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Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/6/20

That delightfully warm day last week seemed like the perfect one to wash the car – maybe one of the last until spring.  All the regular hoses had been put away for the season, but I found a short one in the basement (you never know what you will find when you start a cleaning project).  I had used it once before and there seemed to be a very small leak where the nozzle attached to the hose.  Since it had rained and the car was wet, I simply soaped it up.  Then, as darkness was descending, it was time to rinse it off.  I turned on the water and immediately got a face full of it.  After the initial shock, it struck me as funny, so I continued rinsing the car and myself at the same time.

I understand from a friend in Mt Holly that they received about 4 inches of snow from what was predicted to be a nor’easter on Saturday.  Here in Tyson it started as rain so by the time the snow came, most of it was absorbed.  I don’t even think there was an inch of accumulation.  That wind was the most frightening part of that weather system.  Line crews were out long hours in many places.

Real estate continues to change hands here in town, as noted below:

1) 182 D Upper Round Top Rd    $107,500   Brad and Suzanne Murphy to Ryan Metz

2) 1492 Dublin Rd   $480,000   Robert Maples to Todd Kowalczyk

3)  Route 100 SA1-75 1.02 Acres      $5,500     William Ruddy to Richard Dickinson

4)  228 Great Roaring Brook Rd     $545,000     Alan and Susan Mitchell to Stephen                                   Remsen and Ellen McCray

5) 174 Meadow Hawk Rd    $535,000     Dean Kolbas to Anthony and Sarah Nappa

6) 3110 Route 100 5.53 Acres   $38,000   Ralph, Judith and Jeremy Michael to Martin                                              Higgs and Kathleen White

7) 303 Frog City Rd     $1,150,000     Fletcher Coleman to Eric and Jenifer Perez

8) 363 Salt Ash Rd    $785,000    Robert and Carmen McCloskey to James and Tracy                        Young

9) 583 Route 100   $339,000   Carmen Citro to David and Debra Christiansen

Reprinted with the permission of The Vermont Standard

11/31/20

I hope that folks were fortunate enough to see the wonderful way the sun was sparkling on the crystals on the tree branches on Sunday morning.  A rainbow of colors made the morning look magical.

I neglected to note the very interesting discussion of The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson that transpired at the last Zoom Book Club meeting.  It was enlightening in many ways and helped to explain the way people of color struggled in the south, even after the Civil War, but also how the migration north brought about many hardships and often caused family disintegration.

This month’s selection is Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce and the discussion will take place on Friday, 12/18 at 6:30 PM.  Please note that the day has been changed from Thursday to Friday this time.  It is about two very different women on a life-changing adventure.  Per one review: there are tough obstacles and harrowing scenes. The ending is not pat, nor fully happy. But it is hopeful. There is resilience, there is redemption, and there is beauty — great beauty.  So, think about finding a copy and joining the group!

Birthday wishes to Andy Buchan-Groff (12/11) and Simon Bergey (12/14).  This picture was taken outside of the Tyson Store when my grandson, Owen Perrino, reported the buck he had taken.  His dad, Chris is quite a hunter and Owen seems to be following in his footsteps.

11/22/2020

Reprint with permission from The Vermont Standard

Holidays come and holidays go

Time passes, but this I know

The hole in my heart does not decline

For missing loved ones, I still pine

The only way to manage and move ahead

Is to focus upon their gifts instead

The many blessings they brought my way

Will be my remembrance for Thanksgiving Day.

By Margo Marrone

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/15/20

Just think of it – only 5 more weeks and daylight will be lengthening again!  A rude awakening with the weather this week, but it is to be expected – after all, it is November! Today (Sunday) has turned grey and raw, so I had no desire to venture out for a walk. Of course, there are always indoor tasks to be done….

It seems like mice are coming inside in droves these days.  The fellow in this picture startled me the other morning and as a result, lived to tell the story.  He was caught by one foot, managed to flip the trap up on end and was looking at me when I went down to the wood room.  I took the trap with him in it out to the deck and released him.  I guess he wasn’t badly injured because he scampered away.  Since then I have caught and killed 3 more mice in that trap and I have wondered if he learned his lesson or returned to be caught again!

I had a nice email from Anne Marie who worked for many years at the Echo Lake Inn.  She is doing well and sends her best to everyone.  She is still living in Plymouth, but has traded working with people for working with animals at Kedron Valley Boarding, Grooming and Daycare (happypets@kedronvet.com).

It is so difficult to make plans with COVID and it seems advisable not to travel this year.  If you are looking for a place to have Thanksgiving dinner, the Echo Lake Inn will have 3 seatings – 1:30, 4, and 6:30, with appropriate distancing.  Not a turkey lover, there are additional offerings, so check out their website. Please note that the Inn at Water’s Edge will begin Tues evening dinners again on 11/24.

Here is a quote from One Day at a Time to help put things in perspective “Today is only a small manageable segment of time in which our difficulties need not overwhelm us.  This lifts from our hearts and minds the heavy weight of both past and future.” 

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/6/20

Considering we had 10 inches of snow Mon – Tues this week, it was remarkable and wonderful to go for a delightful bike on 11/6 with of a temperature of 62 degrees!  The hoses had been put to bed for the season, so I had no way to wash the mud off my car.  Oh well, these mild days are a gift and much appreciated.

Reflecting upon the large number of votes for Governor Phil Scott, it seems like a positive response to his leadership during COVID.  His thoughtful approach and research based strategies, plus his respectful and congenial manner should be a model for other politicians. 

A belated birthday to Willow Bascom (11/2) and upcoming congratulations to Karen Evans (11/7), young Julia Baldwin (11/20) and Joan Day (11/30).  Not much other news at the moment, but a huge thank-you to those who assisted at the polls on Election Day and worked for long hours to tally the votes.

The BBC auction is live on Saturday, 11/7/20.

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

10/25/20

I am wondering if those lovely warm days are over.  They certainly were a delightful treat and I hope that everyone was able to be outside doing all of the myriad tasks that need to be done before the snow flies.  Sunday I walked around the Historic Site and found a couple from NY strolling there, too.  They didn’t realize it was closed for the season, but were enjoying the sunshine and sense of serenity that was prevailing there.

I took a nice bike ride to Plymouth Union the other day and am thinking it might be the last until spring!  I probably need to take bike riding lessons from Schuyler Hagge, since she has been showing her winning ways recently.  Nice work!

It is a bit disturbing that VT has noted a spike in COVID cases recently.  Certainly we are not seeing the huge uptick that many places are experiencing, but it does sound a note of alarm that calls for caution and prudence.  It is so difficult to know how to maintain contact with family and friends in a way that is safe.  Sometime it feels like a game of Russian roulette…

I guess I am becoming weary of the election drama.  I will certainly be glad when it is over.  Having received the ballot in the mail, I put it behind me by voting early.  We have recently received the separate ballot for Justices of the Peace with the names of the five people who are running.  According to the Vermont Justice of the Peace Guide, “justices of the peace do far more than solemnizing marriages. Their duties are many and varied, from administering oaths to deciding property tax assessment appeals to delivering and counting ballots as elections officials”.  It is an important position and I am grateful that folks are willing to take on these responsibilities. 

Get ready for the annual Bethany Birches Auction, which has been revamped by COVID as so many things have.  On-line bidding starts on Monday, 11/2 at noon.  The live virtual auction takes place on Sat, 11/8 with the preview at 9:30 and the auction starting at 10:00. Check out the website. This is an important fundraiser, so your support can make a difference in the lives of youngsters if you participate.  Staff did an amazing job of keeping the campers safe this summer in light of the pandemic!

I liked this quote I found in Courage to Change:  “We may never have the choices we would have if we were writing the script, but we always have choices”.  To me that means we can choose to be cheerful and loving!

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

10/18/20

There are noticeably fewer people around now that the holiday weekend has passed.  Although many leaves have fallen, the golden glow persists in some places and is lovely on its own.  In addition to many bear sightings in Tyson, there were numerous turkeys crossing Dublin Road this week.  Yes, we do share this place with an amazing number of different animals – big and small.  Joan Day said there was even a moose pictured recently on her trail camera.

I did want to mention that on 10/11, the Echo Lake Inn hosted the wine-tasting and silent auction fundraiser for the Black River Independent School.  Most of us ventured outside the tent when sampling the wines (donated by the generous owner of a vineyard in Argentina) and wonderful appetizers, otherwise masks were worn.  Area businesses very kindly donated gift certificates and the community support was greatly appreciated.

The Book Group “met” this past Thursday and discussed in detail Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler.  It featured a number of interesting characters and the evolution of relationships.  From fiction, we turn to The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson for the next selection.  It chronicles the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, with wonderful historical detail.  Pick up a copy and join us for the discussion via Zoom on Thursday, 11/19 at 6:30 PM..

I learned from Joel at the Inn at Water’s Edge that they will be taking a break in regard to lodging, but they may still be having their Tuesday evening dinners.  Check out social media or their website (/www.innatwatersedge.com) for current information.

I understand that the Bridgewater Grange has voted not to have their annual Turkey Supper this year, in light of COVID.  It was a difficult decision since so many local folks, as well as visitors look forward to the delicious offerings, but it seems to be the prudent choice.  There will be a container and collection jar located at Maple Leaf Farm and Garden Supply on Rte 100A where donations may be left that will be used to provide Thanksgiving baskets for families.  It is open from 8:30 – 5:00 Monday – Friday and 1/2 day on Saturday.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

10/11/20

It just seems impossible to know what to wear these days!  I have had my winter jacket on for an early morning walk, enjoyed bike rides with only minimal layers, and then reveled in a summer skirt, blouse, and sandals – all in the matter of one week.  Most of us have been busy putting gardens to bed and I took advantage of the 70+ degree weather on Saturday to plant some bulbs.

It doesn’t seem unusual these days to hear bear stories.  They are trying to pack on weight to carry them through winter hibernation, so they are diligently seeking any food they can find.  Even though my feeder hangs from a window high off the ground, one fellow apparently thought it was worth a try to raid it.  Around 7:15 PM last Wed I heard noise outside my dining room and decided to see what was going on.  I flipped on the spotlight to look out my bow window and came practically face-to-face with a huge bear.  He had climbed a tree about 10 feet from the house and was eye level with me!  We looked at each other, but by the time I regained my wits and grabbed my phone to take a picture, he had ascended further up the tree and peeked at me over a branch.  I opened the far window to gain a better angle, but he quickly clamored down the back side of the tree and then lumbered up our sugarhouse road.  I was amazed at how quickly this large creature could move up and down the tree.  It would have been an amazing picture.

Congratulation to Schyler Hagge on taking first place in last Thursday’s Woodstock Mountain Bike race that included grades 7 through 12!
I understand that the Coolidge Foundation has recently announced some staff updates. Jared Rhoads, who has led the Coolidge 5K race is at the Notch will be on site several days per week and is the person to contact (jrhoads@coolidgefoundation.org) if you would like to be a debate judge or volunteer with the high school debate program. John Ferrell, longtime office manager and archivist is often on hand as well.

The Foundation has recently hired Dean Ball as the new executive director, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO, Amity Shlaes.  Although based at the Foundation’s office in Washington, D.C, he will spend significant time at the Notch overseeing the Foundation’s many programs in Vermont. Planning will include working on the Coolidge centennial in 2023. 

Beginning next year, Matt Denhart, who has served as executive director and then president since late 2013, will be shifting his role to focus on development and administration of the Coolidge Scholarship.  Although COVID-19 has forced many events and programs to be online this year, it is hoped that in-person programs can return in the future, including 4th of July fireworks.