A Tinge of Fall!

A few days ago I wrote about our Joe's Pond friend, Frank Dolan's passing. Here is his obituary as posted in the Valley News. 

Although I haven't spotted any maple trees turning color yet, I expect we'll begin to see that happening very soon. Our weather has turned more "normal," whatever that is these days, and there is a wonderful cool crispness in the air, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Great sleeping weather! I'm not seeing the haze, smelling smoke, or feeling the scratchy irritation in my throat that I experienced earlier in the week. There is a light wind coming from the southeast that is driving the smoky haze back over Canada. I am not ready for summer to be over, but I am very happy to have relief from the hot, muggy, oppressive weather we've had for so long. Now, if we could only get some rain . . . ! But not too much, please!

Things are beginning to wrap up here at Joe's Pond - except for the Milfoil Management group who are still diving and snorkeling regularly trying to keep track of the progress or (hopefully) obliteration of this invasive pest. Many people are working very hard to keep it from taking over our beautiful lake. There are now more people going into the water and patrolling every day, helping to keep the spread in check, and to everyone being mindful of the markers warning against activity in the active milfoil beds. It is important to continue being careful so we don't spread the stuff. 

Thank you to all who have stepped up in whatever way you are able to help. What began as a small core of dedicated workers has grown to be a really impressive group willing to donate time and effort to this on-going project. Without this kind of dedication and willingness to help, we would soon be overcome by Eurasian watermilfoil; but I have faith that we will win this battle because of so many pitching in to help. 

In the next few weeks, Joe's Pond Association activities will be winding down and many people will be heading home so youngsters can go to school, or older folks will be leaving the cold north country to spend the winter in warmer climes. The end of summer is always sad - our final JPA business meeting is on August 30. However, some folks wait until after the holidays (Thanksgiving and/or Christmas) to leave - and of course there are a number of us who simply stay put and watch the leaves fall, the blue water turn into a broad field of white as snow comes and the ice thickens - this is "home" all year, come what may. Fall brings more than just beautiful colors - we usually have mild, sunny days, crisp nights, a fair amount of rain, and maybe an occasional wind storm. There are always lots of church suppers - chicken pie, turkey dinners, bean dinners, wild game dinners - tourists love it and so do locals. Watch for notifications - I generally get posters from a variety of groups that are hosting these suppers and other fall activities. That's fall in the Northeast Kingdom!

Enjoy this lovely weekend - the weather couldn't be better for just about anything you decide to do. Or be like me and just sit on your porch, lawn, or dock and enjoy! This evening,  
maybe do a little rain dance - we REALLY need some rain!