I was very sorry to read this morning about the accidental death of Paul Boivin, husband of Marianna Shadroui Boivin (Narrows Drive).  Our sincere sympathy to Marianna and her family.  Friends may send condolences to the family at:  5994 Goodrich Corner Rd, Addison VT 05491.

We were interested in seeing the construction on Route 2 in East Cabot on our way to Burlington this morning.  Traffic was held up momentarily, but it wasn't bad, either going or coming home.  Here is the latest progress report:

Construction Update
Cabot Danville US 2 Reconstruction
FEGC F 028-3(26) C/2

Project Location:  The 1.4 mile project extends along US 2 from Last Road to Danville Hill Road in Cabot. This is a multi-year project with most of the work occurring in 2017/2018. Completion is scheduled for 2019.

Expect traffic delays throughout the week!

Week of October 2nd, 2017

US 2 – East (Danville Side) of Goodrich’s Maple Farm
 
There will be several active operations within the project this week:

-    Installation of new drainage pipes and excavating the new roadway alignment will continue in the section behind the barrier.
-    Slope excavation just east of Goodrich’s Maple Farm will continue in preparation for the new roadway alignment.

Alternating one-way traffic will be maintained for a construction package east of Goodrich’s Maple Farm.  Expect short delays.

US 2 Bridge #88 (Near Folsom Farm) Replacement:  

Work will continue on construction of the new bridge near the Folsom Farm.  Traffic impacts will be minimal at this construction operation.

Traffic – Minor traffic delays can be expected this week.

It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone. 

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates are posted at www.roadworkupdates.com

* * * * *

I posted a link to the interview the Brainard Library Committee did with Channel 22/44 TV yesterday.  Joanne Stewart sent some photos of the proceedings - but I didn't see them until about midnight last night and I knew it wouldn't go well if I tried to post them then.  So here they are now.  Top left is Haley Boulay, from Channel 44  getting set up for her piece, that's Pam Hebert being interviewed, top right, and bottom is Haley in front of the library building.  Nice work, Joanne, and thanks for sending the pictures.  (Click on one of the images to make them larger.)

Our heat wave is definitely over.  It was coolish all day today, and the temperature is dropping rapidly now the sun is behind the hills.  The last forecast I heard predicted spotty frosts tonight.  That is a pretty drastic change from the 80s yesterday to the 30s tonight!  I have to say, the cooler weather suits me way better than that muggy heat.  We noticed there is hardly any fall color in the Burlington area.  We are higher, so I guess the color starts here - but even here it has a long way to go.  I'm hoping the frost tonight may help move things along.  Surely some rain would help . . . 

Don't forget that Fall Foliage Week is coming right up.  We really like the turkey supper Cabot puts on (October 3rd is Cabot's day to host).  We will be getting our reservations in within a day or so - we get take-out, that way we can eat when we're ready and enjoy a glass of wine and linger over dinner as long as we like.  Can't wait!

    Haley Boulay Channel 44, WFFF in Burlington came down today to do a news story on "Vermont's smallest library."  
    Our little library in West Danville is closing for the season.  Pam Hebert reports:  "We have not had much activity, so are closing and will reopen next spring."  

    Pam said if anyone is looking for reading material, contact her or one of the other on the library committee, and someone will be happy to meet you and open the library.  Pam can be reached at 684-3655,  Mary Anne at 684-2195, Karen at 227-3107, and Joanne at 684-2516.
     Pam and the committee want to thank everyone who helped make the library re-opening a success, and they are looking forward to seeing everyone again next spring.

    This came from Cousin Ora in Rhode Island . . . !

     It seems appropriate to start off with a typical July-in-Vermont greeting like, "Hot enough for you?"
     This is the fourth day of an official heat wave and by my count, the 16th day with no rain.  This has been a strange year, even here in Vermont.  The spring and early summer was  wet and chilly, and now we're having the weather we should have had in July, with temperatures in the 80s.  
    We haven't seen much color in the maples yet, either.  I saw a few splashes early in September, but now there is only a bronzy glow over most hillsides.  Here in our yard, some of our older maples are shedding brown, dead leaves every day, while the younger maples are still a vibrant green.  I admit there are a few splashes of red, but they are very isolated.  
     The forecast is for this hot, muggy weather to change abruptly tonight.  Tomorrow will be much cooler and at night temperatures will drop down around the freezing mark.  That may be enough to start the colors, finally.
     I was at the Danville Historical Society building yesterday while Fred was having his first chemo treatment.  I went through about 10 years of town reports, hunting for little bits of information that will help us with the history of West Danville.  It was mercifully cool in the little back room where I was.  After Fred's treatment, which went very well, we had a couple of errands to do, so had to spend a little time in town.  It was very hot on the streets, and we were grateful for a cool house and a bit of a breeze when we arrived home.  Fortunately, as soon as the sun goes down, so does the temperature, up here in the hills, but not so in St. Johnsbury.
     I noticed in the town reports that Danville paid Cabot for plowing a short stretch of road most years.  That would be the end of West Shore Road between Barre Avenue and Route 2.  It was a small amount - $30 in the 1952 report.  It always seemed silly to me that Danville town plow has to travel along Route 2 just to do that short piece of road - whether plowing, sanding or grading - and Cabot turns around at Barre Avenue.  It makes sense for Cabot to continue another few rods to Route 2, but that's not how it works in recent years.
     Another interesting bit of information I came across was that in 1948, Danville widened a Joe's Pond Road known as "White Birch Road," and lengthened it by some 800 feet to accommodate new camps being built.  I may find some record of that road name in the old records of Joe's Pond, but for now, I haven't a clue where that road was.  We have noted Birchbound, Birchwood and Edgewood roads, but no White Birch that I can remember.  No doubt someone will.  1948 wasn't that long ago!
     Also, in 1949, there was a state-wide program to eradicate blister rust in our white pine forests.  Gooseberry and current bushes are the culprits that host the bacteria causing blister rust, so the state paid workers to hunt down and destroy those bushes.  The program lasted several years, but eventually most of the pine forest in Danville was inspected and the host bushes eradicated.  I don't suppose there are many wild gooseberry or current bushes surviving anywhere in the state today.

Enjoy the summer we didn't get in July - fall should arrive tomorrow.

We had a great meal from the North Danville Church supper last night.  We got take-out and couldn't believe the amount of food!  And GOOD! 

Today we took a trip to Burtt's Apple Orchard on the road to Cabot.  For us, it's only three or four miles, I'm guessing, over the Plain and almost to Route 215.  As we had suspected, they were very busy.  There were cars coming and going all the time we were there, and whole families in the orchard picking apples, others playing tether-ball or exploring the nearby fields. I took a few pictures while we were there, and we stocked up on apples, cider and doughnuts.  

The orchard has a FaceBook page where they keep visitors up-to-date on what's ready for picking.  Seems to me Greg and Stephanie Burtt have done everything right since the start of the orchard in about 2009.   Greg has added pears and cherries to the orchard, and told me today each year the trees produce more fruit.  

It's a pleasure to see the old Maple Glen Farm being so active and productive.  The farm was a show piece back in the day, and while they were a productive general farm, their maple production was what they were know for.  They had marvelous sugaring-off parties every spring.  Click on the pictures to make them larger.

 This is a picture of the farm in about 1879. The sugar-woods on this farm was used in Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "The Trouble with Harry."  There are several identifiable scenes of Cabot landscape in that movie, taken from the maples on the hillside behind the farm.

The farm was previously owned by Barbara Davis and Bob Davis.  Bob was president of the Cabot Creamery Cooperative; Barbara, ran a successful dairy and maple operation at the farm.  They lived in the house about a mile up the road at the corner of Cabot Plains Road and Bayley Hazen Road.

Joe's Ponders were awakened early this morning by gunshots from the north end of the pond.  'Tis the season - again.  This weekend is a special two-day "Youth Waterfowl hunting season".  The adult water-foul hunting season begins in October.  

If you've enjoyed watching the ducks (and geese) on the pond during the summer, I'm sure being awakened by gunshots and knowing some of those lovely creatures are being killed, may bring a sense of rage within some people.  I know the feeling.  It's always been difficult for me to accept, even though I know it's all part of managing the wildlife population to keep it healthy.  Still . . .

And then there's the close proximity to homes.  Even shooting in the air - that lead shot has to come down somewhere.  There are regulations, but the water is public, and hunting is legal.  We are fortunate that not too many hunters come to Joe's Pond.  Perhaps they realize finding a clear shot with so many homes along every shoreline and in wetland areas makes hunting here less than ideal, so they seek out less populated ponds and lakes.  
 
Today is again beautiful.  Already it's too hot for me in the sun, but in the shade of our young maple trees, it's quite nice on our deck in the early morning.  This is the  summer we never had, so enjoy.  Don't forget the chicken and biscuit supper at North Danville Baptist Church tonight.  If you haven't already made plans, it's not too late.  It's always a great meal, and this will be a good night to not have to cook!
 

Fall is officially here, and what a fall it is!  The weather has been exceptional for the past two weeks, and according to the forecast, it is only going to be more of the same, only warmer.  Temperatures have been in 70s - even close to 80, even here at Joe's Pond.  Bright sunshine and no sign of rain.  Showers have been predicted, but so far haven't materialized.  As soon as the sun drops behind the hill, the temperature drops, too.  It's suddenly 65 degrees and falling, at 5:30 p.m.
 
This afternoon I had been sitting on our deck, watching the traffic of people coming home from work, when  I happened to glance over the deck railing and spotted some bright yellow fungi growing on a very old cherry tree stump.   That inspired me to grab the camera and take a walk.

Our grape arbor, as usual, had no grapes to harvest.  If there were any that didn't dry up prematurely, I didn't see them.  The birds always get them before I do.  But nearby the grape arbor, we have a mountain ash, and that is loaded with fruit.  I was wondering if birds like those bright red berries, so went on line to find out.  I've never noticed birds at our trees, so thought perhaps the berries are not good for them.  However, apparently birds do like them, especially cedar waxwings.  The berries will sometimes ferment and then the birds get tipsy.  Not only these berries, but other fruit, as well, including apples.  I've heard about cows eating fermented apples and staggering to the barn, but never thought about birds.  Apparently they enjoy "happy hour" sometimes, too.  I'll keep watch.  In the meantime, we're enjoying the weather, foliage, fall flowers and all that goes with it.  I hope you are, too.


 

Construction Update Cabot Danville US 2 Reconstruction FEGC F 028-3(26) C/2    Project Location:  The 1.4 mile project extends along US 2 from Last Road to Danville Hill Road in Cabot. This is a multi-year project with most of the work occurring in 2017/2018. Completion is scheduled for 2019. Reduced Speed Limit – The posted speed limit has been reduced to 40 mph through the project.  Please reduce speed and use caution traveling through the construction zone.   An increase in truck traffic can be expected on the project.   Week of September 25th, 2017 US 2 – East (Danville Side) of Goodrich’s Maple Farm Crews will continue working east of Goodrich’s Maple Farm installing new drainage pipes and excavating the new roadway alignment.   Alternating one-way traffic will be maintained for a construction package east of Goodrich’s Maple Farm.  Expect short delays.   US 2 Bridge #88 (Near Folsom Farm) Replacement:   Work will continue on construction of the new bridge near the Folsom Farm.  Traffic impacts will be minimal at this construction operation. Traffic – Minor traffic delays can be expected this week. It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone.  Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates are posted at www.roadworkupdates.com

We found out who kindly rescued the buoy on Milne's Point that Jamie Dimick posted about yesterday.  Jane Milne got in touch to let him know it was her son, Chip, and the anchor and rope are theirs.  Jamie will return their equipment with thanks and said although as Jane had mentioned, the "winter buoy" is somewhat off the mark, he will be sure to relocate the buoy properly in the spring.  

Thanks to the Milne family for being vigilant and taking action!   Jamie and Marie have the buoys out ready to be cleaned and stored for the winter.  The season is over except for a few die-hards who may not have taken their boats out of the water yet - and no wonder, with the exceptional weather we've been having!  The buoys will be out this spring as soon as there's open water, more or less.  I think there have been times when Jamie has been out there setting buoys when there have still been bergs in the water.

Cabot, VT -  The town of Cabot will celebrate its 57th Annual Fall Foliage Festival on Tuesday, October 3 and invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy the fall colors, spectacular views and all the other things that make Cabot special.
      Executive Director Lori Augustyniak is excited to share this year’s lineup, which welcomes back many favorite activities from previous years along with a few new talents and events scattered throughout town.   “Cabot’s Annual Fall Foliage Festival has a well-rounded mix of events that explore the best of Cabot and Vermont - a diverse offering of art, performance, nature, history and food.”   At the 2017 Cabot Fall Foliage Event you will enjoy:

- Browsing wares produced by Cabot area artists and craftspeople.
- Reveling in the colors of Cabot’s fall foliage by taking a trail walk, hike, historic tours and car tours highlighting some of the best views in Vermont.
 -Listening to vignettes of Vermont and Cabot history with our Master Storyteller David Carpenter.
- Great live music including:
- Country tunes with Katie Trautz, Lee Blackwell & R.D. Eno
- A 20-piece original alt-pop funk orchestra, which redefines the concept of “school band”
- American roots and original songs with Susan and Dana Robinson
- And an Old-Time Jam session with R.D. Eno, Susan and Dana Robinson, and others
-Visiting displays of Cabot and Vermont history at the Cabot Historical Society.
- Homemade meals for lunch and supper –
Corn chowder and chili lunch – seatings at 11:30 am, 12:30 and 1:15 pm.  ($6 adults, $2.50 children)
Turkey supper - seatings at 5:00 and 6:15 pm.  ($15 adults, $5 children)
-Touring local points of interest including, the Cabot Creamery, Burtt’s Apple Orchard, Hooker Mtn Farm & Distillery, Vermont Floorcloths and Hillcrest Adirondack Furniture.
-The grand finale to the day – a New England Contra Dance featuring Adina Gordon (caller), David Carpenter and the Cabot Contraband.

     Cabot’s Fall Foliage Festival is made possible by the Cabot Community Association, Cabot Church, Cabot Historical Society, Cabot Arts, Cabot School, the Town of Cabot and many area business owners.

For meal reservations call Rose Bothfeld, 802-563-2715.
For a schedule of events and more event details, visit www.cabotvermont.org.
For other information, call the Cabot Community Association at 802-563-3338.

Cabot’s Fall Foliage Festival is part of the North East Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival - a special week of events (October 2 – 8, 2017) showcasing the beauty of autumn and providing authentic Vermont experiences in seven NEK towns. More information can be found at http://www.nekchamber.com/media/2017%20NEK%20FFF.pdf

Sunday, 9/17 - while doing some late season buoy maintenance (scrubbing algae off), Marie and I discovered the mini-barrel on Milne's Point had been secured with a common boat anchor and water ski rope. We were able to find block anchor and chain to repair, then reconnect but would like to return boat anchor to whom ever, with thanks!

Jamie Dimick
Kingdom Access TV
515 Bay Street, Suite 202
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
802-751-8103 x10
jamie.dimick@katv.org

We are sorry to learn of the recent death of Jeff Biron, son of long-time Joe's Ponder, Gloria Biron (Point Comfort Rd).  Condolences may be sent to Gloria at 890 Lyle-Young Rd, East Montpelier VT 05651.  Our sincere sympathy to Gloria and her family.

We just learned of the death of Marie Kellogg (Birch Bound Rd).  Marie and her late husband, George, enjoyed many summers at Joe's Pond with their family.  She was 95.  Our deepest sympathy goes to her family, James and his wife, Lori, of St. Johnsury and his two sisters, Kerry Labombard of Arizona and Pamela Showalter of Texas and their respective families.  Marie was a dynamo of energy for many years in St. Johnsbury, and she will be missed.

Joe's Ponders will be interested that John and Jeannette Deforge have sold their cottage on Barre Avenue.  Mark and Heidi Gerrish, of Williamstown are the new owners, and Mark told me they are excited to be at Joe's Pond.  We are happy to welcome them to JPA! 

 * * * * *

Construction Update
Cabot Danville US 2 Reconstruction
FEGC F 028-3(26) C/2

  
Project Location:  The 1.4 mile project extends along US 2 from Last Road to Danville Hill Road in Cabot. This is a multi-year project with most of the work occurring in 2017/2018. Completion is scheduled for 2019.

Reduced Speed Limit – The posted speed limit has been reduced to 40 mph through the project.  Please reduce speed and use caution traveling through the construction zone.  

An increase in truck traffic can be expected on the project.

Week of September 18th, 2017

US 2 – East (Danville Side) of Goodrich’s Maple Farm

Crews will be setting barrier and beginning reconstruction of the north side of US 2 east of Goodrich’s Sugar House to include installation of new drainage pipes and excavation for the new roadway alignment.

Two-way traffic is currently using the widened section of the south side of US 2 to travel through the construction area.

US 2 Bridge #88 (Near Folsom Farm) Replacement:  

Work will start on the construction of the new bridge this week. Crews will be driving steel piles this week on the west side of the brook and excavating on the east side of the brook and placing new stone to stabilize the slope.  

Traffic – Minor traffic delays can be expected this week.

It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone. 

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates are posted at www.roadworkupdates.com

In case some of you were wondering what the activity was on Route 15 about supper time last Tuesday, here's the answer:
 Vt. State Police - 10:40 pm Tue Sep 12th, 2017

On 9/12/2017, at approximately 1707 hours, Vermont State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Vermont Route 15 at the intersection of North Shore Road in the town of Danville, VT.

Investigation revealed operator 1, Angeline Clifford (46), was pulling out of North Shore Road turning left onto Vermont Route 15 when she pulled out in front of operator 2, Kate Gansle (33), causing Gansle to strike the front driver's side of the car. Both vehicles were totaled. Clifford, Gansle, and 3 of Clifford's passengers consisting of Jade Richard (22), Shalbee Richard (17), and Tareena Richard (16) were all transported to Northeast Vermont Regional Hospital to be treated for non-incapacitating injuries.

We're glad nobody was seriously hurt.  Something like that really shakes you up, though.

Looks like we may get a little of Irma's wetness today and tomorrow, but not the wind, thankfully.  We've had such nice weather for the past several days, a little rain won't dampen our spirits much.  It seems to me the foliage is almost turning as we watch.  Every morning I see new color in different spots.  I just took a short walk around our house and here are some of the color spots I found - the grape arbor where the birds always get the grapes before we do, a mountain ash at the edge of the woods in back of the garage, and a branch of a small maple in front of the house.  There's more, but the sun wasn't out when I was, so the colors aren't as vivid.  Still nice, and it's very comfortable outside at 66 degrees.  Good "working outside" weather!

 

Now that Irma has swept through Florida, we're beginning to hear from a few people who who homes there.  So far we've had no reports of severe damage to any of our Joe's Pond folks' places.  Some were without power, others had debris on lawns, etc., but so far that's about it.  If there was severe damage, people are probably still trying to deal with it and not writing about it.
    Here, we've had beautiful weather for the last several days, and more expected.  The foliage is beginning to show real signs of fall.  I noticed some particularly pretty foliage when I walked today, and a couple of our small maples are really pretty.  By the time Fall Foliage rolls around, the first week of October, our foliage should be very nice.  
    I worked at the Danville Historical Society yesterday, searching through old town reports.  In the 1940s, elementary school teachers were being paid about $630 to $750 a year.  I'm not sure how the pay scale was decided back then, but I suspect the women who had been trained at normal schools in the 1920s were paid less than first year teachers who had some college.  The older, experienced teachers seemed to remain on a lower pay scale. 
   This is the time of year all those wonderful harvest suppers are being offered.  North Danville's chicken 'n biscuits is coming up on the 23rd.  The nice thing about this particular supper is that they will deliver your meal to you!  If you live in the Danville/St. J. area, that is.  We usually get take-out, but because we're on the west side of Joe's Pond, we always make arrangements to pick ours up.  
    Then there will be all sorts of great food opportunities as Fall Foliage Week rolls around.  We're especially looking forward to the turkey supper in Cabot on Tuesday.  Actually, we get take-out, but it's always good and more food than anyone should eat for one meal - but it's good to over-do occasionally.  You can go to home page here on the Joe's Pond Association website for a complete listing of Fall Foliage events.
We hope you'll get to at least some of the events offered during that week.  Hopefully, the weather will still be nice. 
 

I don't have any direct news about our Joe's Pond friends who have homes in Florida.  Not everyone has left here, and that is good for their safety, but for those with homes on the western coast, especially, we have to wonder what, if anything, they'll have to go back to.  When we have definite news, we'll post it here.  In the meantime, lots of people here are thinking about friends there and hoping they are safe.

I just had a call from Charlie Aimi (W. Shore Rd.) saying he found an iPhone this afternoon at around 2:30, at the intersection of Barre Avenue and West Shore Road.  If you have lost your phone - call your phone's number - Charlie will answer and you can make arrangements to pick it up. 

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the attack on September 11, 2001.  That was actually a Tuesday - and like other important events that have happened, many of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard the first news.  I recently had occasion to e-mail George Parizo (Sandy Beach Road), and in the course of our conversation, he told me this story:

As you may know, Pat and I ride a Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle, now converted to a Trike. I have 130 thousand safe miles under my butt and Pat has 80 K under hers.  We are also Vermont Assistant Directors in the Goldwing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) with over 140 thousand members internationally.  We would never drive out of our driveway without all the safety equipment, all the time, hot or cold

Where have we been to add up some of that mileage?  Virginia Beach, many times; Intercourse, PA. eight times; Tennessee twice; Key West, Florida; Maine more times that I can recall; and Nova Scotia twice.

Where were you on 9/11?  Pat and I were crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge out of Virginia on September 11, 2001, when the first tower was hit!  The Navy Ships were pouring out of Norfolk VA.. All civilian ships were stopped outside of the bay. We went into the island building and saw on TV what was happening.  There was still a hijacked plane in the air, so we retreated to our motorcycle and got off the bridge as fast as we could.  Speed limits were bent just a wee bit until we on dry land!   All the rest of the day, with cruise control engaged because there were police cars everywhere, we listened to the radio.

The next day we boarded the Cape May Ferry to cross over to the mainland.  Again, everyone had their eyes on the TVs on the boat.  Back on the mainland, we stopped at the first information center in NJ. And inquired if any bridges were open in NY. They called ahead for us and we were told all the bridges would be open by 11 am..  We were still on the NJ side, just across the river from New Youk City, and we could see a yellow pall over the city where the towers used to be.  Soon we were engulfed in the dust. .Not having any windows to roll up, we pressed on. The dust stung our eyes and noses, but there was no place to stop. The dust only lasted for a few miles but Pat coughed for six weeks afterwards.

We arrived back in Springfield, Vermont, that evening, safe and sound, but that was an experience we do not wish to ever have again!

George and Pat

This tip came from Karen Cobb - it may be something people you know who have damage from these awful storms can use.  Pass it on.  Thank you, Karen, for thinking to post this information.
 
🛑ATTENTION🛑: USAA members
If your zone is evacuated and you have homeowners or renters insurance through USAA, call them (1-800-531-8722) and let them know. They will pay for your gas, food and hotel to evacuate. It's called prohibited usage for emergencies under renters/owners insurance. They will cover lodging for up to two weeks.

USAA verified this information and added that members should check and make sure that they have this coverage on their policies. They also added that it must be a mandatory evacuation order which they believe covers Florida.
Please copy and paste the status to share with your friends.

I thought you might be interested in where some of our Joe's Pond members have homes in Florida.  Unfortunately, the biggest concentration is on the West Coast.  The locations of the "X's" I placed on the map are not exact, but serve to give us an idea of how devastating this could be on many of our friends.  

If anyone has news of family or friends who are in the area already, we'd like to post here any information about what they are doing to prepare, whether they've evacuated, etc.  You can e-mail me at janebrown@joespondvermont.com.  We will be thinking of all the people in Florida who will be impacted by this huge storm.  Click on the map to make it larger.

As the storm moves inland, there are a few others in southern states such as South Carolina who may be affected, but probably not as severely as those along the Florida coasts. 

Gretchen Farnsworth, Sandy Beach Road, sent this photo this afternoon after a brief shower had passed through.  Click for full effect.  Beautiful shot.  Thank you, Gretchen.

Construction Update Cabot Danville US 2 Reconstruction FEGC F 028-3(26) C/2    Project Location:  The 1.4 mile project extends along US 2 from Last Road to Danville Hill Road in Cabot. This is a multi-year project with most of the work occurring in 2017/2018. Completion is scheduled for 2019. Reduced Speed Limit – The posted speed limit has been reduced to 40 mph through the project.  Please reduce speed and use caution traveling through the construction zone. Expect traffic delays this week!   Week of September 11th, 2017 Traffic Shift – Crews are preparing to shift traffic to use the newly widened section of US 2 located east of Goodrich’s Sugar House. Expect traffic delays during this transition. Following the traffic shift, crews will begin reconstruction of the north side of US 2 east of Goodrich’s Sugar House to include installation of new drainage pipes and excavation for the new roadway alignment. Bridge #88 (Near Folsom Farm):  Work to build a new bridge at the west end of the project near the Folsom Farm will begin this week with installation of environmental controls and excavation for the bridge substructure. The new bridge will be built on a new alignment next to the existing bridge. Alternating one-way traffic will be maintained within the project limits this week. Traffic – Traffic delays can be expected this week. It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone.  Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates are posted at www.roadworkupdates.com

New Fall Hours for Library

This came this evening from Joanne Stewart:

Our library committee met today and decided to reduce the fall hours.   We'll now be open Tuesday and Thursday from 2 - 4 until Columbus Day Weekend.  We hope to have many leaf peepers stop and visit our little library, along with local patrons.

Also, we had visitors today, from Lyndon State College.   Two media major students asked to film the history and reopening of the library.   They interviewed Pam, and will air the segment sometime next week on their Channel 7.   It will also be available on their Facebook Page.     We're delighted to be getting so much coverage!

Our thanks to all who have been so supportive.

* * * * *

We are glad the library has been such a success.  If you haven't 
had a chance to stop by, plan to do that before it closes for the 
season.  I know you'll be glad you did.

In case you wondered, I measured 1.30 in. of precipitation Monday 
morning. This morning I had only .04 in. in the tube, but it has rained 
fairly steadily today, so I expect tomorrow morning there will be at 
least an inch.  We are fortunate compared to what is happening in our 
southern states.  The Houston, Texas area is still reeling from 
Hurricane Harvey, and now Irma is bearing down on Florida.  We are
thinking of all the Joe's Pond folks who may have to deal with Irma.  We 
hope they are safe and the damage isn't too severe.  All of Florida is so
close to sea level, it doesn't take much water to cause problems, and a 
hurricane causing a storm surge of several feet could be devastating. 

Unfortunately, there isn't much anyone can do about the monster

storms at this point.  Just hunker down and hope for the best, I guess.

Spinet Piano

Here's an opportunity to have a lovely piano.  Pat Gardner is selling her Yamaha spinet piano.  It has fruit wood finish and is in perfect condition.  Pat will be leaving in a few days, so if you are interested, get in touch with her at 802-563-9994.

I heard from Andy Rudin this morning that his neighbor, Doug Paulsen, had frost on his car yesterday (Saturday) morning.  I knew there would be some frost here and there, in low spots.  Each day will get a little more like fall.  I'm watching the daily progression of color on the hill in back of our house.  There's a distinct yellow/orange undercurrent as the maples begin to change.  Some isolated branches are very red already, but there aren't many of those.  There's the goldenrod, ferns and ripe grasses that are adding to the color change, too, and I can't help thinking this is going to be a very colorful fall.

Last week Bob and Dotty Noyes (W. Shore Rd.) visited Bill Rossi at The Residence at Shelburne Bay.  Dotty sent me this picture of Bill and their dog, Popcorn.  She said Bill had lots of visitors last week, but she thinks the one that pleased him the most may have been Popcorn.  Bill has always enjoyed dogs.  He was even kind enough to inquire about our cat, Woody, frequently.  Any time Bill and Diane were at our house, Woody seemed to gravitate towards Bill.  Animals are good therapy.

We hope you are enjoying a good holiday weekend.  Drive safely if you are traveling.  Last week we saw a young lad tearing up West Shore Road on an ATV with no helmet or protection of any sort.  I worried that he could get seriously hurt.  He seemed to be riding only a little past our house and then turned around and raced back down W. Shore Road.  I expect he was visiting at someone's camp.  ATVs are illegal to ride on public roads in Cabot, and nobody should ride anywhere without proper protection.  Please be safe.

Missing Kayak

MISSING FROM JOES’S THIRD POND September 1, 2017

Full size Fiber Glass Old Town Kayak, Speckel Lime Green with open top.

Reward offered for information or return.

Call 508-380-4860

I'm sure some spots around the pond had a frost last night, but the lowest overnight temp I had was 35 degrees. It's only 60 degrees at almost noon, in spite of the bright sunshine.  Not a cloud in the sky as far as I can see, but there is a bit of wind that will likely bring more change.  Warmer weather next week, I expect - now that lots of folks have had to leave to get their kids back to school.


Gretchen Farnsworth sent these beautiful photos of the loons this morning, and Pearl's Island in the mist.  She said she thought they were warming up after the frosty night.  Last night was no doubt a reminder for them that they will need to be on their way to the coast soon.  The adult loons will leave first and the youngster will leave a little later, probably with others when they stop over here briefly on their way from other ponds.  Another summer family leaving for the winter.  (Click on the images to make them larger.)


Granddaughter, Tangeni, has had a week of being in first grade and is excited about the whole thing.  There were two new girls in her class, and this was the high point of the week, I think.  Tangeni has apparently adopted them.  Our older grand, Jo-Ann, leaves tomorrow for college.  Her dad told me last night she is excited, too.  We will all miss her, but it will be a great experience for her.

The temperature today, combined with a gusty wind, is making lots of us think about the colder weather that is just around the corner.  There is a definite orange tint to the distant hillsides, and a few pronounced splashes of fall color here and there locally.  Fairs are in full swing this weekend, and that's a sure sign summer is over. We showed a low of 49.9 last night, and tonight at 5 p.m. it's down to 54.0.  If the wind goes down, so will the temperature, I expect. 

The forecast this morning was that there will likely be a frost tonight, at least in some spots within the Kingdom.  This prompted me to put the glass panels in our storm doors.  I started this morning in the garage.  I went out to sort through some newspapers for an article I wanted to clip, and the wind was blasting through the screen on the pedestrian door.  So I put a jacket on and got to work.  

This afternoon, we got the doors in the house "winterized."  It's amazing how much quieter the house is with those glass panels in.  There are a couple good reasons I wanted to do it now.  First, we won't have to think about it when the weather gets really cold; and second, it's the surest way I know to get warm weather back!  Next week I'll probably be wishing I could just open the front door to let a rush of cool, fresh air inside.  Doesn't matter, I'm glad it's done.

After our trip to Portland a couple weeks ago to see a cancer specialist, we got word Fred does have a rare type of cancer involving the appendix.  Until that diagnosis, doctors were unsure exactly what was going on, but suspected the cancer.  We went to Dartmouth Hitchcock yesterday and found out he will be getting chemo at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center in St. Johnsbury for three months and will then be evaluated again to see if the treatment is working to reduce the cancer cells.  He has felt good all summer, even as doctors probed, tested and scanned to figure out what they were dealing with.  And he's keeping up a running schedule on Jamie and Marie's hill. 


We have always enjoyed stopping at the Hanover Co-op whenever we've been down that way, but on a recent trip this summer, we decided to get a bite at the main cafeteria in the hospital.  We got lunch that day and took home roast turkey for our supper.  It was so good, and such a treat not to have to get a meal when we got home, we did the same thing yesterday.  Fred said it was almost as good as the ice cream sundae he had at a Dairy Queen in North Conway the night we came home from Maine Medical Center in Portland.  I was driving, so I stuck to my thermos of coffee!

We thank the many friends who have been concerned about Fred.  Having the option for treatment close to home is a real break, and it should be easy for us to manage, so for now, we're good.