Announcement, Etc.

 

Liz Sargent asked me to post this notice of the Old Home Day event at the Old North Church in North Danville. The old church is a beautifully preserved piece of history - no plumbing and no electricity. It has been kept much as it was in the 1800s when it served the community as a meeting house for the community as well as their religious requirements. The service is held by lamplight and you will be transported back in time to glimpse a simpler, less hurried, but oftentimes harsher way of life. It is a moving experience you won't want to miss.

On a sad note, I'm sure some of you know Sandy Ducharme of Cabot, a skilled artisan and beloved longtime member of the Cabot community. Sandy had an unfortunate fall earlier this month and died as a result. This is a tremendous shock and loss in our community. Our deepest sympathy to her family and many friends. She will be missed in many ways, every day.

This is one of those gorgeous summer days that seems to be close to ideal. It is getting hotter, I'm showing 81 degrees at almost noon, but there is a lovely breeze and if you don't have to be in the direct sun, it's quite comfortable. We do need rain, though. I think some nearby areas aren't as dry as we are here, but I have logged in only about 2 inches of precipitation this entire month. That isn't much, especially when we've had daytime temperatures in the 90s to dry the earth dramatically.  Our normal rainfall for each of the summer months of May, June, and July, is between 4 and 5 inches. I doubt that we'll make that this month. June was pretty close to normal, according to my measurements. The amount of rain can vary significantly depending on where you are located, the same as snow.

My house companion for the next few weeks, Thor, is making himself totally at home. He is a handsome devil - with an emphasis on "devil" sometimes. He wants to investigate all the high places, of course, and some really don't have adequate landing spots for him without displacing some cherished artifact I have displayed there. My usual theory is, if I don't interfere, he will navigate without injury to himself, deftly landing among whatever objects are there and, curiosity satisfied, will then find a safe way down. However, that doesn't mean there isn't collateral damage. I will probably have to sand and re-stain a few claw scratches from the sides of bookcases and cabinets after he leaves. My biggest fear is that he might injure himself, so sometimes I have to step in with a gentle spray of water to remind him he isn't supposed to go there. His most urgent needs are food and lap time, in that order, and easily provided. He is good company, and it's nice to have another "being" to look after - temporarily! In this photo, he was trying to decide if he could make it from my desk to the top of a very cluttered bookcase. There was a brief clash of wills but I think I have convinced him to abandon that particular investigation - at least until I'm elsewhere. It's time for lunch and some lap time, and that will quiet him down.

Enjoy the lovely day, be safe, and be happy.