Tuesday, October 31, 2017


     This was probably not a great night for youngsters to be out doing their Halloween rounds.  At least, here at Joe's Pond it is pretty chilly.  I don't think it got much above 45 degrees today, and there was a brisk wind.   I took these pictures from my office window early this morning as the sun was coming up.  It looks like we have lots of color, but really it was just the sun brightening everything.  The sun didn't stay long - those dark clouds kept us pretty gloomy most of the day.  We also had a few showers.  At one point this afternoon it looked like it was more than just rain - but it was just a brief shower, and if there were snowflakes involved, they melted before hitting the ground.  I looked at the thermometer and it was 42 degrees, so I was probably wrong about seeing snow mixed in.  Now - it's 11:30 and 36 degrees, and no wind, so I expect there will be a frost before morning.  At least there's a moon tonight - another indication it will be a cold night.
     We have had a fair amount of rain this month, finally.  I just checked my records for the summer and found I reported 3.89 in. in July, 3.18 in Aug. and 3.02 in Sept.  This month came in at 8.83 in.
I'd say we have a good start making up for those dry months.  November is our cloudiest month, normally, so perhaps that will mean we'll get substantial rain, too, but who knows?  I'm not sure there's anything "normal" about our weather these days.
      As usual, we had no trick or treaters.  It's a good thing because we didn't have any candy on hand at all.  Usually we have a bag or two of candy that we really like ourselves, just in case - and then we end up eating it, of course; however, this year we decided we would stick to a healthier plan and if youngsters came, they'd get apples. 
     A few years we've been away on Halloween.  One year, when we were still working, we were in Provincetown, on the Cape.  That was an experience, and great fun.  At least twice we've been in Maine.  Halloween is much more civilized than it used to be, I think.  There doesn't seem to be the vandalism and destruction we used to have.  I suppose that goes in cycles.  
      We had a call Sunday from Granddaughter Tangeni.  She was very excited that she was going trick or treating in their neighborhood tonight.  She was dressing up as a puma, she told me.  And then she asked me if I knew what a puma is.  I said I did, so we discussed whiskers and tails and comparisons with Woody.  She gets National Wildlife's "Ranger Rick" magazine, so is up to date on all sorts of animals.
     

Monday, October 30, 2017

    It was a pretty wild night, but we lost power only a couple of times - very briefly.   Remarkable.  I measured 1.90 in. of rainfall this morning - and it has stopped, at least for the moment.  The highest wind gust recorded here was 24.9 m.p.h.  I don't normally record wind speed, but I had a question recently about that, so will pay more attention and report that when we have a big blow.  The temperature is still mild for this time of year - 58 degrees right now.  Most of the leaves have been stripped from the trees, so it's looking kind of bleak - waiting for a fresh mantle of white.
    I'm off to the Danville Historical Society to work this morning, and I'm glad the weather has moderated.  Last night I was wondering if we might all be without power and our meeting would have to be called off.  So far, I think everything is ok, but the lights just flickered, so perhaps there's more challenges to come.  It's suddenly very still outside.  That's a bit ominous.  The lull before the storm, perhaps?  More later.  I need to get ready for my meeting.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

     Nancy Buttura brought this to my attention today via e-mail.  This is a really home-grown industry - Hooker Mountain Farm is over in South Cabot.   They now have a distillery, along with lots of other products.   I knew they were doing interesting things over there, but didn't know they've named one of their new products for Joe's Pond.  Pretty cool!  Nancy said it's now available at Vermont State Liquor Stores.
     We're experiencing the calm before the storm right now.  We've had rain most of the day, but the temperature has stayed in the 50s, so it hasn't been too dreadful.  Tonight the rain is going to increase and so will the wind.  It could knock out our power, I expect.  We had a blip around lunch time, but just an instant interruption that didn't knock me off the internet.  We might not be as lucky tonight.  So tie down anything loose - or stash it inside, otherwise you could be looking for your belongings in one of the other ponds tomorrow.  Above all, stay safe. 
 

Saturday, October 28, 2017

     We have very nice sunshine today, but quite a bit of wind, so the temperature feels a little chilly.  It's going to get warmer during the day, but we're due some nasty weather tomorrow into Monday.
     We have warned people about bears on the rail trail, especially during the spring when they are lean and hungry, but this week a very different danger came to light.  Here's what Pam Hebert wrote:
 
Tuesday Joe and I were walking on the rail trail. We heard a loud crack ..... he said run. Tree fell but got caught in other limbs.. next day across the trail. Guess not our time.
   
     I'm glad Pam and Joe got out of the way in time and weren't hurt.  That is really frightening.
 
     Something like that can certainly be a threat whenever you are walking where there are trees and there's some wind.  I often think about that when Fred and I are walking up Jamie and Marie's driveway.  There are massive trees along there, and it's really scary when the wind's howling.  We are planning to have many of them removed soon to reduce the risk of one coming down on anyone or on the power lines.
     Here's something I worry about.  I see people walking, running or biking on our road all the time, and many have earbuds on.  Sometimes I've had people go by and not even notice me coming down my driveway, and when I've said "Hi" to them, I've had no response - I'm sure because they didn't hear me and weren't even aware I was there.  That's dangerous.  If you can't hear and you aren't paying attention to your surroundings, goodness knows what could happen.  For sure you wouldn't hear a warning crack of a tree falling, or the roar an out-of-control car approaching. 
     If you are outside, enjoy the fresh air AND the sounds around you.  There are birds chirping, geese honking, squirrels chattering and it's all part of nature that shouldn't be missed.  And you'll be safer if you can hear them - and any danger lurking!  

Thursday, October 26, 2017

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 this week!  Traffic may be shifted to the new roadway alignment by the end of the week.

 
Week of October 30th, 2017
US 2 – East (Danville Side) of Goodrich’s Maple Farm
  Crews are scheduled to pave the newly reconstructed area behind the barrier this week. Following paving, new guardrail and line striping will be installed.

By the end of the week, traffic may be shifted to 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:  
Crews will be backfilling abutments.  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

 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

That was a lot of rain in a short period of time last night!  I measured 2.84 in. this morning.  A station in Groton got almost 4 inches, but that was the most I have seen recorded this morning.  Some places close by - Greensboro, for instance, got less than 1 in.  It sure came down hard, but we needed it badly and everything looks dust-free and fresh this morning.  Looks like it could be another mild and very pleasant day, at least for a while. I haven't heard the news, but last night there were power outages because of the strong winds.  My reading here was 23 mph as the highest, but we are protected except from the SE.  I think this was a SW wind.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Here's something to ponder - about wood smoke.  I know, if you live in Vermont, wood stoves are just what you do.  But after reading that article, you may at least decide to upgrade your stove . . . makes you afraid for people dealing with huge forest fires that blanket their communities with smoke, doesn't it?
    Our lovely summer/autumn weather is about to change a bit.  We've had it really great for the past two weeks.  The last time I recorded any appreciable precipitation was on October 10th.  I had .85 in my measuring tube - and that was a two-day accumulation.  I remember that was when the foliage seemed to suddenly come alive.  Now it's very dry again.  There are brush and forest fires in the news, and the rain will help keep those down.  With the leaves mostly on the ground now, the danger of fires getting started is very real.
     The wind has finished off lots of the leaves, but there are still a few trees that have held on.  This one is along our driveway and I took the picture on Sunday.  There are I think seven different kinds of maple trees along our driveway, and each one turned differently this fall.  Some are completely bare, one or two still have leaves, but the wind tomorrow, along with heavy rain, will no doubt strip them. 
     We went to West Danville this afternoon - I needed more glazing compound to finish re-puttying the windows in the garage.  It's been just the right temperature yesterday and today to work on it.  I'll still need to paint it after the putty has cured a few days, so I'm hoping we get another fairly warm spell.  I really like doing that job - I seldom have to do it - most of our windows are updated now.  But it's one of those jobs that takes a little time to "get the hang of it," and it is more difficult if you don't take the window out so you can work on it flat.  I didn't bother to do that, and of course gravity worked against me.  About the time I was smoothing out the last bead with my putty knife, I was getting pretty good at it, though.  Now if I can keep a steady hand to lay the paint on . . . it takes practice, so I get better by the end of the job and look back at the beginning and wish I could start over.  But that's ok - it's just the garage, for Pete's sake.  I don't have to look at it every day, and at least the glass is secure and water isn't rotting the sash.
     Tomorrow I guess we'll put away the deck furniture.  If there's going to be a lot of wind, no need to have those chairs moving around.  It's time.  It won't be long before we get our first snow of the season.  Fred is getting our snow tires on next week - we'll be ready.

Friday, October 20, 2017

    Another beautiful fall day.  The weather has been absolutely lovely for mid-October.  We had a wind a couple nights ago that stripped the leaves from lots of our trees, but there are individual trees that were somehow protected from the full force of the wind that are still gorgeous.  We were in St. Johnsbury most of the day - Fred had several appointments and then we did some shopping.  It was like summer, and people were dressed accordingly.  In fact, we bumped into Ted Chase (North Shore Rd) sporting shorts in Danville - I think it was on Sunday we saw Dave Parker (Otis Drive) at Marty's and Dave had just been for a swim.  Dave also told us he has now joined the "Year 'Rounders" at Joe's Pond.  That's great news, and we wish Dave "happy trails" on his commute to Barre every day.  He's looking forward to snowmobile season!!  Don't rush it, Dave!
    If you haven't already seen and been awed by the new Barre Gray ad on TV, click HERE and enjoy.  I was preparing supper in the kitchen the first time I heard it a few days ago.  It literally stopped me in my tracks.  I'm still mesmerized whenever it's on.  And I'm generally not a fan of opera - but this is exceptional.
    Talking about exceptional - we've been very impressed with the job Tom Simonds of North Danville is doing installing a new roof for Jamie and Marie.  Here's the thing - they called for an estimate, he came right away.  The estimate was reasonable.  He told them when he could begin - and came when he said he would.  He gave them a time frame to have the job completed - he's probably going to finish ahead of schedule.  And the roof looks great.  Tom has a reputation for being "the best there is" and we're inclined to believe it.  He's been in the roofing business for many years and says he really enjoys it.  Watching him work, I can believe it.  I like that Tom can carry on a very cordial conversation when we visit the job, but he doesn't stop working.  He's on the move every minute. (That's him in the photo!)  I almost wish we needed a new roof!  Actually, we had excellent roofers (Murphy Construction and Roofing) do ours a few years ago, too. It's just really nice to find reliable people who are experts in their field when you need them.
    Enjoy the lovely weekend coming up.  The later we get into October, the more likely we are to have some nasty weather, but I think we'll be ok - we have an appointment to have our winter tires put on at the end of October, the snow blower is tuned up and ready to go, most of the gardens are mulched for the winter, and after this weekend, any loose ends we need to finish will be done, so we will be able to tuck in and enjoy the cooler weather, snow or whatever.



 

Thursday, October 19, 2017

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 within the project limits.  Please reduce speed and use caution when traveling through the project.  Law enforcement may be present to patrol for speed enforcement.

Expect traffic delays this week!

 
Week of October 23rd, 2017
US 2 – East (Danville Side) of Goodrich’s Maple Farm
 
Crews will excavate to tie-in the newly reconstructed section of US 2 to the existing roadway.

Traffic will be shifted to use the widened area in front of Goodrich Maple Farm to maintain mobility through the project.
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:  
Crews will be removing the forms from the abutment walls and backfilling.  Crane pads will also be constructed to prepare for setting of the pre-cast bridge beams.  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

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

You just never know when something special is going to come your way.  Today has been intense for me - I've been working diligently on one of the chapters for the West Danville history book, and when I returned to my computer after dinner this evening, I found an email from someone I didn't know - not unusual, I find lots of those, usually from someone looking for information about Joe's Pond, or sometimes Cabot.  But when I opened this one tonight, there was a very nice, short note: 
 Hi Jane,
I've bee following your blog since moving to Island Pond, VT four years ago. I wanted to share a few photos and a video that I made of Joe's Pond last week. You are more than welcome to share them on your blog.  John Rowe


The photos and video are spectacular.  I hope you enjoy them as much as Fred and I have.  Isn't it fun to see our pond from a totally different perspective?  Thank you, John Rowe, for sharing.  As you can see, John is a professional photographer, and does beautiful work. 
Click to make the images larger; click HERE for the video.  Enjoy! 



    In another mailbox, I found yet another nice surprise.  Diane Rossi sent me photos of Alba's 101st birthday party that the family celebrated today at Shelburne Bay with Bill.  Alba surely doesn't look anywhere near 101 years old!  She's as sharp as she looks, and always enjoys a party.   The bottom photo is Alba with her two sons, Ted and Bill.  Looks like everyone enjoyed the party.
    I'm sorry I didn't post her address so some of her Joe's Pond friends could send a note or card, but it's not too late - I'm sure she'd love to hear from any of you.  Her address is:
 Mrs. Alba Rossi, Lincoln House, Room 11, 120 Hill Street, Barre, VT 05641. 

















Monday, October 16, 2017

    Fall is in the air - at least this morning!  The mugginess of yesterday is gone and the air is crisp and cool.  There seemed to be some wind last night, and I can see that we've lost lots of leaves, especially on tree tops. It's time.
     A gentleman contacted me this week asking about a cottage somewhere on our pond that once belonged to a Putnam family.   I searched my files and found Ralph Putnam, of Montpelier, built a cottage here around 1916, but I do not know where on the pond that was.  If anyone happens to recognize that name, from family or perhaps from your property deed, I would appreciate knowing.  The gentleman, who's first name is Putnam and who has family ties to Craftsbury, VT, contacted me because had purchased a sign, "Camp Putnam," and the seller told him it was from Joe's Pond, VT.  The sign certainly looks like something one of our cottages would have worn, back in the day.  It looks beautifully preserved - someone probably cherished it all these years.  I don't know if the person who contacted me is a dealer or wanted it simply because his first name is Putnam - but he is interested in knowing something of the history of the sign, if possible.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

    I hope everyone made it through yesterday, "Friday the 13th," without any serious mishaps.  However, if something did go wrong, you know why - it was because of the day, the 13th day falling on a Friday.
     I did a little research and found out that in China, the number 4 is very unlucky.
     Superstitions vary from one country to another - a black cat crossing your path in U. S. is considered bad luck, but if you are in Japan or the U.K. and a black feline crosses your path, it's considered good luck.
     I bring up superstitions about Friday the 13th because my mother was born on October 13, 1908, which was a Tuesday; however, she worried every time her birthday fell on Friday.  She worried about other superstitions, like seating 13 at a table.  Never happened in her household  - there would be a separate table for some of the guests.  
     We had a Christmas cactus plant that had been in her family for many years.  It was well known among her sisters, the McAllan girls, that the plant bloomed whenever one of the family was seriously ill or dying. I don't know if it bloomed when my Grandmother McAllan died, but it stayed with my grandfather after he remarried.  It had to be removed from his second wife's sick room because it was blooming out of season.  My Grandfather McAllan came to live with us around 1937, and brought the plant with him.  It continued to bloom from time to time, and because there was a large family of both Boltons and McAllans, it wasn't a stretch to connect its flowering to someone's illness or a death.  It was in bloom when my grandfather died in May, and my mother finally said, Enough!  She took several slips from the old plant and put it in our windowless basement, to die.  
     Over the years, the second-generation plants flourished and bloomed only at Christmas, like they were supposed to.  One or two aunts asked for a plant, and after my mother passed away, I took the remaining, now very old cactus.  It's leggy and tough, but blooms only every Christmas.  I've started new, third-generation plants from it, somehow wanting to preserve it.  As long as the new plants continue to behave as they should and do not bloom out of season, they are welcome.  I do not want to be filled with dread at the sight of a beautiful pink bud forming in March or July.
     I don't really believe that first old cactus had supernatural powers to predict anything.  I'm pretty sure the blooming was triggered by light and temperature - somehow.  I remember how my mother reacted - her common sense telling her not to worry when it began to bud, but then we'd get news someone in the family was sick, and it was an "I could have told you so" moment.  My father always tried to counter her fears with his farmer's mind set, telling her the old plant had too much fertilizer (my mother watered it with tea) or it was probably crossed with some other plant species.  I'm sure she knew he was right, but I also know she was relieved after the original old plant was gone.  
    Superstitions are fun, but it's best not to let them rule your life.  I guess nearly everyone has certain things they watch out for - like walking under a ladder - that's only common sense, if you don't want to chance paint or a hammer falling on you.  I bet almost everyone has something they think is bad luck, like breaking a mirror, opening an umbrella inside the house or having a wild bird fly into the house.  And I bet there are people who search for four-leaf clovers, knock on wood, or toss salt over their shoulder for good luck.  Sometimes it's just best not to take unnecessary chances.
     

Thursday, October 12, 2017

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.

 
Week of October 16th, 2017
US 2 – East (Danville Side) of Goodrich’s Maple Farm

There will be several active operations within the project this week:

-    Onsite traffic diversions will be used while crews install drainage pipes across the road.  Traffic diversions will have a gravel surface.
-    The section of new roadway behind the barrier will see new permanent material placed and prepared for paving.
-    A temporary detour will be constructed adjacent to Goodrich’s for future use.

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:  

Crews will continue construction of the bridge #88 near the Folsom Farm by pouring concrete for the stem walls and preparing to place the next beams.  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 went to Berlin this morning for my eye appointment.  We had a bit of a wait in East Cabot where the road is being widened and straightened  -  and the bridge by Folsom's farm is being replaced.  On our way home, we took these photos as we approached first the bridge work and then the cut by Goodrich's Sugarhouse.  As you can see, it was hit-or-miss as I shot the pictures across Fred as he was driving.  But you can get the idea of what is going on.
     Further down the road, by Goodrich's, it looks like there may be a passing or turn lane to get to their place and then on the opposite side, to turn onto Danville Hill Road.  There already is a passing land on the hill past the old school house and the cemetery in East Cabot, but that stretch will likely be quite different than it has been.  These are all Goodrich's buildings, and you can see a lot of the hillside between those building and the road has been peeled away.  Beyond Goodrich's, in the cedar swamp before Danville Hill Road, 
there will be a much wider road approaching the bridge.  It will be a huge improvement having the approach to that bridge straighter.  That is really treacherous in the winter.  It's one of those situations that can fool anyone, even people who travel the road on a regular basis.  It is a sharper curve than you think and at the same time there's a slight hill, and the road tips the wrong way so your momentum tends to throw you off course as you drive into the curve.  So click on one of the photos above and you can then see all of them larger.
     Beautiful day here, but we had white frost everywhere this morning.  Our thermometer had a low of 30.9F.  The sun has warmed us a little, but it's still only 54F.  Pretty normal for mid-October, but we have been spoiled with the really warm weather and people are complaining a little about how chilly it was this morning.  We need to get used to it - cooler days are ahead!  And soon we'll be announcing our first snowstorm!  Could happen within weeks - or not.  In the meantime, enjoy the sun and foliage. 
















Wednesday, October 11, 2017

                                                                       
Project Location:  Bridge 6 is located on VT 2B in St. Johnsbury over the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.  The bridge is less than one half mile west of Route 2B’s eastern intersection with US Route 2.

In late September, Governor Phil Scott joined Vermont Agency of Transportation staff, officials from the Town of St. Johnsbury, Friends of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, Big R Bridge, and many other project stakeholders and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the Route 2B bridge over the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in St Johnsbury.
The Route 2B bridge was one of 17 planned road closures completed by VTrans this year. Most of these closures, including the St Johnsbury 2B Bridge, are part of VTrans’ Accelerated Bridge Construction program.
See photos and information about the ribbon cutting ceremony on the project website, http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/
ribbon cutting 1 (002) (1024x768)
Thank you for your support of this project and patience throughout construction of the new bridge.  It was a pleasure serving the St. Johnsbury community.
Francine Perkins
Project Outreach Coordinator
FRP Enterprises, LLC
802-479-6994




Snow & Ice Report

 W e're through another March snowstorm, and as far as I can tell, we aren't expecting more snow this month. We'll probably have...