Amazing as it may seem, the flag is still flying for the Joe's Pond Ice-Out Contest! If it survives three more days, a new record will be set. The latest it has gone out since the beginning of the contest is May 6. It sure looks like it will still be there by then, but anything can happen. Thanks to Diane for the daily photos to keep everyone up to date. The ice is looking considerably darker than a few days ago, so things are definitely changing - but how much? Nobody knows exactly. We'll keep you posted.
     Fred and I are still in Boston. We don't know when he will be released from the hospital, but I'm expecting it could be tomorrow. We will head north as soon as possible. He's passed all the physical therapy requirements, marching around the corridor, managing stairs, etc., and as soon as his innards get back to functioning normally and he can have solid food again, he'll be good to go.
  The weather here is unusual, too. Today's temperature is supposed to reach close to 90 degrees and there will be thunderstorms. Most people are thrilled with the instant summer, heading for beaches on their days off, shedding parkas and boots for shorts and flip-flops. I saw a burly security guard here at the hospital wearing shorts yesterday - not a pretty sight, but he was obviously dressing for the occasion.