Progress Being Made!

 After several days with my new computer system, I'm beginning to find my way around Windows 11. It isn't easy. The changes may make it easier for some people, but for me, this updated version of Windows is just plain cumbersome. I expect I'll get used to it, but in the meantime, everything I want to do takes me longer - first I have to research how to get where I want to be, and then I have to spend some time learning the changes. Fortunately, a few things, once I find them, aren't that different. It's just sometime hard to remember how I found my way there.

The hot weather kept me inside last week, and now that the weather is cooler and it would be wonderful to get outside to do a few things around my yard, I'm having to catch up on things I wasn't able to get to while my computers were out of commission. I plan to get outside to take care of some things this afternoon.

I recently learned that the neat little log cabin built by Dick Larrabee several years ago on the hillside overlooking the first pond is for sale. I heard from the owners that they are both retiring and have decided it's no longer viable to own two properties. They have enjoyed vacationing in Vermont and will miss the cozy house on the hillside, but priorities change and now it's time for someone else to enjoy the beautiful spot. I found the real estate listing - it is a charming and really special spot, great location with a nice view of the pond and all the activity at the beach and along Route 15, and is a year-around home. The village is within easy walking distance, as is the public beach, the church, Vermont's smallest library, and the popular rail-trail. What more could one want? 

The summer seems to be zooming by altogether too quickly. This morning I found an ad on my computer for "back to school" stuff. Hard to believe summer is more than half over and families will be leaving the pond within a few weeks to get the kids ready for school. The weather has had a lot of us confused - either it's much hotter than we expect for July or nights are much cooler. I had a low of 49 degrees one night this weekend and it's already feeling a lot like fall. It was chilly in my house most of the day yesterday, so I did a little baking to warm things up and provide myself with a few cookies for the rest of the week. I've been running the heat pump sometimes during the day - either for cooling or heating - and often during the same day. It's hard to keep up with the weather changes.

My pond remains low. The rain over the weekend did little to improve things out there. I think it was Saturday that I headed out to survey the pond and some spots on my property that I haven't visited much this summer because it was too hot. I was at the far end of my pond headed for the lower lawn area when I heard what sounded like wind rustling leaves up in the woods, but there wasn't a breath stirring where I was. It took a couple of rain drops on my arm before I realized that it was rain, not wind I was hearing. I headed back to the house, first at a fast walk and then as sprinkles began to turn into huge dollops of rain, I ran. It's been a while since I've moved that fast for any reason, and it felt good to know I could still do it - and not fall. I still got pretty wet, but it had been so hot that day, it really felt good. I stayed on the porch, enjoying the downpour and laughing at myself for getting caught by that swift-moving - and turned out to be very brief - rain storm. My leisurely inspection of the property was cut short by Mother Nature. 

Daytime was really too hot to be on the porch a lot of the time last week, but as the evening cooled, my kitty guest, Thor, and I spent quite a bit of time on the porch. He was reluctant at first, but very curious, and now it's his favorite spot to lie in the sun or crouch in the shadows listening to night sounds. It's my favorite spot for reading. I've been surprised at how many bird calls there are after dark. I think that may be a little unusual - but some evenings they seem to be very conversational. I haven't checked my Merlin identifier to find out who the chatty tweeters are, but I plan to do that next time we're out there.

Be cool and safe - and thank you. It means a lot to me that you are reading this, whether you read the whole thing or skipped to the end!

By the way, if you don't have your tickets or reservations for the "Pig Roast" dinner this coming Saturday, you may still be able to get seated. Give Michelle Parker a call - 802-229-8565. You don't have to be a member of JPA to attend, and I promise you won't be disappointed - this is always a great dinner. I hope to see you there!