Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/27/20

I hope that everyone had a very merry Christmas and that folks were able to reach out to loved ones, even if it was not a face-to-face gathering.  Isn’t it amazing how the rain demolished all that snow. It cleared my roofs, except for a small amount in the valleys. But the best part was that there was nothing left on my driveway to freeze and become hazardous. 

I do feel sorry for all of the people who have come up here to enjoy skiing, since I am not sure that the ski areas have fared very well. The cold temps may ease the situation with man-made snow. I have been walking daily with neighbors and for the most part there has been very little wind, which makes these early morning jaunts delightful. 

The sunrise on the 26th was breathtaking and the sprinkling of light snow the last couple of mornings has whitened up the snowbanks, making them look fresh and clean. I don’t know about dining in other areas of Vermont, but there is a holiday Dining in Okemo Valley guide that lists many places for eat-in and take-out dining.  I will say that three of us obtained the Christmas day dinner from the Echo Lake Inn, which was delicious.

I don’t have a great deal of news, but I imagine people are occupied with their loved ones at this time of year in any case. The next book for our Reading Group is The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.  Our Zoom meeting to discuss it will be Thursday, 1/21 at 6:30. 

I have heard so many people say they will be glad to say goodbye to 2020. It certainly has been a difficult year on so many levels.  I haven’t noticed that people are making many New Year’s resolutions, however. I do hope that everyone will attempt to think positively about this upcoming year and will try to take good care – physically, mentally and spiritually. I found this quote by Voltair “think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too”. That in itself sounds like a good stress reliever.  Wishing everyone many blessings for the New Year.