Building our Killington Dream Lodge part 26 in a series on the Dye family adventure
By Marguerite Jill Dye
We’re headed for Europe as this column comes out to visit with friends and see old and new sites where I’ll paint en plein air like French “artistes.”
I’ll take a break from my series of columns on building our Dye Family Killington Dream Lodge. I may submit some photos, notes, and conversations with French and Italians. What an interesting time to gain insights on European reactions to our elections.
When my husband and I return, I’ll continue to write the saga of building our ski lodge. It’s hard to remember which improvement happened when on the timeline but what I know for good and certain is work our Dream Lodge is never done. There are many exciting changes about to take place in our lives and house that I’ll divulge little by little as we continue to pass through time. Please let me know if my column strikes a chord. Hearing from readers is a special treat since writing is quite isolating.
I’ll leave you with a letter I just received from a dear friend of Mom and me. We call Brenda Hill
“Bree.”
Dear Jill,
Thank you for the update about your future online columns in “The Mountain Times.” Since I moved from Sarasota to California they will be easy for me to follow.
I have been intrigued with your 26 weekly stories about Vermont and building your mountain dream home. Especially since I know your property inside and out.
My Vermont history began when I was 6 years old and my dad took me to Pico to learn to ski. Back then we stayed at the Woodstock Inn. I still return to publish stories about the outstanding wine and food in your area.
I won the California Writer’s Club non fiction award for my story about the Christmas Farm Inn in North Conway. We returned almost every Christmas and New Years to cross county ski. “Christmas in July” was fun with hay rides, and a real Santa.
After my chef-daughter bought a home and restaurant near Stowe, I would drive through Killington along my route, stopping at Bill’s Country Store to say hello.
My daughter is still there decades later. Thanksgiving means Vermont — with fresh bounty from organic gardens and authentic maple syrup from the maple trees.
I became an “Inn Sitter” after two Connecticut neighbors bought B&B’s in Vermont.
I ran the property while they took one or two-week well deserved vacations. I learned it was harder work than I imagined. Yet, it was gratifying because the guests fell in love with Vermont.
When your mom told me about the ski lodge, I could hardly wait to visit. Marguerite called it “the party house.” However I found it peaceful, quiet, full of nature and sweet solitude.
I enjoyed the history of the lodge come to life. My only regret is not meeting your dad.
The last time I was there was pure magic. Chef Danny was there so I dined like royalty. (There’s nothing like a Swiss-trained chef!) The trees were turning brilliant crimson and gold. One day I took a woodland hike in warm sunshine. The next day snowflakes fell as I basked in the hot tub on your porch, sipping hot cider.
Your columns have brought it all back. I plan to return next year and can’t wait to catch up in person. Thank you for sharing your adventures with me and your many followers.
Love, Brenda
Marguerite Jill Dye is an artist and writer who divides her time between Killington and Bradenton, Florida. She loves to hear from her readers at jilldyestudio@aol.com. Please spread the word her column is online.
