EAST HARDWICK – This past weekend featured warming temperatures, with highs largely in the mid-60s both Friday and Saturday. We stopped short of 70 degrees on either day, but a soaking rain via the initial warm front Friday night and subsequent showers and thunderstorms during the day on Saturday brought[Read More…]
Columns
There’s Plenty to Talk About
EAST MONTPELIER — Both my friend Bea and I have functioning automobiles, which is fortunate, because we live (when you factor in stops for coffee, washroom, or gasoline) about four hours apart. We pretty much trade weekends for travel, and get together about twice a month. She’s still teaching, so[Read More…]
Local Lumps, April 23, 1925
HARDWICK – A telephone has been installed in Wade Benjamin’s home on Cherry Street this week. Work of repairing the suspension footbridge across the river near the Roy and Fulford saw-mill, was begun this morning. Workmen have been busy the past week, repairing the broken cement wall at the rear[Read More…]
What Does the Bible Say About DEI?
MORRISVILLE – In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become prominent topics in our society. DEI emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity where people are treated equitably and feel valued regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or other characteristics. As a Christian, I view the[Read More…]
Ephemerals of the Forest
NORWICH — Spring ephemeral wildflowers are perennial woodland plants that sprout from the ground early, bloom fast, and then go to seed—all before the canopy trees leaf out overhead. Often found in calcium-rich woods alongside Sugar Maple and Northern Maidenhair Fern, they include Dutchman’s Breeches, Blue Cohosh, Wild Ginger, spring beauty and[Read More…]
Simple Tips Result in Stunning Clematis
PANTON – With abundant blooms in a wide range of colors from soft white to dark purple, pink and even yellow, clematis reign supreme among climbers. A genus in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family, clematis are versatile, easy-to-maintain perennials that grow as climbers, spreading shrubs or groundcovers. More than 300 species grow worldwide,[Read More…]
Bumble Bee Bingo: Can you collect them all?
NORWICH — For us bee biologists, nothing says spring quite like the first bumble bee of the year. Sometime between late March and early May, a loud, familiar buzz will get our attention and we will once again get reacquainted with these charismatic minifauna. For the more casual bee enthusiasts,[Read More…]
Snow to Start, Milder by Weekend
EAST HARDWICK – Filtered sunshine and high temperatures in the 60s on Monday offered more reassurance that spring is on the way. Our last forecast period included an episode of snow amounting to about 3 to 6 inches by midday Wednesday. Higher elevations of Greensboro came in closer to nine[Read More…]
Caulking Gaps, Missing Shelves
HARDWICK — Last week the architect spent several hours inspecting the nearly completed Jeudevine addition in order to create a punch list. My understanding is that the term originated in an era when a hole would be punched through the paper next to items on a list as they were[Read More…]
Instead, Their Brilliance was Spent on Us
EAST MONTPELIER – “THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not[Read More…]
Poetry as Protest
SHELBURNE — How many tyrants were abused as toddlers, tweens, or teens? Historically, many. My friend, fellow poet, and former Governor, Madeleine Kunin, wisely noted years ago that the problem with cliches is the truth behind them. Misery loves company. Are there tyrants making you miserable? Write a poem. Place[Read More…]
We Could All Use a Dose of Mr. Rogers
“I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.So let’s make the most of this beautiful day,Since we’re together we might as well say,Would you be mine?Could you be mine?Won’t you be my neighbor?”– Fred Rogers The other day[Read More…]