There was a reality check this morning when we all awoke to a world of white here at Joe's Pond - except for the pond, of course, which was in a deep gray-blue mood fringed with white along the shoreline and then white edged golds and browns on the hillsides.
I measured a little more than half an inch of snow on my deck this morning, and there was enough on the back lawn so it was white.  Most is gone now, but there are still pockets here and there, and the wind has taken off a lot of the leaves.  It's still pretty, though, especially in the central and northwestern corridor where the foliage is still pretty much intact.  No snow on the ground in the Montpelier or Burlington area, but there were a few snow squalls as we went up I-89 this morning, but nothing sticking.  This afternoon we didn't hit any snow coming back until we got to about Molly's Pond on Route 2 - and then just a few snowflakes in the air.  Right now we're having another pretty impressive snow shower, so I think it will probably be a cold and snowy night.

Our four-year-old granddaughter called us today all excited about having snow at their house in Waterford, and we discussed making a snowman as soon as there's enough snow.  I told her probably after Halloween there might be enough snow, but she insisted it's "already snow season, Grammy!"  

 Here are some very nice photos sent by Jill Marchand, at the Hodgeman camp on Meadow Lane - 'tis the season! Thanks, Jill - looks like the whole family has been busy carving - great job! Pretty scary stuff.  Notice the guy on the right has a "signature" smile.  Jill also sent this shot of the rainbow - I think it must have been yesterday's, although it might have been today, with the frequent snow squalls and rain showers.  It is a lovely shot.

Here is another lovely picture - this one of a long-time Joe's Ponder who still manages to visit occasionally, and is very knowledgeable about Joe's Pond history.  This is Alba Rossi, Bill Rossi's (West Shore Road) mother, who celebrated her 99th birthday this month.  Friends who would like to send her a birthday message should address it to Alba Rossi, 47 Orange Street, Apt. 1, Barre, Vermont 05641.  We hope you had a lovely birthday, Alba!  Congratulations, and we wish you continued good health and happiness for many more years.  You're LOOKIN' GOOD - you must be doing something very right!!

Here is what sounds like a very nice concert that will be held on Sunday, November 1, at the United Church of Cabot.  Admission is by donation.  I found a little information on the performers, Claire Black and Melissa Perley.  I didn't find a page for Claire Black, but perhaps I wasn't looking in the right place.  The Cabot church is an old building but it has been well maintained and updated over the years so it is very pretty and comfortable.  The concert should be a real pleasure.

We had a great time at the Apple Pie Festival yesterday.  I was helping with the Silent Auction, and we were busy all day. There was good attendance and I saw A LOT of folks I knew, most of them consuming a piece of apple pie.  The corn chowder I had for lunch was very good, too.  I was told Larry Gochey retired from making the chowder this year, but he generously gave Joanne Luce his recipe.  As usual, the judges did a great job of rating the pies.  I was chatting with Charlie Bothfeld, one of the judges, over bowls of chowder when he was suddenly called back into service to join the other judges to break a tie in one of the contests.  Here is an article some of you may have missed in the Barre Times Argus.  I'm guessing everyone at the Festival had a wonderful time and most vendors and crafts folks seemed to be doing a good business.  I know the Silent Auction was popular, and Julie Ackermann did a great job, almost single handedly setting it up this year.  Diana Klingler and I, who co-chaired it last year, were called in last minute to help out on Saturday, which we very much enjoyed.  One of the donations that had a lot of interest was an overnight stay at Chip Milne's tree house on Molly's Falls Dam.  Chip generously donated two gift certificates for one night each, and both people were fascinated by the prospect.  I don't know who ended up with the prizes, but I bet they will enjoy the experience.  It looks like a really secluded spot.

Tonight is the benefit turkey pie supper at the Danville Inn - admission by donation.  In fact, they are already serving . . . better hurry!