We knew it was going to happen - as soon as the weather turned really warm, people would begin to complain about the heat. Today, they had good reason. It was hot, muggy and really got to me. I felt exhausted before I'd done anything and by afternoon, my head got that "almost but not quite a headache" feeling. My main activity today was adjusting window shades and opening or closing windows as the sun progressed in its usual path. I like fresh air, but I like being cool even more in this kind of weather, so windows open at night to let the cool air flow in, but as soon as the sun comes up, I close up and lower the insulated blinds. The house normally stays nice and cool - as long as we don't open doors too often. However, there's a problem with that - I also like to be able to see out my windows - therefore, as soon as the sun is no longer shining directly in a window, I want the shade up and possibly the window open.

More than that, I have finished scanning literally hundreds of 35mm slides. I think I have done about 1600. It's been an interesting short-term project and I've enjoyed the journey back all those years. Some of you will remember that years ago there was a portable pump purchased for the purpose of assisting in fire protection for West Danville and the cottages around the pond. One of the highlights of the annual boat parades back in the 1970s was when the pontoon boat with the pump on it came by and doused onlookers. I came across a couple of photos of that boat - I know Ralph Hastings was probably holding the hose and directing it at people along the shore, but I don't know who the others were on the boat, but someone will, no doubt.

Here are just a few of the entries that year. I can't give you names - although I do remember that the one on the left with the tall mast was Patty Powell and her sailboat.

One on my favorites is the Joe's Pond Monster below left. That is a pretty cool entry - I hope it won a prize. Actually, I think that year (and most years) every entry got some sort of prize. In 1973, Shelly Walker and I were co-chairing the parade and we let each prize winner choose from all the donated prizes, 1st prize winner getting first choice and on down the line. The judges rated each entry, so each one got something. I don't remember how many boats there were that year, but there were a lot.

The boat parades were a lot of fun - of course a lot of work went into some of the entries, but kids seemed to really get into doing it. Over the years enthusiasm diminished, and eventually there were so few entries it wasn't fun any more. Perhaps, like the sailboat races, one day the boat parade will be resurrected.

I came across this aerial photo of the south end of the third pond at Joe's and in the distance, Molly's Pond. I gives you an interesting perspective, I think. I guess before there were motorized vehicles making noise it would have been possible for Joe and Molly to communicate by just shouting. Unfortunately, I have no idea who took this photo or how I happened to have it. It was probably taken in the mid to late 1970s.

We had an inquiry today in "Comments" on the Joe's Pond website wondering if there are loon chicks yet anywhere on the pond. I haven't heard, but perhaps someone will let us know. Thanks for the question - we always hope at least one of the loon couples is successful in raising a chick or two.

Take care, everyone, and remember to protect your friends and others by wearing a face mask when you are out in public. With more Corona virus outbreaks happening in other states, it's probably only a matter of time before Vermont gets another uptick in cases. The best way to guard against that is to just wear the darned masks when you're in public, and keep your distance as best you can. It's the considerate thing to do.