This and That

 I just came from the Danville Historical Society where Patty and I signed a half-dozen or so more boxes of books. This is an enjoyable chore, on many levels. First, it's always a pleasure to visit the historical society. The rooms are bright and cheerful and second, Patty is always in a good mood! Today she and Dave Houston were working out details of the bean-hole feed at Greenbank's Hollow on Sunday. I sat with Patty and Dave for a few minutes as they finished up, and it was amazing how the conversation turned into something of a history lesson in between discussing details of the upcoming event. John was busy in the office, but I had a chance to say hello to him and the conversation turned to baking beans. Then Dave explained to me  what the bean hole is all about and how the feast is prepared. What a lot of work! But I think everyone looks forward to doing it and I'm sure the results of beans baked underground for long hours will be delicious.

After I left the Historical Society, I went to Marty's 1st Stop for a few items and ran into Doug and Nancy Hamilton. I  hadn't seen them for a long time and it was great to catch up with them. Both are looking great. We talked about our kids being at Joe's Pond every summer when they were growing up - and for our families, not much has changed. Doug and Nancy are year-round residents (Channel Drive) and their son, Billy and his wife Cheryl, have a year-round home next to them. Billy has a passion for restoring old inboard boats, and their family appreciates the beauty of those old boats just as my family always has. We have two woodies in our family, but neither is in the water this year. I asked Jamie about our Correct-Craft that he has always put in the water every summer, but he said he was reluctant to have it in this year because of the wake boat activity. We don't have a lift in the boathouse, and last year it got seriously tossed around - more than what a normal storm would put it through, so he decided not to launch it. The other woody is son Bill's, and he hasn't had it in the water for a number of years, mostly because he hasn't been spending as much time at the pond as he used to. They are precious relics, and I miss seeing them - and riding in them. Perhaps one day Joe's Pond will have a Parade of Woodies" and wouldn't that be fun? There is an antique and classic boat show on Champlain about every year. I've never been, but I have watched videos and indeed, there is something very special about antique and classic wood boats.

I stopped in at Hastings Store and picked up some of Jenny's delicious potato salad - I'm looking forward to having some of that tonight! Then I stopped by the Joe's Pond Craft Shop to see Deb Stresing, and it's a good thing I did - she was out of our books. I had replenished my stock today and was happy to give her more to sell. Even though Hastings Store has them, occasionally people stop at only one of the stores, and this way we've got it covered! I love Deb's shop - so many pretty things there, and she's always bubbly and happy.

Now I'm home, getting hungry, and ready to put some supper together and spend some time watching the news. I really haven't had much time to do that today. I watched a few minutes at noon, but I had to leave, so I'll catch up tonight. In the meantime, I want to share with you the lovely bouquet of dahlias that Gretchen Farnsworth brought to me yesterday. They are gorgeous - such big blooms! I have them on my coffee table in the livingroom, but I took the picture on the porch yesterday because the light is so much better out there. And with that, I'll sign off. I think it's time for a glass of wine while I find something to go with my potato salad! It just began to rain - and boy, do we needed it! Enjoy!