There is not much more news about last night's fire at Joe Labbe's on Chatot Road, and we don't know anything more about how Joe is doing - only that last night he was in the hospital in Newport, very confused, having apparently been found with his disabled truck on the side of the road in Derby.  We don't know if the truck quit on him or if he was in some kind of accident.  We only know he was unable to give the police coherent information.  Neighbors say he has had some health problems recently.  Fred took these pictures this afternoon.  The house is a total loss.  We are glad nobody was injured.  Bob Dimick, first on the scene last night, said he was surprised the fire didn't spread into the surrounding woods.  Everything is very dry and there could have been an even more serious fire.  (Click on images to make them larger.)

There was a nice gathering to celebrate "Pete" Blackadar's 90th birthday this afternoon.  The weather was perfect, although quite hot, but nobody seemed to mind and everyone was having a great time. I'm sorry we didn't get a photo of the birthday girl - I thought I had one, but unfortunately someone's arm got in the way at the last minute and I didn't realize the shot had been spoiled.  Pete certainly doesn't look 90 years old - she looks and acts at least 20 years younger.


It seems the Nicholsons aren't the only cottage owners that are knocking down their old cottage to build anew.  I was told today there are preparations being made to tear down the former Wakefield cottage, now owned by Chris Jane (Knowles) Rustad's children, Dr. James Rustad and Erica (Rustad) Ferreira.  That old cottage had seen better days so it will be a big improvement to the neighborhood to have it replaced.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend and our fine summer weather!