What amazing weather we have had this holiday weekend!  It is common to see boats on Echo and Amherst Lakes and Woodward Reservoir, but I saw many different types of water crafts on Lake Pauline, as well.  When we drove by Camp Plymouth State Park, which is not actually open yet, the cars were everywhere – a mix of VT and out-of-state license plates..  Folks were carting chairs and picnic baskets down to the beach and they seemed to be keeping appropriate distances. The breeze helped to keep the bugs at bay a bit, too!

Things are beginning to open up here in VT.  We are so fortunate to have been able to keep our COVID-19 stats low.  Of course, we will still need to be prudent and adhere to the guidelines.  I was speaking with someone at VINS today and they are currently accepting injured birds and hoping to open in mid-June.  Things will be different at least for a time, however.  The store will not be open and the water fountains will be turned off.  There will be no shows, but the admission will be reduced.  Masks will be needed and following social distancing will be important, but you can still enjoy the birds and the canopy walk with your family.  Keep watching for more info!

During the Book Club Zoom last Thursday, we enjoyed a lively conversation about The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes.  We marveled at the strength of the characters and noted the social standards that have fortunately changed today.  The fortitude of these pack horse librarians not only advanced literacy, but they were also able to negate negative stereotyping as well,

The next book is the controversial American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.  It is the story of the journey of a mother and son fleeing Mexico for America after their entire family is murdered on orders given by a local cartel kingpin.  The discussion will take place on Thursday, 6/18 at 6:30 pm. Thanks to Rose for hosting!

Don’t forget to pick up those special Green-Up bags at the town office, clean up an area, then drop them off at Fast Trash in Bridgewater on Sat, 5/30

Well, it is always tricky with birthdays.  I have been chastised for including some, but it is very easy to leave others out!  So, a belated congratulations to BettyAnn Hayward, whose birthday was 5/15.  A John Lennon quote reads:  “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”

He also said, “There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance.  I hope that we are not letting the fear of this pandemic keep us from living and loving.  I think one of the things I miss most is hugging, so I am trying to find other ways of expressing tenderness and affection.  I am working on having smiling eyes!