A few days ago I posted a message from Paige Crosby (Birch Bound Rd) describing how she and her husband, Peter, witnessed the disappearance of the second loon chick in the lower ponds.  We were deeply affected that a large fish had taken the young loon as it was diving with it's parents.  I believe that was posted on Thursday, July 5.  

On Saturday I had another message from Paige, and here is "the rest of the story."  
Jane,

More to the story. Went for a run on the bike path today and decided to walk down the stairs at the route 2/15 intersection.  At the shore at bottom of the stairs was the remains of the baby loon. Entrails etc. I had never before walked down those stairs but did today. Peter and I went back later with a shovel and took care of the carcass.  Thought you should know.

Paige 

That is a very sad ending, I know, but I am very proud of Paige and Peter for caring enough to take care of the remains properly.  Life in the wild is difficult, and often horribly cruel, but we all know these things happen and have to accept it's nature's way.  I have to believe Paige was sent down those steps for that specific reason.  I think most of us have had moments when we, for no particular reason, have altered our intended course and found something we'd been looking for or met someone unexpectedly, and I have the  distinct feeling these happenings are not "accidental." 

On a happier note, Diane Rossi sent me this photo of Bill's birthday lunch with his mother, Alba, and his brother and sister-in-law.  Diane made his favorite meal, macaroni and cheese, and she said he was delighted - it was a successful birthday celebration.  This was in the garden at The Residence at Shelburne Bay, where Bill lives, yesterday - and the weather cooperated. 

We were at Granddaughter Tangeni's (shown at right) birthday party yesterday in Waterford, Vermont.  She's six now and can't wait for school to start again in the fall.  Most of Tangeni's  class at school were there.  One parent told me there are about 16  kids in the class, and girls far outnumber boys.

 The girls pretty much took over the pool.  There were only three or four boys at the party, and they seemed more interested in the food than games in the pool; but when the water balloons came out, they got happy.  However, those little girls are tough!  They all have been practicing soccer and getting ready for basketball (they start 'em early at Waterford School!) and they don't take a back seat to boys one bit.  Monika and Bill made it a rule that no "older folks" were to be targets of water balloons - and everyone respected that.  Aunt Theresa (next to the bottom picture) had targeted Tangeni a few times with the beach ball when the girls were in to pool, so Tangeni was threatening pay back.  It was all in good fun, and as you can see in the bottom picture, the adults looked pretty safe and dry.  Actually, I think the adults outnumbered the kids - friends of Bill and Monika  stopped by to watch the fun.  The food is always good at their parties! We enjoyed catching up with friends and family while watching the children - I always forget how much energy kids that age have!