Wanna come?
You'll be all sparkly afterwards.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
It's A Good Morning
The foot of snow that fell out of the 2-4 inches predicted... makes me want to go outside and play!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Revel On... Mad River Valley
T'is the season.
Dec 27 Off Piste in the Northeast slide show 7-8 Castlerock Pup
Dec 28 Family Snowman building contest 2:00-4:00 pm
VINS Rapture Encounter 5-7 pm Gatehouse Lodge
Dec 28 Family Snowman building contest 2:00-4:00 pm
VINS Rapture Encounter 5-7 pm Gatehouse Lodge
Dec 31 Dog Parade 4 pm
Fireworks and Torchlit parade 6:45 pm Lincoln Peak
Vermont Institute of Natural Science Rapture Encounter and Pizza Party
Dec 28 Sugarbush Lincoln Peak, GateHouse Lodge 5-7 pm
Fireworks and Torchlit parade 6:45 pm Lincoln Peak
Vermont Institute of Natural Science Rapture Encounter and Pizza Party
Dec 28 Sugarbush Lincoln Peak, GateHouse Lodge 5-7 pm
Dec 27 Après Ski Fondue and Paninis 12:00-2:00 pm
Dec 28 Après Ski Soups and Paninis 12:00-2:00 pm
Dec 29 Cooking 101 Savory Crepes 5:00-7:00 pm
Muti media slideshow by outdoor adventurers/photographers Brian and Emily Mohr
Dec 27 7 pm Sugarbush, Lincoln Peak, Warren
Dec 28 7 pm Big Picture, Waitsfield
Dec 30, 4pm Sugarbush Village, Warren
Dec 31, Waitsfield
Dec 31, Warren
See you in 2012.
See you in 2012.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Dare to Compare
I was admiring the ice apples in our trees this morning, thinking they were beautiful in their own organic way.
Maybe "beautiful" is a little over the top. Imagine picking these off the trees in your yard. My brother and his wife are so good at sharing the fruits of their labor. Love you to pieces G & C.
Some wishes really do come true.
Then, Mr UPS man drops this off on my doorstep.
Maybe "beautiful" is a little over the top. Imagine picking these off the trees in your yard. My brother and his wife are so good at sharing the fruits of their labor. Love you to pieces G & C.
Some wishes really do come true.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
It's Coming On Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on.....
~Joni Mitchell
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on.....
~Joni Mitchell
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night"
~ Clement Moore
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Another Season
Come and gone
He's a little disappointed the freezer didn't get its fill, but the days immersed in the woods, quiet and alone have left an enduring smile.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
What's in Your Shed
Do you have one of these?
Or maybe, one of these?
How about one of these?
And if you have one these,
you have scads of them.
We've garnered bins of junk treasures since becoming owners of a "This Old House". Beware, they breed and become impossible to part with. Because... you just never know.
I wonder if our treasure shed will ever look like this.
Proud isn't she?
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Making Friends in the Mad River Valley
I've been on a quest to gather up all the facebook pages for the Mad River Valley establishments... just because.
This list is ever growing, however there comes a time when I have to call it a post. I can always update it as I come across new pages. And if I missed some, please tell me about it.
Let's LIKE each other.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Maybe Just Maybe
Winter isn't really (not officially) here yet and already I yearn for my garden. More than anything I miss the fresh herbs. I am making Asian meatballs and I need a cup of chopped "fresh" cilantro. I love cilantro!
Maybe, just maybe, the bunch that sprouted late in the summer and I hadn't the heart to till under....
What would you bring?
Maybe, just maybe, the bunch that sprouted late in the summer and I hadn't the heart to till under....
Woo Hoo!
The kitchen is screaming with an earthy green pungent aroma (incredible). Now add to that cup of (picked moments ago) chopped cilantro; Gaylord ground beef, Kenyon eggs, Red Hen bread crumbs, vonTrapp milk and a few assorted ingredients from across the globe Mehuron's and you'll have a tray full of good little soldiers, just like these.
Toss in the oven and in 15 minutes we're off to share them 'round a table filled with dear old friends and their culinary treasures. It's a spur of the moment Sunday evening potluck, a common, yet often extraordinary gastronomical affair in the Mad River Valley.
What would you bring?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Ready or Not
It's late November, tomorrow is Thanksgiving day... do you know where your snow shovel is?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Pumpkin Good
It's been on the front steps long enough.
The kitchen smells pretty darn good today. I'd share that with you if I could.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Time to Hit The Road
It is deer rifle season in Vermont for the next two weeks. I grumble and fuss about giving up my woods to the hunter and gun, but I do. I walk instead on the Valley's scenic back roads for the time being.
This morning was too pretty to find excuses not to get outside. I'm used to being alone on my walks, aside from the occasional squirrel, chipmunk, bird and sometimes company of my best friend, but the beautiful country byways here are quite popular. On my walk today I pass a young woman and her little dog, a couple of bikers, an elderly gentleman with his mature dog out strolling, another young woman and her really big dog, and a very, very happy couple (walking on air). Everyone smiles and offers good morning greetings. And most everyone in cars that pass give a wave and a smile, including a truck full of camo clad hunters heading off tomy the woods. I smile and wave back.
This morning was too pretty to find excuses not to get outside. I'm used to being alone on my walks, aside from the occasional squirrel, chipmunk, bird and sometimes company of my best friend, but the beautiful country byways here are quite popular. On my walk today I pass a young woman and her little dog, a couple of bikers, an elderly gentleman with his mature dog out strolling, another young woman and her really big dog, and a very, very happy couple (walking on air). Everyone smiles and offers good morning greetings. And most everyone in cars that pass give a wave and a smile, including a truck full of camo clad hunters heading off to
Beware of the wild beast on the way home.
So my grumbly, fussy walk turned into a, feeling pretty good about this friendly place I live, outing. I hope you get outside today and that you feel good, too.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Heigh Ho the Dairy - O
Be wery wery quiet... my best friend is out hunting the wild beast of the forest.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Three Blind Mice ~ See How They Run
First there was one ~
Two nights ago we were watching TV in the living room when a little grey mouse slips out from a crack in the stairway runs back and forth across a stair before returning whence he came. So fast and quiet we questioned whether we saw what we saw.
Then there were two ~
Last evening we were enjoying a movie, again in the living room, and two little grey mice slip out from underneath the closed stairway door, scamper across the living room floor, around the entertainment cabinet and back again. No question we saw the brazen little fur balls.
No, they weren't blind and I did not cut off their tails with a carving knife...save that for the farmer's wife. However, my best friend did set the traps immediately and emptied them this morning.
And then one more ~
We replaced the battery in our station wagon today. A joint effort, as are most projects we tackle around here. And there underneath the hood of my car is a little grey mouse curled up in the hoses for a long, long (and then some) winter's nap. Sweet dreams little mousey.
Did you ever see such a sight in your life?
Two nights ago we were watching TV in the living room when a little grey mouse slips out from a crack in the stairway runs back and forth across a stair before returning whence he came. So fast and quiet we questioned whether we saw what we saw.
Then there were two ~
Last evening we were enjoying a movie, again in the living room, and two little grey mice slip out from underneath the closed stairway door, scamper across the living room floor, around the entertainment cabinet and back again. No question we saw the brazen little fur balls.
No, they weren't blind and I did not cut off their tails with a carving knife...save that for the farmer's wife. However, my best friend did set the traps immediately and emptied them this morning.
And then one more ~
We replaced the battery in our station wagon today. A joint effort, as are most projects we tackle around here. And there underneath the hood of my car is a little grey mouse curled up in the hoses for a long, long (and then some) winter's nap. Sweet dreams little mousey.
Did you ever see such a sight in your life?
Topo Gigio, the only little rodent I tolerate.
The field mice are raising a ruckus in my house and vehicles. Well guys, the party's over!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Never Far From Home
It's uncanny when away from the Mad River Valley we often cross the paths of friends and neighbors from home.
While having dinner out with my family last evening, at Owen's Fish Camp in the historic Burn's Court district of downtown Sarasota (Florida), a pretty women walks in and I think to myself, gosh she looks familiar. Not knowing her I assume she just reminds me of someone I know. It isn't 5 minutes later she approaches us (my sister in-law and me) and asks, "Are you girls (how thoughtful) from Vermont?" Karla Bove introduces herself, her daughter and her friend Dana (whom I immediately recognize). I had not met Karla before and find out she is an artist with a studio on Bridge St just minutes from my doorstep back home in the valley.
Not Just Black Boards is a treasure trove of colorful hand painted decorative blackboards Karla creates for home and business. True to the name, she paints not just blackboards.
I like this one.
Not Just Black Boards is a treasure trove of colorful hand painted decorative blackboards Karla creates for home and business. True to the name, she paints not just blackboards.
I like this one.
And really like this one.
Our valley villages all total approximately 6000 faces. Not all well known to each other, but most certainly familiar. Next time you're out in the world and you think you recognize a face, go ahead ask them, "Are you from Vermont?"
Chances are...
 |
| familiar in Sarasota |
Friday, October 28, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
All The Leaves Are Brown
And the sky is grey...
Stick season is here. It's cool today and the stove is fired up. My best friend is filling up the barn with the last of the seasoned firewood. Storm windows are on, garden beds are tucked in and the valley is quiet.
Perfect for a Sunday afternoon and a good book.
Stick season is here. It's cool today and the stove is fired up. My best friend is filling up the barn with the last of the seasoned firewood. Storm windows are on, garden beds are tucked in and the valley is quiet.
 |
| Source |
Perfect for a Sunday afternoon and a good book.
"The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools."- Henry Beston, Northern Farm
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Going Truckless in Vermont
We are a truck free family for the first time in 30 years. Toyota called us this summer asking to play "Let's Make A Deal". Their offer: take this envelope over here in exchange for your trusty rusty taco (warning: do not drive your taco Tacoma one more mile) or let us (Toyota) replace the taco's holey frame with a new one.
Let's see; bald tires, cracked windshield, squirrelly brakes, leaky exhaust and 2 weeks left on the inspection sticker... we take the envelope.
So what does my best friend bring home today?
"This is not a truck!" Ishout exclaim.
"But honey, she's a diesel," he grins.
"But honey! Can she bring in the firewood, take out the garbage, cover the garden with loads of compost, move the kid's belongings from one home to another, and gather up treasures after a good day perusing yard sales?
"Can she carry our bikes, the skis, the canoe... our important STUFF?" that's what I'd like to know.
She is small, kind of loud and rather stinky. However, she averages 40+ miles to the gallon. I reckon she will stay... as long as she carries her weight and then some.
Let's see; bald tires, cracked windshield, squirrelly brakes, leaky exhaust and 2 weeks left on the inspection sticker... we take the envelope.
So what does my best friend bring home today?
"This is not a truck!" I
"But honey, she's a diesel," he grins.
"But honey! Can she bring in the firewood, take out the garbage, cover the garden with loads of compost, move the kid's belongings from one home to another, and gather up treasures after a good day perusing yard sales?
"Can she carry our bikes, the skis, the canoe... our important STUFF?" that's what I'd like to know.
 |
| A truckload of important stuff! |
She is small, kind of loud and rather stinky. However, she averages 40+ miles to the gallon. I reckon she will stay... as long as she carries her weight and then some.
Friday, October 14, 2011
A Place To Wander
A Place of Wonder
Our backyard (plus a few or hundred acres) is a wooded wonderland. I've heard old timers refer to it as Mill Hill and lately it has picked up the name Wu Ledges. Our backyard will take you from here to; Ralston Rd, the Lareau swimming hole, the Purple Moon Pub, around Double Trouble and down Ol' Mossy, the old fair grounds, Denny Land, Hastings Rd, The Ledges, and back home again. Okay, not all of it is our backyard... but we can dream.
Our backyard (plus a few or hundred acres) is a wooded wonderland. I've heard old timers refer to it as Mill Hill and lately it has picked up the name Wu Ledges. Our backyard will take you from here to; Ralston Rd, the Lareau swimming hole, the Purple Moon Pub, around Double Trouble and down Ol' Mossy, the old fair grounds, Denny Land, Hastings Rd, The Ledges, and back home again. Okay, not all of it is our backyard... but we can dream.
The owners of the items below, not to worry, you can retrieve your belongings at lost and found, better known as the Valley Transfer Station.
It's a Wutiful day...even in the rain.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I Vowed
To never own a fry daddy. My quill of kitchen gadgets would not be accessory to a wounded heart.
I've changed my mind. Or should I say, Cheryl Sternman gave me a very persuasive shove. Upon returning home from his early morning bike ride my best friend dropped a beauty of an apple (picked right off Arthur's tree) onto my desk the very moment 5secondrule.typepad.com landed in the inbox. With her photo staring me in the face... I knew it was a sign.
See for yourself: For when you need a sophisticated accessory.
Who doesn't like accessorizing? Keep up with the current trends, that's what my grandkids do for me (yes, Justin Bieber is on my ipod). Listen to any well versed foodie; the talk is all about moderation. Well I don't know about you but I haven't had any (we're talking fried food here people) in a way, way long time.
I've changed my mind. Or should I say, Cheryl Sternman gave me a very persuasive shove. Upon returning home from his early morning bike ride my best friend dropped a beauty of an apple (picked right off Arthur's tree) onto my desk the very moment 5secondrule.typepad.com landed in the inbox. With her photo staring me in the face... I knew it was a sign.
See for yourself: For when you need a sophisticated accessory.
Who doesn't like accessorizing? Keep up with the current trends, that's what my grandkids do for me (yes, Justin Bieber is on my ipod). Listen to any well versed foodie; the talk is all about moderation. Well I don't know about you but I haven't had any (we're talking fried food here people) in a way, way long time.
Here I go.
And just so you know, all of the ingredients in these scrumptious fried apple rings of bling are organic and, exclusive of the powdered sugar, vanilla, and transfat free oil, localvore. That should count for something. Ah heck, whose counting.... have another one.
An apple a day...
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