The U.S. Drought Monitor, as you might expect after a week of hot sun, continues to indicate that Brattleboro and most of Windham County are still "Abnormally Dry" areas. We first got this distinction in late July.

Here's what they are saying about the Northeast in general: "The Northeast: Heavy rain lingered along the southern New England coast through August 25. In eastern Massachusetts, the Blue Hill Observatory reported an August 22-25 total of 7.59 inches. The coverage of abnormal dryness (D0) was reduced in southern New England, but significant rain again bypassed northern Maine.

Despite the welcomed rains over the last week, Brattleboro and most of Windham County remains "Abnormally Dry" according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The August 24 Drought Report shows an improvement over last week in Vermont, with the western edge of the state being removed from the warning zone.

Lawns and gardens are dry. Plants are droopy and flopping over. Leaves and branches are sagging. Small streams are dried up.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 22.2% of Vermont is currently considered "Abnormally Dry".

This is an increase of 16% since last week.

Earth's upper atmosphere has suffered a major, record breaking collapse, according to a NASA announcement on Thursday.

Just had this link sent to me by my son:

http://gizmodo.com/5588968/earths-upper-atmosphere-suffers-record-collapse

From what I read, our thremosphere is again rebounding , and this type of event isn't rare, but it seems that the most recent collapse has scientists baffled because they can't explain the sheer magnitude. There are fluctuations with the solar min and max, but the fluctuations can usually be accounted for in terms of measuring the loss; this one cannot be completely explained.

Hold on to your hats, and open your windows at night and close them in the morning.

The next week is calling for temps 10 to 15 degrees above average for our area. Midweek it will be high 90's!

Enjoy it if you are into that, but also be aware: what if we have some days in August that are 15 degree's above average?! 100 degree heat with high humidity will kill some vulnerable folks.

Nuclear Free Vermont by 2012, Citizens Awareness Network, and Safe and Green will be honoring the fish of the Connecticut River in Brattleboro's July Fourth Parade Sunday.

Join us at Brattleboro UHS for the start at 1pm, or cheer us along the parade route.

See you there!

I just had dinner at 3 Stones (Mayan restaurant on Canal - awesome!) and was walking home to Washington Street, and saw a bear in a driveway on the left side of Canal St.

Wow! Yikes!

Hope he or she makes it safely back out of town with no trouble for anyone. Neighbors, pets, bear. All be well.

Photos sent in by Merriam.


Burton Car Wash on Canal Street.

Forest Street between Chapin and Howard. The tree is resting on the roof.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
WINDHAM COUNTY IN SOUTHERN VERMONT...

* UNTIL 1100 PM EDT

* AT 955 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL...AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR
LONDONDERRY...AND MOVING SOUTH AT 35 MPH.

My husband and I may have an opportunity to do an overnight backpacking trip without the kiddies. We're looking for a place that offers backwoods camping. We'd want to either hike in - at least four or five miles - or possibly paddle to any island. We're looking for something remote, and NOT in the Grout Pond area (we want to go there again with our kids at another time), but we don't want to drive more than two hours one way. Any suggestions, reviews or advice on places to avoid? Thanks!

A nice fog Thursday morning allowed me to get some pictures of downtown Brattleboro as if the mountain across the Connecticut was not there. Here is the view toward Wantastiquet from Main and Elliot Streets:

Driving north on route 30 yesterday morning I saw this family of Canada Geese walking along the side of the road. My first impulse was to worry for their safety, my second impulse after I drove by was, “Dang, I should have stopped for pictures.”

So I drove back and stopped south of them and let them walk toward me. As they got closer I could tell the adults were concerned about me, though I was across the road from them. I started to whistle, and move normally to make it clear that I wasn’t trying to be inconspicuous. After a moment’s hesitation they walked right past.

"I'm turning Japanese, I'm turning Japanese, I really think so" - The Vapors

Even if you haven't seen it you know it; a freaked out rice farmer, crop threatened by floods, crop threatened by drought, crop threatened by bugs, crop
threatened by warlord, crop threatened by bandits, crop threatened by kid with
head in manga books unwilling to work the field--eyes upturned to the Shinto
mists, beseeching help in any form, and hurry, please hurry...

And from across the plain, emerging out of the horizon, an austere figure, simply
clad, a sword wielding Samurai, as if in response to the farmers cry, he closes in.

Earth Day Celebration at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
All are welcome to attend!

Sunday, April 25 Service, 10 a.m.: “Save the Planet” featuring Rev. Karen Brammer and Earth Day activities for youth of all ages

Reception & Open House, 11am - 1 pm