  We went through town fairly early, and although Railroad Street is decorated and inviting for shoppers, there was very little traffic.  

Neither Littleton nor St. Johnsbury have much snow.  It was in the 40's while we were out, but coming home, the car was showing an outside temperature of 37 degrees in West Danville, and there was a little mist in the air.  It hasn't developed into rain yet, but we're expecting it will, and then turn to freezing rain and sleet as the  temperature plummets.  It's bitterly cold in Colorado where Fred's brother, Tom and our sister-in-law, Ellie, are.  Ellie sent this photo, taken at about noon today, of the path where she walks their dog, Grizzly, every day.  She said it was -2 degrees then.  It was -16 yesterday there.  I guess that weather system is headed in our direction, thus the predicted cold weekend ahead.

Our neighbor, John Jenkins, is headed for Colorado tomorrow.  We are hoping his timing is such that the snow they've had out there will be cleaned up and the worst of the weather will be just getting here in the east by the time he hits the road.  He has a new job waiting for him in the Denver area, so the log cabin where he has lived for the past couple of years at the head of Sandy Beach Road is for sale.  We are sorry to see John leave, but he will be returning to an area where he lived before and has friends and family, so it's a good move for him.

We haven't had any word from our family in Namibia, but we're confident they arrived safely and are on their way to the coast for a few days of sunshine on some beach in Walvis Bay. If they can find one, that is. The description sounds like there are huge sand dunes that drop right to the water's edge without much beach, at least, as we think of beaches - and those dunes look dangerous to me.  It's a very arid region, and will be hot except for a possible ocean breeze.  I expect the water is warm, too, certainly not like Maine.  We'll be anxious to hear about it.  I don't know if Monika is familiar with that part of the country or not, but I expect she is.

Here is the December schedule for the Cabot Library activities.  They have some interesting stuff going on, but they aren't the only ones.  Below are more activities during the upcoming holiday season:

On Sunday, December 8, at 3 p.m., Isaac James, of Cabot, a classical pianist, will perform at the Cabot United Church.  His program will include music by Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Schumann, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff.  James has performed nationally and at Carnegie Hall.   

There will be concerts by the Northeast Kingdom Chorus, combined with the Cabot community Chorus to celebrate the holiday:  Friday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the United Church of Cabot; Sunday, December 22, at 4:00 p.m. at the Greensboro United Church of Christ.  The NEK Chorus was formed in the 1980s, and the Cabot Community Chorus began in 2003.  The two groups will perform a variety of holiday music sung by trios and quartets as well as the full chorus.  Admission is by donation, and refreshments will be served after the concert.