West Bethel July 29

Sunday morning Mike and I parked on the Mud City Road just beyond the schoolhouse.  He set out on a blackberry quest with Jake, and I went in a different direction in search of chanterelle mushrooms. Neither of us had much luck. Too early for the blackberries, so only a handful went into the pail. As for the mushrooms, they were also sparse. It’s hard to believe, with all the wet weather we’ve had. However, many of the places I’ve found them in the past have been demolished by the road work taking place on the Forest road.

I couldn’t believe the changes to the road. Another set of victims is the lady-slipper crop. Several of the spots where there were always clusters of the early orchids have been bulldozed or had trees dropped on them. I ran into Leslie Rowse taking her dogs to a place where they could run, and she told me that some of the tree-cutting and bulldozing was to open sight lines. Well, I know there were some changes needed, and I like the new, compact gravel material, which will need fewer gradings. But it does seem like a lot of “progress” for a seasonal road. The good news is that it is providing jobs through the use of federal stimulus money.

We also made a stop at the former Hoehstead to pick raspberries (with owners’ permission) and to check on the remodeling progress. If you haven’t been out that way, it’s worth a trip to see the ideas Stacy Standley is carrying out. It will look very different when all is finished, and very nice, indeed.

Last week Pleasant Valley Grange met on Thursday evening. Although there were only about eight in attendance, those who were there had a pleasant, enjoyable evening. The flea market continues to be open each Friday and Saturday from 9:30 to 1:30, staffed by the Applins and/or Jane Hosterman and Barbara Mahler. If I’ve omitted anyone’s name, please let me know and I’ll print them next time.

Next Grange meeting will be Aug. 26. Meanwhile, new windows are to be installed in the meeting room and dining area. That should make the rooms snugger and more efficient both summer and winter.

Deb Luxton writes that Pleasant Valley Bible Church will have Vacation Bible School next week, Aug. 2-6, from 9 to 11:30. Children ages 3 years through grade six are welcome and sure to have an enjoyable time.

Debbie adds that her garden has been very productive, and they are enjoying the bounty.  She thinks they’ve picked over 75 quarts of raspberries, not counting what neighbors and relatives have picked! David was charged with some of the picking when Debbie had a chance to visit their sons and their families in North Carolina. Grandma was able to care for Adam and Trina’s “four cherubs,” while Mum and Dad had a little getaway.

Ms. Deb also spent time with Wade, Kimberly, and Cameron, as they live close to Adam’s family. She says that a week goes by much too fast – unless you’re the one at home caring for dogs, puppies, gardens, etc.! There are pups leaving for new homes this week, with another litter expected by the end of the week, and yet another in a couple more weeks. Makes for never a dull moment.

Music Without Borders ended on a positive note (pun intended) last Wednesday, July 21, with a wonderful program presented by the six remaining students. On Sunday afternoon, Monday evening, and Tuesday evening, Kevin Chen (age 11), Veselin Ninov, and Dimitar Dimitrov, respectively, performed hour-long recitals, all of them outstanding and all very well received. We were delighted to host the pianists, along with their teacher, Tamara Poddubnaya, and festival producer, Don Christie, for dinner here at the Garden of Eden (Eatin’?) on Monday evening. It was most enjoyable to be up close and personal, and to get to know them “with their hair down.” We’re already looking forward to the first three weeks in July 2011, for the next installment.

Here at the G.o.E. we have been straining our backs, planting new shrubbery and spreading bark mulch in the ongoing landscaping project at the front of the house. Dave Freiday has done a good deal of the prep work, advising, etc., and he will be building a walkway this week. We may not win any awards, but we think it will all look very nice when completed.

Sunny weather and fresher, drier air have arrived this week. Don’t miss the humidity a bit, thank you. I look forward to hearing from you: dhoeh@megalink.net; 824-2917.