We've had a little bit of everything for weather today. There were a few brief periods of sunshine, but it never got very warm. There was a fair amount of wind that made it seem more like mid-April than mid-May, and tonight there was some rain that will likely turn into snow by morning. Actually 3-6 inches predicted for mountain areas. I hope that isn't us - we're at about 1600 ft. and the 3-6 inches is for areas that are 2000 ft. above sea level. Close enough for some snow cover, probably.
     Just before we left for Maine, our washing machine quit on us. We stopped on our way through Littleton and found one at Lowe's. They delivered it this morning. Like everything mechanical that we buy these days, there's a learning curve, and always it takes a little bit of time and sometimes it helps to have computer skills - or at least be able to understand that they work differently than other mechanized gadgets. We managed, between the two of us, to get two loads of wash done. It took all afternoon, however. We'll get the hang of it . . . 
    This morning I was over at Jamie and Joanne Stewart's helping with the newsletter mailing. Sometimes I am amazed at how off the mark I can be. As our JPA members know, there is always a return envelope enclosed inside the newsletter so people can send in their dues. Last year the box of remittance envelopes was nearly used up, so I counted what remained and distinctly remember deciding there were enough for this year. Knowing I was going to retire as secretary, I figured whoever took over should have the experience of ordering the remittance envelopes, so I put the box away with the remaining envelopes and forgot about it until this spring. I got it out a few weeks ago, counted them and decided there were enough, so when it came time, I delivered them to Joanne to insert in the newsletters. She emailed a little later saying, "Are there more envelopes?" She ran out. 
     Turns out, I had really goofed. I don't know how or why I figured there were enough, but actually we were about 70 envelopes short. So here's the thing - some of you will get the usual remittance envelope, but others will get just a simple form that you'll have to return to us in your own envelope. My apologies - I know it's not a big deal and all of you can deal with it just fine, but still - how in heck did I goof that badly? Clearly, it's time for me to pass the torch to someone who's got it together better than I.
     When you do get your newsletter, please pay attention to the new ads in there. It's always nice to patronize those businesses who support our newsletter with their ads, but even more than that, there are some really interesting newcomers - Tootsie's, Forever Fresh, Butch's Harvest'ore, Scalehouse, T & K Mayo Enterprises - and then there are new things going on that you'll learn about in the regular ads. I know reading ads probably doesn't seem very intresting, but it's a great way to know what's available here at the Pond and in surrounding communities.
     Those of you who do not get the newsletter can go on line and see it in glorious color very soon! It takes a day or two to get it on the website, but Joanne will be sending it to Fred soon.
     Speaking about businesses - I noticed that Sambel's is in place already! Not much going on at the beach, so I imagine they are not very busy yet. We still have high hopes summer will come - soon!