Another hot, hot day behind us. We had appointments in St. Johnsbury this afternoon and it was so hot there. We were glad to get back to our house on the hill above the pond. Not much breeze in St. J. However, we went to Riley's Fish Shack for lunch, and that was very pleasant. It was busy, but not crowded, and as always, the food was very good. One think I really like about there is that I can order small portions. I get really annoyed when I order lunch or dinner expecting a reasonable amount of food and instead get what for me (or almost anyone, I would think!) would be at least two very generous portions and I have to either waste it or bring it home. It isn't the cost that gets me - if the food is good, I don't mind paying - I just don't like throwing good food away, and it's never as good when you bring it home in a box and reheat for another meal. So today's "small" portions of fish and chips were just right for us. I have had their salads with shrimp and absolutely love their chowder. We had soft-serve ice cream cones - they have the chocolate and vanilla twists, and though the small was a little more than we needed, it was really good on such a hot day.
     Speaking of soft-serve ice cream, Andy Rudin told me tonight he and Joyce have found the best maple creamees around, and at a place not far from Joe's Pond. They stopped at Butch's Harvestore on Route 15, just a few rods past the intersection of Rte. 215 going towards Hardwick. It's on the left - next to a pretty new sugar house. We had heard the creamees are special there, and Andy has confirmed they are the best around. Good to know, thanks, Andy.