This has been pretty nearly a perfect combination for the past several days - sunshine in the morning and afternoon showers. Isn't that kind of like Florida weather? We've needed the rain, for sure, and in the past four days I've recorded a little over 2 1/4 in.
That should help crops a bit.

We are keeping an eye on the weather for the weekend now. The Joe's Pond Fireworks are supposed to be going off Friday night, but there may be some competition from Mother Nature with some fireworks of her own. The electrical storms so far this year haven't been too awful, but there is always the possibility, every storm that comes along.

Last Sunday's winds did some damage in some areas, we've been told, but I think this side of the pond escaped that completely. The recent rain coming out of the east is fairly unusual here, but recently that's the direction the wind and rain has been coming from.

Back to the fireworks. They are scheduled for Friday evening at dusk - but if there is rain, the next date would be on Sunday, July 5th. Rain could happen either afternoon/evenings - or both - but we will try to have the latest information available for you here and on the website, www.joespondvermont.com

We want everyone to have a safe July Fourth celebration, and although there aren't many parades or other public festivities going on, I'm sure families will be together enjoying the pond or hiking the rail trail, biking through the countryside or meandering down shady country roads. Remember to respect your neighbors - don't intrude on private property, keep the noise level down, have your pets on a leash at all times, and wear your face mask if you approach others along the way. These are unsettling times and everyone is a little on edge. With new outbreaks of the Covid-19 virus in other states, locals may not be as welcoming to strangers as they normally would be. Wear your masks and give people you meet plenty of space. It will be appreciated, and hopefully they will show you the same respect.