What a dreary day for Fall Foliage Festival participants. The foliage is very pretty, but the weather is a bummer. I've been chilly all day. It's going to take some time to get acclimated to cold weather, I can tell.

The foliage really is super nice. It has turned literally overnight - the frosty nights and the rain always bring out the nice colors. As long as you have warm clothing and wear your gloves, the next couple of days should be pretty nice for viewing.

Here's a little news - Abel Toll has bought Walker Volkswagen in Barre from Wade Walker. We know Wade as the son of our favorite Iceologist, Don Walker, and sister of Shelly Walker (West Shore Road) who is carrying on her father's legacy on the Joe's Pond Ice-Out committee. Surprisingly, Wade has grandchildren (!)  and he wants to spend more time with them. I can understand that, but it's hard to wrap my mind around Wade being a grandfather already! We wish Wade the very best in his retirement - or in whatever his next endeavor turns out to be. And of course, we also wish the best for Abel - who has a lot on his plate.

Also, we heard on the news today that St. Johnsbury is getting a new manufacturing business that is going to employ about fifty people! That is good news for the area! It's long overdue. These people manufacture the boots that are used to lock down cars that are going to be towed - and some other items. I didn't get exactly where they will be located, but we'll learn more about them as time goes on.