The rain overnight seems to have cleared the air of smoke, at least for the time being.  After I posted the picture of the fires in the State of Washington, I received one from Steve and Bev Allen (Meadow Ln.) that Bev had taken when we were experiencing a fair amount of haze from those fires.  It's a lovely shot and I am pleased to share it.

I measured 1.85 in. in my gauge this morning, but that may have had a little precipitation from Saturday, too.  I didn't remember to check the gauge until sometime around noon on Saturday, so then decided to just report both days today.  Last night was a pretty steady downpour and it was still raining hard when we were out around noon.  The water was bubbling out of the ground along the ditch by the mailboxes at the end of our driveway.  It was coming off the hillside, through the swampy area where it creates small brooks and then disappears underground again, following roots, the course of least resistance, and emerges like a spring bubbling out of the ground. 

I'm concerned for the pollywogs that were living in the pool created by a nearly plugged culvert at the end of our driveway.  The pool was nice and clear until all the rain muddied it up.  I expect the little creatures have been mostly washed out of there and are residing in Joe's Pond by now, but once the water clears, I'll be looking for them.
 
Yesterday we were in Waterford with Bill, Monika and the two grand girls.  Tangeni's birthday was actually July 5th. She had  a party at camp with some of her little friends, so yesterday we had another "party" just so her grandparents could enjoy watching her open gifts without a lot of confusion.  Here she is the "Snow Princess" as in "Dora the Explorer," changing each of us into various animals with her wand.  She's a huge Dora fan, and the cape/skirt, tiara and necklace were a big hit; but the box there were in, decorated with Dora characters, was her favorite - that's a cutout of Pegasus, the flying horse, she has in her left hand.  Fortunately, I had glued it loosely enough so it came off easily.  She kept it with her all afternoon, as she "read" her favorite books to us, played "Snow Princess," and ate her supper.  It reminded me of when her father was about her age and he seemed to like his birthday cards almost as much as the presents. I have to admit I had as much fun making the Dora stuff as she did playing with it.  I love being a grandma!

Have you noticed the hint of forest fire smoke in the air today?  That's apparently due to the huge fires that have wreaked havoc in Canada's Northwest Territory - and perhaps those in our own northwest. Vermont reporter, Matt Sutkowski, wrote about the impact on Vermont weather in his blog, and Gary Sadowski brought it to viewers' attention in his noontime weather today.

Fred's cousin sent this picture a few minutes ago taken by a neighbor of another cousin who lives in Winthrop, Washington, one of the communities that is way too close to those fires in Washington.  Ora said the families in Winthrop were ok when she last heard from cousin Mark, but they are experiencing communications problems because of fire damage and are definitely on alert. 

I haven't had much experience with forest fires, although we had one when I was probably in high school in woods between the Bayley Hazen Road and Brickett's Crossing Road.  I remember it because we were haying on the opposite side of the road - the fields on the left of the Bayley Hazen Road where it leaves Cabot Plains Road near the cemetery.  The fire was in the woods on the right near where the Payne's live now.  I don't remember how it started, if anyone ever even knew, and fortunately there were hardly any houses nearby, but had it traveled east, several farms along Brickett's Crossing Road would have been in danger, so haying was suspended and all hands rallied to fight the fire.  As I remember, it took the better part of a day into the night to get it all under control.  That was with shovels - I don't think there was a road for any kind of vehicles to get in there with water - they probably just beat it, dug trenches and smothered it with dirt.

The closest I ever came to a big forest fire was when I was staying with my aunt and uncle in Maine.  That was a big fire, in scrub pine and blueberry country.  My uncle was a fireman with the York Fire Department, and my aunt and some other wives were determined to bring food and water to the men fighting the fire.  We went in by car and I remember smoking branches alongside the road as we drove towards the fire - and I remember being really scared.  Fortunately, we were able to reach some of the fire fighters and gave them the food and water and then got out of there ok.  I think in that area fires were sometimes set in order to burn off underbrush and increase blueberry production, but I'm not certain of that, and I believe that one was far from being a controlled burn.  However,   there were some great high bush blueberries in some of that same area.

We are fortunate our area is so nice and green right now.  However, that can change dramatically if we get a dry spell, and while we don't have the huge forested areas like in the northwest, a fire could still do considerable damage.  I often think about that when I see lovely homes tucked into beautiful wooded areas.  But perhaps I worry too much . . .

We got our lawn mowed this morning, and now I can hear Fred out there trimming the cedar hedge and trees.  We have enough cedars around the place so no matter which part of the house we're in, after they are trimmed, the lovely pungent cedar smell is everywhere.  Falling asleep at night with the smell of cedar in the air is right up there on my list of favorite things along with the smell of apple blossoms, new-mown hay and hearing the first peepers in the spring.  Gosh, I love where we live!

How great is this fresh air weather we're having today?!!!!  I can't say I'm sorry to be out of that hot and humid weather we've had for the last few days.  Yesterday was like an oven in Cabot - there must have been at least 15 degrees difference between Cabot Village and the Plain.  There was a breeze on the Plain, but not a breath stirring in the Village.

For several summers past when middle son Bob and his wife, Theresa are at camp for their vacation, we pick a day to go with them for lunch "some place different."  We've had some fun experiences, and for the most part, the food is always good.  We decided to go to Cabot yesterday, fully intending to try Sarah's Country Diner at the back of the hardware store, but as we parked just past the gas pumps, a young woman was setting up a sign for Downstreet Eats, next door. 

Now, there have been several restaurants there, and we've enjoyed meals at most of them, so we made one of those impromptu decisions and went there instead of Sarah's.  It was very hot, and we knew neither place would have air conditioning - it's Vermont, who needs AC?  Inside the old building that used to house a barber shop and an insurance office back in the day, and was more recently a sort of B&B for creamery executives who needed a place to stay overnight - I think that was when Delores Muench owned the building - it was surprisingly not unreasonably warm and a big overhead fan kept us very comfortable in the front dining area.  We were the only people in the dining room, but we saw several people come in, apparently to get take-out.

Service was excellent, and the food was delicious.  Theresa and I  had generous fresh veggie salads, Fred had a salad with hummus, and Bob had one with beef.  They use local products whenever possible, and it was all very fresh and exceptionally good.  Fred got a picture of their Sunday brunch menu - we will definitely be trying that some Sunday.  Prices are reasonable, the place is spotless and we enjoyed yet another "adventure lunch" with Bob and Tee.  The only hiccup was that some kind of detector, one of those screeching smoke detectors, I'm guessing, went off in the dining room a couple times.  It was apparently mal-functioning, perhaps because of the heat, but they were able to turn it off within seconds both times it went off.  We laughed that it was a slight discomfort compared to the flies we encountered one summer at a pizza place across the road from a farm . . . !  The pizza was good, though. 

We stopped at the Cabot General Store before leaving, and I noticed some delicious looking cinnamon buns from "Sarah's Kitchen," I believe it said.  I'm wondering if that's the same Sarah who has the diner - if so, I bet she has them on the menu in the diner and that's enough for me to want to go there for breakfast - soon.  Sarah's is open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Saturday.  She doesn't have a website, but her number is 563-2422, and she specializes in home made baked goods.

Even though we were practically in our own back yard, we had a great time.  I showed them the Center of Town Cemetery and took them on some back roads Bob hadn't been on since he was a kid and went with Gramps Bolton in the old scout.  

The rain came as predicted, late in the afternoon and lasted into the evening, although we didn't have a lot of rain (I measured .90 in.) or damaging winds like some areas.  I think the temperature dropped at least 20 degrees within an hour or so, though, and that was a relief even with the lightning and crashing thunder the cold front produced.  Today is just about perfect in my book, and tonight will be a good one for sleeping.  Mother Nature is being good to us for now. 

This came this morning from Helen Morrison, West Shore Road:

Returnables for Kingdom Animal Shelter

People have been leaving returnable bottles and can sat my garage.  That is so very nice of folks.  The money will go to the care of our cats at Kingdom Animal Shelter.  We have gotten quite a few bottles and cans, and would love to have more.

If you wish, you can leave them outside my garage, 936 West Shore Road (brown garage, red doors), or call me and I will come get them.

563-2488

Thank you so much.

Helen

I have a couple things to share with you this morning.  I received  this photo from Karen Gruggel Cobb (Narrows Drive) who wrote: 

At least I won't see this big guy at Joe'sPond! Photo taken yesterday at North Topsail Beach, NC right near our friend's Crab Pots!

I know this is far fetched, but it made me wonder - if global warming is for real as some believe, is it possible one day people here at Joe's Pond would be dealing with critters like this cluttering their water fronts instead of Canada geese?  Tell me that's not a frightening thought!

Last night I got a not from Craig Ward.  His wife, Patti, shot this picture of Jamie Dimick, JPA's current buoy boy and my youngest son, and his pal, Otto.  Craig and Patti are vacationing at the Ward family cottage next door to ours. 

When my parents bought our cottage, that was the Willey cottage, owned by Craig's mom, Jane's family.  Over the years, Jane and Bill Ward spent every possible summer here with their family, the same as we did.  Their two sons, Matt and Craig, were good friends with  the three Dimick kids, and have remained friends over the years.

Patti's picture reminded me of one taken years ago, probably in late 70's or early 80's of teenager Jamie - possibly the same boat but different motor, I think, and different dog, Clint.  Clint loved the boat and anything Joe's Pond.  

Otto is a good water dog, too, and loves going in the boat with Jamie.  They tend the buoys together, no matter what the weather, fair or foul.

This came from Steve Allen this evening:

Jane, this afternoon around 3:30 - 4:30 we saw a loon chick and two adults on the 3rd Pond and a chick and one adult on the 2nd Pond.  So we do have at least two chicks.
Best, Steve & Bev

We are happy we've had confirmation from several sources that we still have one chick left with each of the two loon families.  They must be getting big enough now so the danger from natural predators is significantly less.

We're pleased the weather has been so nice lately - lots of folks are 


scratching their heads wondering if this is really Joe's Pond or maybe they've wandered into some fantasy summer paradise.  Let's just enjoy it - I'm sure the time will come for pay back.  It's beach and swimming weather, or like these folks, time for sitting in the shade of a big maple tree  watching the young folks in the water and counting the boats going by.

Summer for us is when relatives come a callin' - and that's always a joy.  The winters are long and we can rest up then, but for now, we are more on the go meeting for a meal at some nice spot and lingering over coffee and dessert while we catch up on family happenings.  So far this summer it's been only Fred's side of the family, but my side will have their time for "visiting" before the summer's over, I expect.

We were at Juniper's for breakfast one day last week, then at what used to be the Charlmont in Morrisville on Saturday.  Now it's the Stone Grill.  Both were very good.  Route 15 is all torn up in front of the Stone Grill, but they still seemed to be doing a fine business.  It was very quiet at 


Juniper's.  They have mostly the guests from the Inn at breakfast, but the views from there are so lovely, it's nice going there any time of the day.  We try to meet our cousins half-way between wherever they are staying and our house, and that seems to work well.

Did you see the article about Brandon Wells on home page?  It was published this week in the Caledonian Record.  Brandon is Dale Wells's grandson.  We have several young fishermen on the pond, and from time to time someone sends me a photo.  And yes, I have a file with all those past photos! 

Don't forget to get in touch with Pam Hebert (684-3655) for tickets to the Italian Dinner coming up on Saturday, July 23.  I think the weather is going to be just about perfect this weekend - a little cooler, but still really nice.  We're almost at the end of July, and that means summer will be on the way out of here sooner than we realize.

There was a very nice article about Joe's Pond in the Times Argus last Sunday.  In case you didn't see it, we now have it on our web site:  Times-Argus article.  It was written by Amy Ash Nixon, a familiar name to many in our area, as she was reporter for a number of years at the Caledonian Record in St. Johnsbury.

We just had a phone call from Ray Rouleau who was taking a boat ride with wife, Cindy and friend Gina Kurrle.  They spotted the loon family - two adults and one chick.  Ray used his cell phone to give us the good news; we had feared both chicks had been lost perhaps to an eagle.

The other good news is that Ray says he's "100% okay" after a medical scare on Wednesday that put him in the hospital overnight. 

We knew lots of you would be happy to have both bits of good news - in a world of turmoil and disasters, we are thankful for the good things that brighten our lives.  

Have a lovely, safe weekend, everyone! 

Pam Hebert has asked me to remind folks of the Italian Dinner on Saturday, July 26th.  To be sure you have a ticket, call Pam at 684-3655.  Be there at 5 for Happy Hour; eat at 6:30.  It's always a great feed.

This response came this evening from Suzanne Masland re. the loon family:

Hi Jane

This is what I know about the loons on the third pond (I'm assuming Bev Allen meant the big pond). On Thursday I saw one of the adults with one of the babies. On Friday night there was some awful screeching from the loons. Sat. I saw just one adult - no chick.

Sunday AM I was kayaking at about 6:45 and there were both adult loons and no baby. I have not seen a baby since last Thursday and I have seen the adults either separate or together several times. I don't think there is a baby left at this point.

Last weekend I was kayaking on the first pond and saw the adults and the baby there a couple of times  -  just once.

Suzanne

Suzanne Masland

563-3005

This came today from Steve and Bev Allen:
Yesterday evening and again this afternoon we have seen the pair of Loons on the 3rd Pond with what appears to be just one chick.  Has anyone else noticed this?  Hope the Eagle isn't enjoying free lunch on the Pond.

 I believe this is what Evelyn was mentioning, that one of the chicks does seem to be missing - now for almost a week - and that the eagle may be the culprit.  The chick that was observed being taken by an eagle in Peacham "somehow survived," but as Evelyn said, ours may not have been as fortunate.  Let us know if anyone has seen both chicks on the third pond recently.

This message came this morning from Dee Palmer on Clubhouse Circle:
 There is a wandering Rottweiler over here on Clubhouse Circle. She's small for a Rottweiler and rather timid but is at our place constantly, wanting our dog to come out and play. I have no idea who she belongs to and she and our dog get along fine - until they run off together, which we are not happy about. She seems like a nice dog but at this point is kind of a nuisance. If we knew which camp she was coming from we'd talk to her owners directly.
 
We remind people that you really should keep your dogs hitched if they are the roaming type.  Not only is it annoying for stray animals to be roaming (and messing) freely and unattended, it is dangerous - for the animal and possibly for other dogs or humans, especially small children.  There are leash laws in both Cabot and Danville, and we urge everyone to respect them as well as your neighbors by keeping your pets on a leash or inside.  

We awoke to a foggy, soggy morning, but eventually the sun came out for a bit although it never got very hot, just muggy.  When I went out to check my rain gauge, I found a very tired and wet bee in the cup, along with some unidentified bodies of other insects.  There was only .04 in. of precipitation in the tube, but it was brown with residue from whatever got caught in the cup.  I released the bee, but it was too soaking wet to fly, and with everything including the morning air still heavy with moisture, it probably took a long time for it to dry out.

These cobwebs (right) were scattered over the lawn - I counted four just on the back lawn.  All kinds of insects were busy last night.

We noticed we have tadpoles in the ditch water at the end of our driveway where the mailboxes are.  The culvert is almost entirely plugged and there is a nice little pool now home to at least a dozen of the little critters.  It will be interesting to watch them develop.

Speaking of developing, the osprey chicks are beginning to test their wings.  We noticed today that all three of the chicks have been banded.  We are wondering how the Audubon people accomplished that without getting beaten up by the mother osprey.  She keeps very close vigil and is only away from the nest for very short periods of time, so they would have had to act quickly.  The two older chicks will be jumping off the edge of the nest pretty soon, I think, and the third one will be about four days later.

We're also watching the Alaskan brown bears catching salmon.  It is a study in patience, both for the bears that mostly stand for long periods in the rushing water without catching a fish, and also for those of us who are watching via the web cam.  Not exciting so far, but still interesting.  There seem to be quite a number of people standing nearby the falls, too, when the camera swings far enough to show them.  I guess with all the fish to eat there isn't a lot of danger, but I still wouldn't want to get too close to those big guys.
 

Recently a viewer commented on the website that one of our baby loons seemed to be missing.  Evelyn and Ray Richer have been aware of that and this morning I had this message from Evelyn:

Good morning Jane!

Wanted to pass along some info... On Sunday morning we sighted an eagle circling over the pond and worried about the safety of our chicks... but didn't see anything happen ... so we went on to church. At church we heard that an eagle had just swooped down and grabbed the Harvey's Lake chick that very morning... so when we got home we checked the family again, and sure enough one of our chicks was missing... It would seem that the eagle may have taken it...

Just this morning, however, I heard back from Eric Hanson about the Harvey's Lake chick, and it seems that 'somehow, the Harvey's Lake chick has survived'... So that being the good news, our chick is still missing.

We have gotten numerous calls about the absent chick and wanted everyone to know that we do realize it is gone, and that we believe it was the eagle that took it... It's the circle of life... and that part of it we don't particularly like... I am betting that most of us wish the eagle would have had a red squirrel for breakfast on Sunday instead.

This all brings to mind that due to the many annual calls that we get about the loons, and what would appear to be a loon 'in distress' (had one just last week) it might be a good idea for Ray to have one of his loon shows here on Joe's... Most of the calls actually are due to watching the loon preening... this past week someone called saying they saw the 'father loon' with a stick/arrow in its wing with a flag on it... When I heard this I began to realize folks need to see Ray's show... what they were no doubt seeing is the preening process and the loon's leg sticking up while preening. The large foot looks just like a flag on the end of a stick (from a distance).  I did however, go out to view that family on the second pond and watched for two things:  #1:  Is the 'distressed loon' separated from the family (it would do that in most cases if injured); #2: Is the 'injured' loon diving?  After watching the family
for just a few minutes I could see that BOTH adult loons were diving, so the 'injured' loon would still be able to feed itself... (if indeed it was injured).

I know there are more than the usual number of events going on for Joe's Pond folks this summer - seems like every weekend is busy and some activities continuing into the week days, but if you would be interested in seeing Ray Richer's loon video show to learn more about our loon families and their habits, please let me know and perhaps we can arrange for that to happen. Comment here, or send me an e-mail: janebrown@fairpoint.net.

Zumba this Week

From Karen Keene:
Due to a snafu in my schedule I am unable to teach Friday morning.  I've checked with several people looks like Saturday morning 9:30 will work, so Zumba will not be on the 18th but will be on the 19th, 9:30 AM at the Pavilion.

We enjoyed a great meal and really nice evening at the All-You-Can-Eat-Ribs Dinner last night.  There was a very good crowd and lots of delicious food.  The line for the appetizer table was already long when we got there a little after 5 o'clock, but there was plenty of variety,  from fruit to dips with veggies, deviled eggs, shrimp, and a variety of cheese/cracker combos.

I cruised over to see the ribs being cooked.  It looked like enough to feed an army.  What you see here is only a small portion of what was being grilled.  Tom (Dente) told me the meat had been steamed for hours before being put on the grill.  I never cooked ribs, ever, but I have a great appreciation of what it takes to "get it right."  Apparently the guys (Larry Rossi and Steve Larrabee shown here) know what they are doing because we sat with a couple from Texas who said the ribs were perfect, even by Texas standards.  High praise, indeed.  

I had a bit of everything and particularly enjoyed the ribs.  I don't eat a lot of meat these days, but the ribs had a really great sauce that was not too "hot" which made them just right for me.  Fred enjoyed everything, too, but said the big standout for him was the dessert table.  Well, actually, I liked that a lot, too.  I'm not partial to desserts as a rule, but I "sampled" at least four different items and could have gone back for more but didn't want to leave with a "sugar high."  

One of the really fun and totally unexpected moments at the party last night was meeting one of our two Ice Out Contest winners this year, eight-year-old Kelsey Phillips.  I was concentrating on my food when I heard a soft voice beside me saying, "Thank you for the phone call."  At first I had no clue what she meant, but her grandfather, Chris Wilson was sitting at the table right in back of me, and explained it was when I called Kelsey's home in Iowa this spring to let her know she'd won.  Then we had a good chuckle over how Grandpa Chris didn't tell anyone about having bought the tickets for his grands.  It was great to meet Kelsey - we had a celebrity at the dinner!

On our way to the supper, we noticed the big equipment parked at the rail-trail site in the village.  Work is progressing at long last, and while some of the trail may not be accessible for short periods during the work, by fall there should be some great stretches - perhaps most of it from Joe's Pond to St. Johnsbury - that will be in much better shape for walking and biking.  Bushes have been trimmed back and that alone is an improvement.  It's nice to see it evolving.  

Don't forget the All-You-Can-Eat-Ribs Dinner at the Joe's Pond Pavilion tomorrow night (Saturday, July 12).  $16 per ticket, and BYOB.  Cocktails at 5, Dinner at 6.  As of right now there are still a few tickets left, but they won't last long, so give Wendy a call at 684-2247 to reserve yours.  You don't have to be a member to attend.  The weather is going to be fine and it will be a perfect time to meet old friends and make new ones.  So give Wendy a call and we'll see you there! 

Stand Up Paddle Boards

Here's what may be a surprising bit of news/fact for lots of people:  stand up paddleboards (SUPs) are considered "vessels" when used other than in a designated swimming, bathing or surfing area and must follow the same U.S.Coast Guard (USCG) regulations as kayaks, canoes, or other water craft.  There could be a $65 fine for not having a proper life preserver and a whistle or other warning device with you, and if you're out on the water in the evening, you also must have a light.  Also, you need to follow navigation rules.  We want everyone to be safe on the pond this summer, and following these rules will help keep you safe.  Paddle boards are at risk when competing for space with high-powered ski boats and other motorized crafts, and it's not quite the same as, for instance, a sailboat having "right-of-way."  Click on the links above to be sure you know exactly what is expected of you when using a SUP, and remember, the rules are the same everywhere, whether on our small pond, Champlain, or at the ocean.  Here is more information on SUPs and how regulations are defined. 

While SUPs are great water toys for some people, there are others who have more traditional, but no less exciting and fun (for them) toys, or passions.  We knew it had to be something important to keep Ray Rouleau from attending JPA Annual Meeting, and this week we found out what it was:  this sweet little white MG parked in his driveway.  It's a newly acquired treasure, and Ray is thoroughly enjoying it - and why not!?  Pretty classy, and even though it has some years on it - it's a 1954 TF model - it shines like a new penny, and you just know Ray will keep it purring smoothly for years to come.  Way to go, Ray!

 

This was just about as perfect a summer day as one could wish for.  We were actually in Burlington, seeing friends off at the airport, but at least until late afternoon, the weather was beautiful.  On the way home, Fred stopped at the John Deere place in Montpelier, and I took this picture of the hospital complex from the car as I waited.  It was a bit hazy and storm clouds were gathering about then, but we didn't have any rain until we were nearly home.

On the way to the airport, one of our passengers, from Switzerland, commented that ours is one of the nicest capitol buildings in the country, in her estimation.  Fred got this picture as we drove along Route 2 towards the interstate. 

There was a very nice thank you note posted on Front Porch Forum by the chairman of our Cabot Select Board tonight.  It was a public thanks to Terry Persons, who has organized the Cabot Fourth of July rummage sale for the past several years.  This was Terry's last year - she's "retiring" from that volunteer job - and he let her know how much the community appreciates her dedication and hard work.

Just one more photo before I hang it up for the night - this picture came from Fred's cousin who is vacationing at Newark Pond.  She said the humming bird feeder had just been put out, and this goldfinch was the first customer.   He's beautiful, isn't he? 

I've been watching the ospreys regularly, and just now I saw notice of another web cam, one in Alaska where it's salmon fishing season for the bears.  They didn't seem to be having much luck tonight - it's evening there, four hours behind us.  Click HERE to see them. 

If you didn't get to the Joe's Pond Association meeting Saturday, the minutes are posted on the website - go to JPA Assn, Minutes.   As you can see, there was a good attendance and lots of socializing before and after the meeting.  The new directories and 2015 Ice-Out Contest tickets were available; the Ice-Out tickets are now at Hastings Store for those of you who weren't at the meeting to pick up.  Members who did not pick up their new Directory should either call (563-2381)  or e-mail me (janebrown@fairpoint.net) so we can get one to you.

Thursday - July 10

All You Can Eat Pulled Pork Dinner 

includes salads, beverages, rolls and deserts

Cabot United Church - 5:30 - 6:45 pm  

take-outs available
$8 adults - $4 children
For more information call Rose Bothfeld - 563-2715 

We had a good meeting of the Joe's Pond Association on Saturday.  There were lots of people there and everyone seemed happy that the weather was ok for the fireworks after having to delay them on the 3rd.  We had a comment come in from someone who parked at the beach area and was disappointed not to see fireworks.  We will try to direct people to the best viewing spots, but as trees grow taller and more houses are put up, it seems to be harder every year to find a place to watch from if you don't have a camp on the pond or don't know someone who invites you to watch with them, or if you don't want to launch a boat for the event.  We normally suggest finding a hillside like Davidson Drive off of Route 15, or Harrington Hill, but I'm sure there are other places where they can be seen, so check out the comments page and send suggestions.  I'm sure people would be appreciative.

Our little granddaughter, Tangeni, turned three yesterday.  We were at camp for birthday cake with some of her friends.  Her big sister JoAnn (in the pink top) made the cake, and as you can see, Tangeni (green dress) did a good job blowing out the candle, which was relighted several times at her request so she could make another wish and blow it out again and again.  There will be another party later because her mom and her Uncle Bob have July birthdays, too.  Lucky little girl - two birthday parties.

We've been visited by a flock of crows nearly every day lately. There is a mix of adults and juveniles, apparently it's time to teach them to forage for themselves.  Fun to watch.  We've also had a couple of turkeys wandering through our lower lawn, too.  Today I was down where they had been and found a beautiful big feather, either from a tail or a wing.  Woody, our cat, was quite interested in the feather.

Now that the Fourth is over, the month of July will go quickly.  Someone recently reminded me that summer is about half over.  Dreadful thought.  The best we can do is enjoy every minute of sunshine and hot weather, even if it's oppressive.  Store the feeling in your memory to draw on next January.

Very nice fireworks display tonight!  We watched from home - not quite as impressive as being on the water, but a lot warmer, I bet!  Some of those light patterns were quite unusual - different than other years.  Good show!

 Don't forget the Spirits of Vermont event tomorrow - should be a perfect day for it, and there will be lots to see and taste.  Click on the image to enlarge to read.

Tickets for other events are available - check our Schedule of Events to find out who you should call to reserve tickets.  Better make your plans well ahead of time as quite often tickets for events are sold out.

Don't forget the Joe's Pond Association Annual Meeting this morning, Saturday, July 5, at the Pavilion, 10 a.m. 

Pick up your new Directory and your Ice-Out Tickets and be sure to pay your dues if you haven't already done so.  

Fireworks at dusk tonight!  Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

Well, that was a good decision that Don Sherwood and the NorthStar Fireworks crew made.  It wouldn't have been fun or safe for people to be watching the fireworks tonight, even if they were able to be set off.  Some really close lightning flashes were noted over the pond tonight as we watched from our house.  If Hurricane Arthur behaves on its way north and east, Saturday night should be good; so again, we'll keep our fingers crossed that our fireworks can be enjoyed then.

I'm watching and listening to the Boston Pops concert - it's not being televised this year - at least we couldn't find it on any station we get, but here's a link - if you happen to be reading this tonight:
Boston Pops 4th of July Concert 
They very wisely chose to perform the concert tonight instead of tomorrow night due to the hurricane moving up the coast.  Boston will likely be impacted at least some by the storm. If you go to the link and it seems there's not much going on, they tune out the commercials and just show pictures of the Esplanade; so hang in and the performers will come on after the commercials.

I hope lots of you will come to the Fourth of July Parade and other festivities in Cabot tomorrow.  The parade is at 11 o'clock, but there are other things going on - the historical society (HistSoc) building will be open most of the day, there is a mega rummage sale at the gym, vendors with good things to eat and lots of people to watch.  I'll be at the HistSoc at least all morning.  Stop by and pick up some coffee and home-made doughnuts.  It will be cooler tomorrow and should be quite comfortable.

JOE'S POND FIREWORKS DISPLAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY.

We're watching the weather, and so far it looks like fireworks will go tonight as scheduled.  Apparently the folks in Boston believe tonight will be better than tomorrow for their big fireworks show - it's been moved up so that what was going to be the rehearsal tonight will be the real deal.  I guess they are concerned about the hurricane moving up the coast.

We have a little more leeway to make the decision that that big show in Boston, but so far it looks promising for tonight.  We have lucked out as far as storms are concerned so far this week - the T-storms have been mild or non-existent even though predicted to be strong and in some areas actually turned out to be very damaging, but not here.  Let's hope the pattern holds and tonight is T-storm free.  Stay tuned!

Look at this colorful gal - and no surprise, she's been entered in the

Kingdom Animal Shelter Calendar Cover Contest.  Her name is Zippy and she belongs to Steve and Bev Allen on Meadow Lane.  Here's what they wrote: 

We've entered our late camping cat Zippy in  Kitty Calendar Cover contest!  The pic (see attached) shows her on the dash of our RV overlooking a PA Amish Farm.  If you are so inclined maybe you might give her a daily vote!
Kitty Contest

Steve & Bev

I gather she's no longer with Steve and Bev, but she looks as if she was the perfect traveling companion, and it's very nice she is being honored in this way.  Voting takes place the whole month of July, so vote every day for Zippy or whoever is your favorite kitty.  Or enter a photo of your own.

We've been surprised at the sudden increase in homes for sale at Joe's Pond.  We've added a couple within the past few days, and also a new rental ad.  People suddenly seem to be moving around a bit, but I could have predicted this - I just finished publishing a new directory for members, and whenever I do that I can count on there being a bunch of changes in ownership as soon as I finish.  Thus, the new directory needs to be updated almost immediately.  It's a conspiracy! 

Not really.  People have to make changes in their lives from time to time; we never know what's just around the corner waiting to topple our serenity.  Jobs change, circumstances change, kids grow up, we retire, we find new interests, have a dream or an "itch" to scratch, there are health issues and we  get older.  Whatever the reason, we adjust.  Life happens; roll with it.

We were in Cabot Village for a little while this morning.  We met Stephanie Burtt, wife of Greg Burtt who has the really large apple orchard on Cabot Plains Road, just before the junction with Route 215.  Stephanie is a cute, energetic young woman (they have two children) who works alongside her husband and was also helping out at the historical society building.  She told us they have added cherry trees to the orchard and have cherries nearly ready to harvest.  That is interesting, we thought.  They do a pretty extensive maple sugar business, too, and a little later will have garden produce at their stand along with cider and apples.  All this in addition to the beef cattle Greg and his dad raise on the farm.

By the way, have you been reading the series on the Caledonia National Bank in the Northstar Monthly?  I think the first article was in the April issue; I've read the first two and have started the third.  Patty Houghton Conley has researched and written the articles, four in all, and it's a fascinating story of how the bank started, was very successful for many years, was robbed and finally came to a bad ending a few years ago.  People who had always trusted the bank and invested their savings, lost nearly everything.  Patty had close connections to the bank through her father, Seldon Houghton, and she's done a remarkable job of presenting the history and facts.  I've been particularly interested because my grandfather Bolton thought highly of the Caledonia Bank, and our family was related to Asa Wesson, a well respected early president of the bank.  My grandfather and Patty's father would both be stunned and saddened by the circumstances that caused the demise of the bank.

By the way, if you look closely at the background of the Northstar home page, you'll see it's of Joe's Pond's middle pond.

A couple of announcements:  The winner of the raffle for two tickets to the Spirits of Vermont wine tasting event was originally from St. Johnsbury, and very excited about having won the tickets.  Sounds like he might be returning to this area to visit and this will be something special to remember.

Also, the Richers at the end of Sandy Beach Road are continuing their big yard sale this weekend.  Evelyn said the sale on June 20th was very successful, but they have decided to add lots more, so put it on your list of things to do this weekend.  Here are days and times:

Friday (7/4)  (9-3pm), Saturday (9-5pm) and Sunday 9-7pm   It will be rain or shine. 

This came today from Fred Bertrand: 

I found a life preserver Sunday afternoon on the large pond. I left it in plain sight on my dock yesterday, but no takers. Call 563-2555.

The Bertrands are at 1423 West Shore Road, about mid-way up the west shore, between the two Craige cottages, if you are looking for them from the water.    

Definitely it's a hot and muggy day today - even hotter in St. Johnsbury when we were there this morning.  We're keeping an eye on the weather for Thursday evening when we hope to have the fireworks here at the pond, but if it rains, then they will be on Saturday evening.  We haven't often been rained out in the past, but it has happened; however we usually know well in advance since the folks who set up the display keep close track of the weather.  If they are postponed we will have announcements here and on the radio and TV.

This pretty young buck came out of the woods on our lower lawn late yesterday afternoon.  It's fairly typical of a buck to peek out from behind something, like the small clump of bushes here.  They apparently thin they are completely hidden . . . this one hung out there looking towards our house for a few minutes before continuing on, probably crossing the road on his way to the pond for a cool drink.  The flies were bothering some, but he still looked to be very healthy.  Nice coat that gleamed in the late afternoon sunshine.