Let's Gather Together

'Cause We Love to Celebrate!

Last summer Hurricane Irene showed us a thing or two about the spirit of Vermonters when shoved up against the destructive wrath of Mother Nature. And our community came to truly know one another.

Saturday, September 8th is the 2nd annual block party to celebrate the tenacity of this remarkable neighborhood. Everyone is welcome.

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Six days post Irene the Mad River Valley put down their shovels and kicked up their heels. 

And we'll be dancin' in the streets!

Sweet Surprise

I found this on my door step this morning. A gift from the girls next door and Mr Beekeeper on the hill.

Life is sweet. Thank you!

If I were a flower growing wild and free
All I'd want is you to be my sweet honey bee. 

~ from the song All I want is you by Barry Louis Polisar

 

Butter Me Up

Butter me up good!

Corn is King. And it's here, fresh from the fields, all throughout the valley.
A quick 5 minute boil and a roll in the butter, a lip smacking, finger licking, summer delight.

Can it get any butter better? It can.

Let a stick of butter soften, real soft. Plop it into a bowl, toss in a clove of finely chopped/smashed garlic (I use a garlic press) and a couple tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs. What ever you like (our favorites this week are basil and parsley). Now smash and stir till it's blended friendly. Scoop it onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, roll into a little log and place in the fridge till firm. And you're ready to roll.

Got corn? Today's ears are from KbMG, a summer's best. You'll also find fresh ears at Hartshorn's, Neill Farm, Gaylord's, and on Saturday's at the Waitsfield Farmers' Market. Have some, it won't be around for long.

What has ears but cannot hear?

A Puddle of Enchantment

As the sun settles low on the horizon and the last of the sun kissed, waterlogged families drive off, we find the lake all to ourselves.

Well, almost.

Just as expected. Rafting up our boats we close the day sharing refreshments and laughter (and a song or two). 

Summer's almost over, don't let it get away without a little fun. Change things up a bit and play outside - in the dark. Makes you feel like a kid again... I promise.

High in the hills of the Mad River Valley take a dip or a paddle in the waters of Blueberry Lake.

Bee Cool!

All it takes is a little help from the hive.

The neighbors have taken quite an interest in our pond this summer. It's been fun sitting at the waters edge watching them fly in and out and in and out and back again for endless trips and sips. And so far only one grandchild has suffered a misstep... ouch(sorry about that, Veda)! I know first hand this is some of the finest spring water on the planet, but these girls guzzle with unquenchable gusto. My best friend is certain their activity goes beyond thirst and reminds me "they are the worker bees". He may be content with theorizing, but me, I need want answers. Someone out there in cyber land must know what they're up to.

I thought so.

Thanks to Richard Underhill and his The Peace Bee Farmer blog I've leaned another cool fact about bees. They are taking our pond water and Cooling the Bee Hive.

Amazing what happens when the whole community participates.