Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Red-breasted Grosbeaks return. (Photo by Terry Bascom)

4/23/17

The snow is nearly gone in our yard and the daffodils are pushing through.  The water in the brook is raging.  The birds are chirping and building nests (not always where I want them, however!)  The temperatures are still variable – all sure signs of spring.  We had one last suet cake to put out – only slightly nibbled upon by a mouse, but we decided to let the birds finish it off.  Walking past the window the other day, I noticed a red squirrel hanging upside down on it, chewing away.  Who knew all these animals enjoyed suet!

What a treat to have Theresa Ennis show pictures from her recent school trip to Senegal.  Up-close pictures of exotic animals and the colorful costumes of traditional dancers provided a wonderful backdrop for the gifts and services that the students provided.  It is always an eye-opener to see how folks live in other countries.  Some of the conveniences that we take for granted are not available and it might be argued, are not necessary for a happy and productive life.

I barely finished reading Hidden Figures before our Book Club meeting on Thursday evening, but it was well worth it.  The book and subsequent movie (which we viewed that night) portrayed several strong, bright and determined women working in the space industry, who had to overcome bias and discriminatory treatment because of gender and color.  It was fascinating to see the timeline of events in both the “race for space” and the civil rights movement, as well.  It is wonderful that these “human computers” are finally being recognized.

So glad that Susan Mordecai with be having her gentle yoga/meditation session this Saturday, 4/29 at 8:00 AM at the Community Center.  It is a terrific way to start the day!

I am looking forward to the latest Yo Theatre production, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery by Ken Ludwig, playing Friday, 5/5 and Thursday 5/6 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, 7/7 at 2:00 PM.

Congratulations to Dorothy and Roger Pingree for 65 years of marriage on 4/26.  They are currently both in Brookside Nursing Facility in WRJ.