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Sunflower field in southern Vermont, August 8, 2010
 
 
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Can any place be greener than Vermont in early summer? Maybe Ireland. Maybe not.

Here's a peek at what we see from the deck and windows.
Today, after a hot spell, we got up to a steamy 73 degrees at 3 p.m. A crisp Canadian high moved in and pushed all the muggy air out. The weekend should be stellar, perfect for the Fourth of July.

I stopped off at a farm stand yesterday afternoon. They had lettuce, beets, radishes, strawberries, blueberries and CORN! Everyone is talking about it. No one remembers ever seeing corn in time for the Fourth of July in New England. But this was not a typical year. We had an early thaw followed by persistent rain, with just enough sun to get things started. Now, we’re reaping the benefits. Who says there’s no global warming?

Below are a few seasonal sites in and around southern Vermont/western Massachusetts. Photos were taken yesterday evening and this afternoon. If you look carefully, you'll see a pileated woodpecker making salad-bowl sized holes in a tree.

The bears are out and about, but we haven't seen any yet. Lots of other people have. One friend stepped out on her front porch to shoo away a bear from her bird feeder. He responded with a deep growl, and she high-tailed it back indoors.
 
 
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We just got back from our annual trip to sunny (but cold and windy) California, where we visit relatives and friends in the East Bay-Sacramento area.

As you’ll see, this year's vacation included a wedding, a few birthday parties, scenic drives along the Pacific, walks through Monterey and Sacramento, plus a morning at the Monterey Aquarium. It was fabulous!

I’m always struck by the beauty of California plant life, as well as the intensity of light along the coast and in high desert. When you live in the rainy northeast woods the rest of the year, West Coast light is very big thing.  

Here are some photos, for your enjoyment. If you have two minutes, slather on some sunblock then click on the video for a virtual vacation. You’ll hear waves, birds and children. What could be better?

Cheers,

Paula
 
 
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Spring crept in a little early this year in New England, then took a return flight back to wherever it comes from, letting the cold air drift back in over us.

By March 20, the first official day of spring, the snow had cleared enough for us to pick out a spot to plant a lilac bush. By last week, the lilacs were available in nurseries, so we bought two different varieties and one low-bush blueberry (for the bears). 

By May 1, all the white stuff had melted, even pretty far north of us. On Mother’s Day, however, we awoke to fresh coating and icy windshields. Imagine! 

All that being said, here are a few things I noticed over the last few weeks that tell me spring is here to stay:
The sugaring season came and went, as it always does.
At least a few salamanders made it across roads to vernal pools for mating season. I saw them (cross the road).
Morris Dancers danced on May 1.
Young people stripped down to the essentials for a picnic on the first warm day. 
Water rushed over the falls, as the snows melted up north. 
Bulbs burst forth with colorful blooms. 
Teenagers took out their guitars for a folk concert. 
The earth greened up all around us.  
There were kids in church! And kids played with kids in church!  
 
 
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Dear Friends,

We had it all this year at Christmastime – holiday music, get togethers with friends (at their homes!), a lovely tree, a grandchild to play with, snow, family and more snow. Hope you were equally fortunate.

Happy New Year to all!

Cheers,

Paula

 
 
 
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Here are a few photos I took yesterday, which turned out to be peak. It was 26 last night, and tonight we’ll get our first snow of the season. Farewell autumn!
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Dear Reader,

It's a beautiful time of year! Sorry you're not here, but enjoy the view!
 
Cheers,

Paula
 
 
 
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Wish you were here!
The weather's good -- daytime highs 70-75, nightime lows 45-50. Put us on your calendar for next year. Kick back and enjoy the scenery. No fancy clothes necessary. In fact, leave them home.
 
 
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We just got back from three days in a waterfront cabin at Lake George, New York. It belongs to some cousins who invited us up to share the view from their screen porch. I can’t tell you delicious it was to sleep in front of an open window, listening to the waves slapping the shore.

Here's a taste of Lake George (click on any photo to enlarge): 
If you haven’t had a chance to get away this summer, why don’t you kick off your shoes, smear on some sunblock, lean back in your chair and enjoy this 2-minute vacation to beautiful Lake George NY. Speakers on!
 
 
Every now and then, we have to go to New York or Boston.  We kind of dread it, but often it turns out to be a great day. A different kind of beauty.
Here's a little postcard of shots taken several weeks ago from a cellphone through the windshield. Yes, that is the Empire State Building and that is Macy's on 34th Street, New York.  Enjoy!