What the noises of the night are telling us

Last week, Sandra's cousin posted a note about the peepers in Virginia.

New sound today: frogs. About a month back, there were Spring Peepers.  I missed them this year because of the foul weather and blocked trail when they were singing.
...
Several weeks later in the season, the singers in the same swamp are different frogs.  They don’t “peep” as much as bellow.  They proclaim the coming of a warmer season, very assertively.  And it’s easier to have real faith on an 80° afternoon.

via More of the Senses « Cycles of Life

Our peepers showed up last week as the result of the warm late winter/early spring and the rains that churned the waters' edges. During the last couple of nights, I've heard crickety kinds of things. (Friend Dr. Loree might appreciate my use of the scientific terms here.) It would be wonderful if the frogs made a strong return. I remember that great sound on warm evenings. The last couple of decades, however, haven't been kind to frogs in northeast, an indicator that the waters aren't as pure as they used to be and need to be.
My concern is that this might presage a hot summer. My tribe has the tradition of responding to heat by jumping into water that's as much as 100^°C colder. As you might expect, our responses to excessive heat aren't always the brightest.
Even the farmers are suspecting that we're going to have a warm spring that will lead to early crops.  Today's Telegram has a front page story, Growing concern, about the apple growers who are as much as a month ahead of their usual schedule. The farmers are now waiting for the bees to do their business, bees that Dr. Loree has discussed in her book, The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe.
So, the night sounds and silences are trying to tell us something. As with most stuff, we'll  figure it out some time after we need to have figured it out.

Wait. What?

via Lifer pleads guilty to assaulting 3 correction officers, gets 3-4 years
Has the Massachusetts Department of Corrections found out how to do something that we ought to know about?

If you chance upon this checkbox, ...

Do not click.

In case you're wondering what will happen (or what just happened), you set up a non-virtuous feedback loop between your computer's speakers and microphone.

More on parenting

We've decamped for a couple of days to stay at Mike and Lynn's while they're away on a mini-vacation. It's good for us at a lot of levels, giving us a chance to spend more time with the grandchildren, live out of baskets and bags for a while, and adapt when we're not always so adaptable.
It's that last point that's been kicking around my head since a conversation at the dinner table on Monday night. Let's see. Michael and his girl friend, Lindsey, Krista, Tess, and Cassie were here. Joe was out with friends and Matt has a place of his own now.
After dinner, Lindsey and I talked for a while. She said that her mother really enjoyed having the kids living at home, even though or perhaps particularly because they are all in their 20s. Lindsey observed that some households are all about the kids while others are all about the parents. Her household is all about the kids.
Hmm.
I thought back to the household we had when Mike and Adam were at home, of the households where  Sandra and I grew up, of other families we've known through the years. While not every household fits neatly into one category or another, there are some broad similarities.
Households that are kid-centric seem to be more open, with more people coming and going, more energetic, more spontaneous. It doesn't mean that those households are necessarily more permissive or without guidance - Mike and Lynn's children are invariably polite to new and familiar guests. It's just that, well, there's more of an inclination to say yes rather than no.
Parent-centric households are, painted broadly, are likely to be more ordered, perhaps just to keep order, perhaps to ensure that teaching moments are never missed. It also doesn't mean that parent-centric households can't be fun or inventive, but rather that you know who is  in charge (or, at least, pretending to be.
Neither model is necessarily more virtuous than others. Some parent-centric households are that way because the parents are so desperately trying to figure it out themselves that they're less tolerant of additional things being out of control. Some kid-centric households are such because the parents are clueless or powerless to assert leadership. There are good parents and lousy parents using each model.

If you know and trust your kids and if you know and trust yourself, you'll do fine with either choice. If you don't (and most of us don't), then the choice of model doesn't matter much either because the primary issues are still going to make the decisions for you.

Sooner or better?

News of the discovery of a human skull in Holden showed up on the new TheDailyHolden.com site yesterday afternoon: Hiker finds human skull in Holden woods.
Good breaking news without a lot of substance:

“We’re looking for any other human remains that might be in those woods,” [District Attorney Joseph D. ] Early said. “We do not want to identify exactly where the skull was found because of the ongoing nature of the search. I anticipate we will have more to say later this week.”
“At this time we have not identified the sex, age or race," the Holden Police Department released in a statement.

Later this week is, of course, this morning in the T&G, Skull found in Holden woods:

A jogger found the skull off Reservoir Street and called police at 6:49 p.m. Saturday, according to Holden Police Chief George R. Sherrill.

Score one for the old guard.

Sooner or better?

News of the discovery of a human skull in Holden showed up on the new TheDailyHolden.com site yesterday afternoon: Hiker finds human skull in Holden woods.
Good breaking news without a lot of substance:

“We’re looking for any other human remains that might be in those woods,” [District Attorney Joseph D. ] Early said. “We do not want to identify exactly where the skull was found because of the ongoing nature of the search. I anticipate we will have more to say later this week.”
“At this time we have not identified the sex, age or race," the Holden Police Department released in a statement.

Later this week is, of course, this morning in the T&G, Skull found in Holden woods:

A jogger found the skull off Reservoir Street and called police at 6:49 p.m. Saturday, according to Holden Police Chief George R. Sherrill.

Score one for the old guard.

What the night brings

The New York Times has been running a blog, All-Nighters, about insomnia and insomniacs. The posts cover a range of topics, such as how elderly people make productive use of the night-time hours, There’s More Than Enough Hours in Every Day, night-time with and without An Insomniac’s Best Friend, and how an artist tries to make sense of insomnia, despair, and depression, Counting the ‘Blessings’ of Insomnia.
After an afternoon of serious yard work in this luscious burst of spring weather, you'd think that a full night of sleep would follow. Nope. I was asleep by 10 and awake by 11:30. That's fairly common. Some nights, I might be asleep at 10;30 and wake at 1:00. The details stopped being interesting about a year ago. It is what it is.
Do I wish that it was otherwise. Yup. Have I researched and tried the various sleep remedies, pharmaceutical and other? Yup. Do I get angry at not being able to sleep through the night? Not usually. Do I wish that it was otherwise? Yup.
And how I do I spend this time. Reading, online and off, occasionally writing, sometimes some web development or system administration chores. On Sundays, the papers arrive around 3:00. (Weekdays I only read the online news, but the Sunday Globe and Times are still special.)
I'm continuing to make my way through my mother's papers. She had a similar sleep pattern and wrote letters and notes during the night. She'd often recollect her thoughts from previous events and then, later in the day, make a photocopy of her notes.

There's plenty of stuff to think about when you're awake at night. And some of it is even worth thinking.

What the night brings

The New York Times has been running a blog, All-Nighters, about insomnia and insomniacs. The posts cover a range of topics, such as how elderly people make productive use of the night-time hours, There’s More Than Enough Hours in Every Day, night-time with and without An Insomniac’s Best Friend, and how an artist tries to make sense of insomnia, despair, and depression, Counting the ‘Blessings’ of Insomnia.
After an afternoon of serious yard work in this luscious burst of spring weather, you'd think that a full night of sleep would follow. Nope. I was asleep by 10 and awake by 11:30. That's fairly common. Some nights, I might be asleep at 10;30 and wake at 1:00. The details stopped being interesting about a year ago. It is what it is.
Do I wish that it was otherwise. Yup. Have I researched and tried the various sleep remedies, pharmaceutical and other? Yup. Do I get angry at not being able to sleep through the night? Not usually. Do I wish that it was otherwise? Yup.
And how I do I spend this time. Reading, online and off, occasionally writing, sometimes some web development or system administration chores. On Sundays, the papers arrive around 3:00. (Weekdays I only read the online news, but the Sunday Globe and Times are still special.)
I'm continuing to make my way through my mother's papers. She had a similar sleep pattern and wrote letters and notes during the night. She'd often recollect her thoughts from previous events and then, later in the day, make a photocopy of her notes.

There's plenty of stuff to think about when you're awake at night. And some of it is even worth thinking.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 22 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, March 22

7:44 a.m. Batteries stolen from WalMart [Editos' note: there is no WalMart in Holden.]
10:07 a.m. Caller wants to speak to officer about parking ticket
10:33 a.m. Arrest: ----- ------, 87, ----- ------- ----, shoplifting by asportation
12:42 p.m. Assist with traffic, Shrewsbury St.
4:32 p.m. Driver taking pictures of homes, Tucker Rd.
11:36 p.m. Park Ave. resident complaining about neighbors being loud

Tuesday, March 23

8:25 a.m. Vehicle left in light department parking lot over night
8:53 a.m. Vehicle left in empty lot for three days; disabled; will be removed
11:18 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Wachusett St.; operator looking for wood
3:54 p.m. 911 hang up from Bull Run; child playing with phone
5:47 p.m. Caller reports dog wandered onto back deck; advised to leave it alone
10:15 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle behind business, Shrewsbury St.; door open; OK, cleaning/maintenance crew

Wednesday, March 24

1:55 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
6:10 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Thayer Cir.
7:02 a.m. Suspicious vehicle off Shrewsbury St. behind business; disabled
7:56 a.m. Suspicious person, Main St.
9:46 a.m. Loose change stolen from vehicle, Jackson St.
9:55 a.m. Suspicious incident at high school
10:20 a.m. Injured fox in Timber Ln. area
1:26 p.m. Vehicle operating dangerously close to sidewalk
1:38 p.m. Light dangling at center intersection
11:02 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle leaving Mountview School

Thursday, March 25

1:05 a.m. 911 caller heard voice in house, may be someone inside, Flagler Dr.; OK, child talking in his sleep
8:20 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot, Main St.
8:53 a.m. Tree down on South Rd.
8:59 a.m. Wire down, Highland St.
9:15 a.m. Mountview School assistant principal asking police to go to home where child is refusing to go to school; child just woke up, getting a ride
11:05 a.m. Failure to license animal, Cedar Rd.
11:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Salisbury St.
2:18 p.m. Caller reporting son out of control, parent may have run over son’s foot in driveway; no domestic
5:27 p.m. Fisher Rd. resident reports rumbling noise outside
7:07 p.m. Suspicious incident, Bond Rd.
8:42 p.m. Vehicle racing up and down Explorer’s Way

Friday, March 26

12:25 a.m. Caller asking if PD has any contact with son
3:48 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked on Salisbury St.
6:28 a.m. Dead animal on Main St.
10:12 a.m. Damage to windows and gutters, possibly from pellet gun, Homestead Rd.
4:12 p.m. Past neighbor’s dispute, Wachusett St.
5:20 p.m. Witness reports stop sign violation at Rte. 31/Mixter Rd.; requests investigation into possible blinking red light
6:28 p.m. Leak in basement, Stoneleigh Rd.
11:40 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot, Holden St.

Saturday, March 27

12:23 a.m. Suspicious individuals on football field at WRHS, lightpole in parking lot overturned
3:47 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
9:55 a.m. Raccoon in roadway, Main St.
2:58 p.m. Water coming out of ground on Rolling Ridge

Sunday, March 28

4:03 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at residence on Quinapoxet for two nights, no plate
4:05 a.m. Loud disturbance on Holden St.; parties dispersed to responsible adults
10:03 a.m. Foxes in Timber Ln. area
1:58 p.m. Religious solicitors, Twinbrooke Rd.
5:50 p.m. Suspicious male, Shrewsubury St.
8:16 p.m. Report of obstruction on I-190 S, snowboard in roadway; state police advised

Paxton

Monday, March 22

12:46 a.m. Welfare check on female traveling with young child, Grove St.
12:57 a.m. Caller reports sounds of screaming near dead-end road, Tanglewood Rd.
10:20 a.m. Loose Rottweiler in caller’s yard, Pleasant St.
11:01 a.m. Assist citizen with flat tire near Rutland town Line
11:25 p.m. Caller reports streetlight is out and area very dark, Holden Rd.

Tuesday, March 23

5:31 a.m. Homeowner reports no water pressure, Wilde Wood Dr.
6:06 a.m. Caller complaining of no water pressure, Marshall St.
11:48 a.m. Report filed, Sunset Ln.

Wednesday, March 24

7:51 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, Maple St.
9:21 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, Maple St.

Thursday, March 25

1:00 a.m. Female requesting to speak with officer regarding past incident, Sunset Ln.
8:09 a.m. Person at station dropping off computer, Pleasant St.
10:28 a.m. Black dog in area of bank, Pleasant St.
3:07 p.m. Trucker dumped trash into Dumpster, Sunset Ln.

Friday, March 26

9:01 a.m. Caller concerned about neighbor’s ducks in her back yard, Suomi St.
4:13 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about male driving kids around in truck with no seats, Pleasant St.

Saturday, March 27

2:23 p.m. Trash truck blocking traffic, Pleasant St.

Sunday, March 28

12:25 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about kids agitating her dog, Marshall St.

Princeton

Monday, March 22

7:53 a.m. Traffic control duty, Sterling Rd.
3:20 p.m. Report of golden retriever or yellow Labrador running in road, Hubbardston Rd.
6:10 p.m. Report of someone removing wood from state owned property, East Princeton Rd.

Wednesday, March 24

1:45 p.m. Public service, Houghton Rd.

Thursday, March 25

5:00 a.m. Caller reports minor motor vehicle accident due to wet/icy road conditions. Police find accident to be in Westminster, Mountain Rd.

Saturday, March 27

4:20 p.m. Caller reporting very large rocks in roadway. Police find rocks have fallen from embankment. Highway Department advised, Hobbs Rd.

Sunday, March 28

1:18 p.m. Report of ATV’s riding around field at Thomas Prince School. Okay, people working on field maintenance
5:15 p.m. Vehicle locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.

Rutland

Monday, March 22

9:45 a.m. Report of rope tied to tree on town common
10:05 a.m. Doggie way station damaged, Memorial Dr.
1:32 a.m. Police assist citizen locked out of vehicle, Main St.
2:05 p.m. Dead porcupine, Pleasantdale Rd.

Tuesday, March 23

3:50 p.m. Suspicious vehicle following another driver, Maple Ave./Birchwood Rd.
4:48 p.m. Summons served, Main St.
5:08 p.m. Summons served, Miles Rd.
5:21 p.m. Summons served, E. County Rd.
5:31 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer about personal matter, Main St.
8:55 p.m. General police, Main St.
9:31 p.m. High water alarm sounding, Miles Rd.

Wednesday, March 24

3:23 p.m. Tree limb hanging on wire, River Rd.
3:37 p.m. Summons served, River Rd.
3:46 p.m. Summons served, Rufus Putnam Rd.
4:35 p.m. Summons served, Barrack Hill Rd.
4:41 p.m. Summons served, Barrack Hill Rd.
4:52 p.m. Summons served, Miles Rd. 6:22
6:37 p.m. Summons served, Maple Ave.
6:40 p.m. Summons served, Maple Ave.
6:58 p.m. Summons served, Peters Ave.
7:05 p.m. Summons served, Irish Ln.

Thursday, March 25

9:26 a.m. Police assist citizen with motor vehicle lockout, Pommogussett Rd.
10:29 a.m. Truck parked in road impeding traffic, Pommogussett Rd.
1:36 p.m. Caller complaining about loose dog, Forest Hill Dr.
4:31 p.m. Person at station for car seat installation, Main St.
5:36 p.m. Bear in caller’s yard, Barre Paxton Rd.

Friday, March 26

9:53 a.m. Summons served, Pommogussett Rd.
1:20 p.m. Missing street signs from Rutland and Oakham found, Ware Rd.
3:23 p.m. Trouble with police frequency, Main St.

Saturday, March 27

12:50 p.m. Stray dog with Hubbardston tag, Maple Ave./Sunnyside Rd. area
4:36 p.m. Report of man sleeping or passed out in vehicle in parking lot, Main St.

Sunday, March 28

1:05 a.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Fernwood Dr.
1:59 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St./Glenwood Rd. Arrest: ---- --- , OUI-liquor
1:30 p.m. Disturbance, motor vehicle revving engines, Pleasantdale Rd.

Sterling

Monday, March 22

10:00 a.m. Raccoon living in caller’s chimney, Kendall Hill Rd.

Tuesday, March 23

10:17 a.m. Skunk living under caller’s porch, wants advice from animal control officer, Upper North Row Rd.
12:15 p.m. Stray dog in yard, Gates Rd. Owner retrieved

Wednesday, March 24

7:37 a.m. Two missing West Highland terriers, Flintlock Rd.
9:36 a.m. Suspicious male in neighborhood; obtaining signatures for running for public office, Clemence Rd.
9:38 a.m. Chocolate Labrador running loose on facility grounds, Dana Hill Rd.
12:42 p.m. Tempers flared between two females at station reporting hit-and-run accident in Leominster; Leominster PD advised
4:02 p.m. Caller concerned about suspicious vehicle parked beside Squareshire Rd. for long period of time; school bus will arrive soon
4:31 p.m. Caller reports one of two missing dogs stuck on I-190. Other dog eventually returned to owner
4:54 p.m. Caller requesting officer regarding missing surveyor stakes. Police advise it is a civil matter, Rowley Hill Rd.

Thursday, March 25

11:32 a.m. Suspicious person, Leominster Rd.
1:21 p.m. Caller reports strange-acting squirrel on deck, Hall Ave.
1:31 p.m. Summons served, John Dee/Muddy Pond Rds.
1:41 p.m. Signs missing from John Dee Rd. intersection

Friday, March 26

10:45 a.m. Complaint about illegal parking, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
11:04 a.m. Missing white Lab got spooked from noise, found hiding under bench near post officer, James Patten Dr.
3:50 p.m. Dog got loose from shelter, seen on Leominster Rd. Later retrieved
8:50 p.m. Two children running in roadway, Clinton Rd./Lesley Ln.
10:36 p.m. Complaint about loud noise from apartment, Newell Hill Rd.

Saturday, March 27

11:31 a.m. Request for escort to hospital for newborn baby in car, Legg Rd.
3:58 p.m. Loose horses in area, Princeton/Beaman Rds.

Sunday, March 28

8:33 a.m. Assist setting up cones, Main St.
9:07 a.m. Water over roadway, Cole Rd.
12:29 p.m. Caller has two dogs in his mudroom, a chow and a doberman, Chace Hill Rd.
12:35 p.m. Assist three youths with school project, Leominster Rd.
5:42 p.m. Assist citizen verifying license check, Leominster Rd.
6:30 p.m. Police disperse two skateboarders, Main St.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 22 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, March 22

7:44 a.m. Batteries stolen from WalMart [Editos' note: there is no WalMart in Holden.]
10:07 a.m. Caller wants to speak to officer about parking ticket
10:33 a.m. Arrest: ----- ------, 87, ----- ------- ----, shoplifting by asportation
12:42 p.m. Assist with traffic, Shrewsbury St.
4:32 p.m. Driver taking pictures of homes, Tucker Rd.
11:36 p.m. Park Ave. resident complaining about neighbors being loud

Tuesday, March 23

8:25 a.m. Vehicle left in light department parking lot over night
8:53 a.m. Vehicle left in empty lot for three days; disabled; will be removed
11:18 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Wachusett St.; operator looking for wood
3:54 p.m. 911 hang up from Bull Run; child playing with phone
5:47 p.m. Caller reports dog wandered onto back deck; advised to leave it alone
10:15 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle behind business, Shrewsbury St.; door open; OK, cleaning/maintenance crew

Wednesday, March 24

1:55 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
6:10 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Thayer Cir.
7:02 a.m. Suspicious vehicle off Shrewsbury St. behind business; disabled
7:56 a.m. Suspicious person, Main St.
9:46 a.m. Loose change stolen from vehicle, Jackson St.
9:55 a.m. Suspicious incident at high school
10:20 a.m. Injured fox in Timber Ln. area
1:26 p.m. Vehicle operating dangerously close to sidewalk
1:38 p.m. Light dangling at center intersection
11:02 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle leaving Mountview School

Thursday, March 25

1:05 a.m. 911 caller heard voice in house, may be someone inside, Flagler Dr.; OK, child talking in his sleep
8:20 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot, Main St.
8:53 a.m. Tree down on South Rd.
8:59 a.m. Wire down, Highland St.
9:15 a.m. Mountview School assistant principal asking police to go to home where child is refusing to go to school; child just woke up, getting a ride
11:05 a.m. Failure to license animal, Cedar Rd.
11:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Salisbury St.
2:18 p.m. Caller reporting son out of control, parent may have run over son’s foot in driveway; no domestic
5:27 p.m. Fisher Rd. resident reports rumbling noise outside
7:07 p.m. Suspicious incident, Bond Rd.
8:42 p.m. Vehicle racing up and down Explorer’s Way

Friday, March 26

12:25 a.m. Caller asking if PD has any contact with son
3:48 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked on Salisbury St.
6:28 a.m. Dead animal on Main St.
10:12 a.m. Damage to windows and gutters, possibly from pellet gun, Homestead Rd.
4:12 p.m. Past neighbor’s dispute, Wachusett St.
5:20 p.m. Witness reports stop sign violation at Rte. 31/Mixter Rd.; requests investigation into possible blinking red light
6:28 p.m. Leak in basement, Stoneleigh Rd.
11:40 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot, Holden St.

Saturday, March 27

12:23 a.m. Suspicious individuals on football field at WRHS, lightpole in parking lot overturned
3:47 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
9:55 a.m. Raccoon in roadway, Main St.
2:58 p.m. Water coming out of ground on Rolling Ridge

Sunday, March 28

4:03 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at residence on Quinapoxet for two nights, no plate
4:05 a.m. Loud disturbance on Holden St.; parties dispersed to responsible adults
10:03 a.m. Foxes in Timber Ln. area
1:58 p.m. Religious solicitors, Twinbrooke Rd.
5:50 p.m. Suspicious male, Shrewsubury St.
8:16 p.m. Report of obstruction on I-190 S, snowboard in roadway; state police advised

Paxton

Monday, March 22

12:46 a.m. Welfare check on female traveling with young child, Grove St.
12:57 a.m. Caller reports sounds of screaming near dead-end road, Tanglewood Rd.
10:20 a.m. Loose Rottweiler in caller’s yard, Pleasant St.
11:01 a.m. Assist citizen with flat tire near Rutland town Line
11:25 p.m. Caller reports streetlight is out and area very dark, Holden Rd.

Tuesday, March 23

5:31 a.m. Homeowner reports no water pressure, Wilde Wood Dr.
6:06 a.m. Caller complaining of no water pressure, Marshall St.
11:48 a.m. Report filed, Sunset Ln.

Wednesday, March 24

7:51 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, Maple St.
9:21 p.m. Attempt to serve summons, Maple St.

Thursday, March 25

1:00 a.m. Female requesting to speak with officer regarding past incident, Sunset Ln.
8:09 a.m. Person at station dropping off computer, Pleasant St.
10:28 a.m. Black dog in area of bank, Pleasant St.
3:07 p.m. Trucker dumped trash into Dumpster, Sunset Ln.

Friday, March 26

9:01 a.m. Caller concerned about neighbor’s ducks in her back yard, Suomi St.
4:13 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about male driving kids around in truck with no seats, Pleasant St.

Saturday, March 27

2:23 p.m. Trash truck blocking traffic, Pleasant St.

Sunday, March 28

12:25 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about kids agitating her dog, Marshall St.

Princeton

Monday, March 22

7:53 a.m. Traffic control duty, Sterling Rd.
3:20 p.m. Report of golden retriever or yellow Labrador running in road, Hubbardston Rd.
6:10 p.m. Report of someone removing wood from state owned property, East Princeton Rd.

Wednesday, March 24

1:45 p.m. Public service, Houghton Rd.

Thursday, March 25

5:00 a.m. Caller reports minor motor vehicle accident due to wet/icy road conditions. Police find accident to be in Westminster, Mountain Rd.

Saturday, March 27

4:20 p.m. Caller reporting very large rocks in roadway. Police find rocks have fallen from embankment. Highway Department advised, Hobbs Rd.

Sunday, March 28

1:18 p.m. Report of ATV’s riding around field at Thomas Prince School. Okay, people working on field maintenance
5:15 p.m. Vehicle locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.

Rutland

Monday, March 22

9:45 a.m. Report of rope tied to tree on town common
10:05 a.m. Doggie way station damaged, Memorial Dr.
1:32 a.m. Police assist citizen locked out of vehicle, Main St.
2:05 p.m. Dead porcupine, Pleasantdale Rd.

Tuesday, March 23

3:50 p.m. Suspicious vehicle following another driver, Maple Ave./Birchwood Rd.
4:48 p.m. Summons served, Main St.
5:08 p.m. Summons served, Miles Rd.
5:21 p.m. Summons served, E. County Rd.
5:31 p.m. Person wants to speak with officer about personal matter, Main St.
8:55 p.m. General police, Main St.
9:31 p.m. High water alarm sounding, Miles Rd.

Wednesday, March 24

3:23 p.m. Tree limb hanging on wire, River Rd.
3:37 p.m. Summons served, River Rd.
3:46 p.m. Summons served, Rufus Putnam Rd.
4:35 p.m. Summons served, Barrack Hill Rd.
4:41 p.m. Summons served, Barrack Hill Rd.
4:52 p.m. Summons served, Miles Rd. 6:22
6:37 p.m. Summons served, Maple Ave.
6:40 p.m. Summons served, Maple Ave.
6:58 p.m. Summons served, Peters Ave.
7:05 p.m. Summons served, Irish Ln.

Thursday, March 25

9:26 a.m. Police assist citizen with motor vehicle lockout, Pommogussett Rd.
10:29 a.m. Truck parked in road impeding traffic, Pommogussett Rd.
1:36 p.m. Caller complaining about loose dog, Forest Hill Dr.
4:31 p.m. Person at station for car seat installation, Main St.
5:36 p.m. Bear in caller’s yard, Barre Paxton Rd.

Friday, March 26

9:53 a.m. Summons served, Pommogussett Rd.
1:20 p.m. Missing street signs from Rutland and Oakham found, Ware Rd.
3:23 p.m. Trouble with police frequency, Main St.

Saturday, March 27

12:50 p.m. Stray dog with Hubbardston tag, Maple Ave./Sunnyside Rd. area
4:36 p.m. Report of man sleeping or passed out in vehicle in parking lot, Main St.

Sunday, March 28

1:05 a.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Fernwood Dr.
1:59 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St./Glenwood Rd. Arrest: ---- --- , OUI-liquor
1:30 p.m. Disturbance, motor vehicle revving engines, Pleasantdale Rd.

Sterling

Monday, March 22

10:00 a.m. Raccoon living in caller’s chimney, Kendall Hill Rd.

Tuesday, March 23

10:17 a.m. Skunk living under caller’s porch, wants advice from animal control officer, Upper North Row Rd.
12:15 p.m. Stray dog in yard, Gates Rd. Owner retrieved

Wednesday, March 24

7:37 a.m. Two missing West Highland terriers, Flintlock Rd.
9:36 a.m. Suspicious male in neighborhood; obtaining signatures for running for public office, Clemence Rd.
9:38 a.m. Chocolate Labrador running loose on facility grounds, Dana Hill Rd.
12:42 p.m. Tempers flared between two females at station reporting hit-and-run accident in Leominster; Leominster PD advised
4:02 p.m. Caller concerned about suspicious vehicle parked beside Squareshire Rd. for long period of time; school bus will arrive soon
4:31 p.m. Caller reports one of two missing dogs stuck on I-190. Other dog eventually returned to owner
4:54 p.m. Caller requesting officer regarding missing surveyor stakes. Police advise it is a civil matter, Rowley Hill Rd.

Thursday, March 25

11:32 a.m. Suspicious person, Leominster Rd.
1:21 p.m. Caller reports strange-acting squirrel on deck, Hall Ave.
1:31 p.m. Summons served, John Dee/Muddy Pond Rds.
1:41 p.m. Signs missing from John Dee Rd. intersection

Friday, March 26

10:45 a.m. Complaint about illegal parking, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
11:04 a.m. Missing white Lab got spooked from noise, found hiding under bench near post officer, James Patten Dr.
3:50 p.m. Dog got loose from shelter, seen on Leominster Rd. Later retrieved
8:50 p.m. Two children running in roadway, Clinton Rd./Lesley Ln.
10:36 p.m. Complaint about loud noise from apartment, Newell Hill Rd.

Saturday, March 27

11:31 a.m. Request for escort to hospital for newborn baby in car, Legg Rd.
3:58 p.m. Loose horses in area, Princeton/Beaman Rds.

Sunday, March 28

8:33 a.m. Assist setting up cones, Main St.
9:07 a.m. Water over roadway, Cole Rd.
12:29 p.m. Caller has two dogs in his mudroom, a chow and a doberman, Chace Hill Rd.
12:35 p.m. Assist three youths with school project, Leominster Rd.
5:42 p.m. Assist citizen verifying license check, Leominster Rd.
6:30 p.m. Police disperse two skateboarders, Main St.

I have the other 364

Just like the real drunks step aside and let the amateurs have New Year's Eve, I'm not intentionally planning to do anything foolish today.

I have the other 364

Just like the real drunks step aside and let the amateurs have New Year's Eve, I'm not intentionally planning to do anything foolish today.

The game as it should be played

It's opening day this weekend. Here are some video clips that will stop, start, and break your heart again.

via Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | BB Moments: '75 WS, Gm 6: Carlton Fisk Waves It Fair - Video | MLB.com: Multimedia
More: I don't believe what I just saw via MeFi.

The game as it should be played

It's opening day this weekend. Here are some video clips that will stop, start, and break your heart again.

via Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | BB Moments: '75 WS, Gm 6: Carlton Fisk Waves It Fair - Video | MLB.com: Multimedia
More: I don't believe what I just saw via MeFi.

Rains coming again

Tonight: Rain, mainly after 2am. Areas of fog. Low around 38. South wind between 13 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Areas of fog. High near 53. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Monday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Areas of fog. Low around 44. North wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tuesday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Patchy fog. High near 50. Northeast wind between 7 and 11 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. 

If the windshield wipers on your Silver Cloud are worn, then Walmart's the place for you.

Rains coming again

Tonight: Rain, mainly after 2am. Areas of fog. Low around 38. South wind between 13 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Areas of fog. High near 53. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Monday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Areas of fog. Low around 44. North wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tuesday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Patchy fog. High near 50. Northeast wind between 7 and 11 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. 

If the windshield wipers on your Silver Cloud are worn, then Walmart's the place for you.

Why Holden needs three national pharmacy chains

Another in the occasional series about Holden's need for three national pharmacy chains.
---
Nothing says the resurrection of Jesus proves His victory over sin and death like a bucket of Flarp! in your child's Easter basket.

via Walgreens.com - Local Weekly Ad - Sunday, Mar 28, 2010

Meanwhile, at the other stores, you can get a better deal on Gimbal's Jelly Beans at CVS (2 for $4) than at Rite-Aid (2 for $5).

Only at Rite-Aid, however, can you get a copy of the latest Sherlock Holmes movie for "a vibrant and colorful Easter"

Why Holden needs three national pharmacy chains

Another in the occasional series about Holden's need for three national pharmacy chains.
---
Nothing says the resurrection of Jesus proves His victory over sin and death like a bucket of Flarp! in your child's Easter basket.

via Walgreens.com - Local Weekly Ad - Sunday, Mar 28, 2010

Meanwhile, at the other stores, you can get a better deal on Gimbal's Jelly Beans at CVS (2 for $4) than at Rite-Aid (2 for $5).

Only at Rite-Aid, however, can you get a copy of the latest Sherlock Holmes movie for "a vibrant and colorful Easter"

Uptown Phillipston Saturday night

Gathering together
(photo from OnTheCommon.com)

Experienced church supper-goers will tell you that, if you arrive at 4:50 for a 5:00 seating, even if you have tickets, you'll be lucky to find two seats together. And lucky we were.
We were seated at a nice table in the back. We had a good view of the newly renovated kitchen in the Congregational Church of Phillipston.
In a short while, Rev. Stephanie Flynn introduced the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who would be serving our turkey supper and made a few announcements regarding the fund-raising activities of the church. She then offered grace.
A former pastor of ours used to say that any gathering has two purposes - the business of the gathering and the nurturing of those who gathered. This evening, 100 people were gathered to share a meal and to help the local church. The church had undergone a major renovation last year with a refurbished kitchen, accessible bathrooms, and updated plumbing within and without. It was a massive effort for this small church in this small town and the effort's brought forth the best of everyone. These weren't cosmetic changes, but important infrastructure renovations that would let the church continue in its role as a center of the community.
This was the harvest meal, delayed from the fall until the renovations were complete. With nervous eagerness, the girls brought us bowls of squash, potatoes, green beans, and onions, followed by platters of turkey and stuffing. The boys managed to offer and pour coffee without making eye contact. We ate well, unhurried.
Somewhere north of 80% of the people were either Haleys or Henshaws or related by marriage. My family was close to a family who'd come to Templeton from Finland; one of the women had married a Haley, so we were able to sit in the reflected glory.
During the meal, Rev. Flynn came to each table and offered "an arm's-length of raffle tickets" that let us hope to win from a selection of donated goods and services. We bought our share and spent a few minutes writing our long name on the tiny ticket stubs.
The servers cleared away the dinner dishes and brought a selection of pies for dessert.
And, then, it was time to go. I did get a chance to chat with George Barnes who'd recently written a column about his 30 years in the newspaper business. We traded a few quick stories about the lousy pay that reporters received and about the newspaper business before the Internet and cell phones. As we talked, the crew was getting the hall ready for the next seating. They wiped down the tables, put out clean plates and silverware, refilled what was empty.
We were back in the car and on our way home a few minutes after six.
This morning we received a call from Rev. Flynn. Our raffle tickets were selected and we won two tickets to the ham and bean supper on April 10. We're scheduled for the 5:00 seating, so I figure we ought to get there by 4:30.
"I wonder if this is God's way of getting us back to church," wondered Sandra.
"By gambling?" I replied.
Stranger things have happened in stranger ways.

Uptown Phillipston Saturday night

Gathering together
(photo from OnTheCommon.com)

Experienced church supper-goers will tell you that, if you arrive at 4:50 for a 5:00 seating, even if you have tickets, you'll be lucky to find two seats together. And lucky we were.
We were seated at a nice table in the back. We had a good view of the newly renovated kitchen in the Congregational Church of Phillipston.
In a short while, Rev. Stephanie Flynn introduced the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who would be serving our turkey supper and made a few announcements regarding the fund-raising activities of the church. She then offered grace.
A former pastor of ours used to say that any gathering has two purposes - the business of the gathering and the nurturing of those who gathered. This evening, 100 people were gathered to share a meal and to help the local church. The church had undergone a major renovation last year with a refurbished kitchen, accessible bathrooms, and updated plumbing within and without. It was a massive effort for this small church in this small town and the effort's brought forth the best of everyone. These weren't cosmetic changes, but important infrastructure renovations that would let the church continue in its role as a center of the community.
This was the harvest meal, delayed from the fall until the renovations were complete. With nervous eagerness, the girls brought us bowls of squash, potatoes, green beans, and onions, followed by platters of turkey and stuffing. The boys managed to offer and pour coffee without making eye contact. We ate well, unhurried.
Somewhere north of 80% of the people were either Haleys or Henshaws or related by marriage. My family was close to a family who'd come to Templeton from Finland; one of the women had married a Haley, so we were able to sit in the reflected glory.
During the meal, Rev. Flynn came to each table and offered "an arm's-length of raffle tickets" that let us hope to win from a selection of donated goods and services. We bought our share and spent a few minutes writing our long name on the tiny ticket stubs.
The servers cleared away the dinner dishes and brought a selection of pies for dessert.
And, then, it was time to go. I did get a chance to chat with George Barnes who'd recently written a column about his 30 years in the newspaper business. We traded a few quick stories about the lousy pay that reporters received and about the newspaper business before the Internet and cell phones. As we talked, the crew was getting the hall ready for the next seating. They wiped down the tables, put out clean plates and silverware, refilled what was empty.
We were back in the car and on our way home a few minutes after six.
This morning we received a call from Rev. Flynn. Our raffle tickets were selected and we won two tickets to the ham and bean supper on April 10. We're scheduled for the 5:00 seating, so I figure we ought to get there by 4:30.
"I wonder if this is God's way of getting us back to church," wondered Sandra.
"By gambling?" I replied.
Stranger things have happened in stranger ways.