Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/16/20

I was just sitting out on the deck (Sunday) and needed to come in to get a sweater.  I am really not ready to change seasons yet and hope that summer sticks around a bit longer.  I now have three lovely wind chimes, each with a different tone.  The melody is quite enchanting and comforting!

The other night I was listening to a mouse in the closet – again!  There was a week not long ago when I trapped 8 in a four day period.  One night as I was lying in bed, I actually heard the trap snap, yet I waited until morning before disposing of it.  As I toss them into the woods, I wonder whose meal they will become.  I hope something makes good use of them.  It does seem strange that so many are venturing indoors during the summer when it is usually the cooler weather that drives them in.

The Book Group meetings this Thursday via Zoom at 6:30 to discuss The Secret of Priest’s Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story.  I have not yet had a chance to watch the accompanying documentary, No Place on Earth, but hope to do so within the next day or so.

I have heard of several college students returning to their respective schools for the fall term.  Some will have actual classes, others on-line, and a few seem to be having a combination of both.  VT is gearing up for the return of out-of-state students, trying to be prudent about the possibility of COVID coming with them and taking needed steps to ensure a rapid response.  What a strange and perplexing time.

VT schools will be opening after Labor Day and again there are a variety of options.  Much has been learned about virtual classes, but it can still be rather difficult for students and school personnel.  Hopefully the precautions that are being taken will safeguard everyone.  A bit of extra patience and fortitude will be needed.  This is a time of uncertainty, but one to most certainly extend extra kindness.