Hal Borland, American author, journalist, and naturalist once said, “No Winter lasts forever, no Spring skips its turn. April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it.”
English writer Samuel Johnson said that April can be a moment of joy for those who have survived the winter. This April seems to be a little mixed up with two deep snow storms already this month. We will prevail!
Good things happen in April including April Fool’s Day where we can play tricks on our friends.
Coming up we have Earth Day, April 22 that should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more sustainable and livable place, and Arbor Day, April 29, reminds us how precious ancient trees are. Sir David Attenborough believes there is little else on Earth that plays host to such a rich community of life within a single living organism.
I came upon a recipe that sounded so much like spring and summer that I’m going to share it early. Nobody said we can’t eat pie during a snow storm!
You will need a piecrust. If you use a regular piecrust you will need to bake it first. If you use a graham cracker pie crust you can start with the filling. For the filling you need 2 cups whipping cream, ¼ cup of powdered sugar and three cups of fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi fruit etc). Whip the cream, add the sugar and then add the fruit and spoon the mixture into the prepared crust. Refrigerate about an hour. I don’t want to whip the cream so I’m going to try it with Cool Whip. Good luck!
Library events
The Sherburne Memorial Library in Killington likes to keep us busy. A big thank you to Jane Ramos and the entire staff. First there is always a movie on Monday’s starting at 1 p.m. The chairs are comfortable, there is popcorn and it’s just a pleasant way to watch a movie. Plus, it’s free!
On Wednesday, April 10, the library will be offering a workshop on the benefits of Reiki, led by Kelly McDermott-Burns. She is a seasoned practitioner with two decades of experience, and will offer a comprehensive exploration of this ancient healing technique. Participants can expect to delve into the integration of Reiki within the health care system, understanding how it complements traditional medical practices and promotes healthy wellbeing. Additionally, Kelly’s expertise will shed light on the positive effects of Reiki on animals. This gentle energy healing modality can benefit our furry friends in profound ways.
The Thoughts on Aging discussion group will meet at the library on Wednesday, April 17. Aging in place is a goal that many are now considering. The cost can be over $4,000 per month in an independent living community. Staying in your own home near friends and family and other things familiar can be a solution. Like everything else this takes planning and we will share some thoughts and ideas on that. The absolutely great thing about this discussion group is that everybody has an opinion and the discussions go in all directions. All are welcome. Just come with an open mind and the belief that all opinions are valid. Come and share your ideas.
The monthly book club always meets the last Wednesday of the month. Join the group on Wednesday, April 24 at 1 p.m. to discuss “Fellowship Point” by Alice Elliot Dark. Lifelong neighbors and friends Agnes Lee and Polly Garner own shares in Fellowship Point, a beautiful summer colony and bird sanctuary on the coast of Maine. As they turn 80, it’s time to make decisions about their legacy, a question that threatens their long, close and peaceful friendship. This should be an interesting discussion as many in the senior group might be facing the same kind of decision.
If you are a budding historian, please join the Killington Historians on Friday, April 19 at 1 p.m., at the library. Howard Coffin will speak on Vermont Women and the Civil War. “Vermont women enlisted for the duration” so said a Vermont historian assessing the war years 1861-1865. Vermont’s remarkable Civil War battlefield record is well documented, but little is known of how Vermont women sustained the home front. Historian Howard Coffin, explains, with nearly 35,000 of the state’s able bodied men at war, women took on farming, worked in factories, served as nurses in the state’s military hospitals, and more. At least one Vermont woman appears to have secretly enlisted and fought in a Vermont regiment. Drawing from letters and diaries, Mr. Coffin tells their story in their own words, describing life during the Civil War in the Green Mountain State.
Every Tuesday from 1-3, the senior group meets at the library to help with just about anything that needs to be done. The summer always introduces a new theme and there is much to be done to get ready for this. No special skills are needed, just a desire to help!
The Roger Clark Memorial Library is just a short drive away in Pittsfield. On April 20, Jerry Schneider will introduce us to butterflies. The presentation is for both children and adults. Using pictures and stories, Mr. Schneider will help us learn about their habitats and the flowers that will attract them to your garden. Please let the library know you will be attending: 802-746-4067.
Women’s club
Killington is a small town and many of our organizations serve two purposes, a social one and a philanthropic one. This is certainly true of The Greater Killington Women’s Club. They organize many social activities throughout the year and one in particular serves two purposes. The annual wine dinner, to be held on Thursday, April 11 at the Foundry, benefits the young people in our community by providing scholarships and awards. Please support this worthy cause by attending or by simply writing a check.
Cultivating happiness
As we age all kinds of things can ruin our day. However, a call from a grandchild or a chance to do something with a friend can change things in a minute. Whatever the situation you find yourself in it’s up to you to choose the direction you will go in. It’s always good to cultivate optimism. This is not always easy but it certainly adds to our happiness so it’s worth working on.
First, count your blessings. Even on days when there are not as many as you would like, make a list and surprise yourself that there are good things going on in your life. Look again as most situations have a bright side. Don’t stew, as good rarely comes from dwelling on problems or comparing yourself unfavorably with others. Tell someone they look terrific. You just might make their day which will also make your day better too.
Nurture relationships as strong bonds benefit everyone.
Get lost in a book, a movie, a walk or project. Getting so involved that you lose track of time gives your brain a chance to recharge.
Remember when you felt happy. Those memories can infuse your day with joy and possibility. Pursue a long neglected goal with passion. This will create positive energy!
Cope calmly and manage stress in healthy ways, like walking or talking to friends. Forgive, which means letting go of anger and resentment that just waste energy.
Embrace the spiritual, whatever that means for you.
Finally, honor your body. This requires exercise, maybe meditation and most of all a good laugh as often as you can.
I read the other day that “Time is the coin of our life. It is the only coin we have, and only we can determine how it will be spent.” Carl Sandburg is the author of that little gem. It’s nice to have the goal of embracing each day but do we really do that. I don’t know. Maybe if I repeat this enough I will accomplish more, I will have neat closets, I will learn something new each week, I’ll cook, I will think good thoughts and on and on.
Right now I’m going to concentrate on embracing this new snow.
Have a good month everyone and remember: reach out to each other and always be grateful. Love who you can. Help where you can and give what you can.
Best regards, Gerrie
