By Cassandra Tyndall Just when you thought nothing more could shock or surprise you, this week will continue to add turbulence and confusion. The first of three links between communication planet, Mercury and radical Uranus happens on Wednesday. This initial confrontation may unearth something hidden or toxic, highlighting the need for change. Whether it’s news…

By Sandra Dee Owens I made a “Funology” calendar. This calendar has no days or months in it. It has 365 seasons. Living by this calendar, I wake up each morning with anticipation, and think, ‘What season is it today?” then grab the appropriate clothing, tools, and toys for that season—and go outside to work…

By Mary Ellen Shaw It’s time to be a “leaf peeper” whether you are visiting us from out of state or live here. In fact Vermonters often need a reminder to get out and enjoy what is right in our own backyard. The colorful display that Mother Nature puts on isn’t cancelled just because we…

By Dom Cioffi Several years ago, in February of 2015, a very plain and unassuming photo went viral around the internet. The photo was of a blue and black dress – or a gold and white dress, depending on who was looking at it. That was the curious thing. Two people could be standing side-by-side…

By Kevin Theissen Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as impossible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial futures playing out precisely as they assumed. But understanding some of the more common assumptions about retirement may help you…

By Tiffany Soukup Sitting in a grassy field at Townshend State Park on a late summer day, I watched dozens of dragonflies roaming the sky. Their slender bodies drifted in and out of view as they rode the air currents. I thought of the cool autumn days to come and wondered where these dragonflies would…

By Cassandra Tyndall One of the most difficult alignments of 2020, the square between Mars and Saturn, happens again this week. A return of theme, particularly from late August, may be back on the agenda for you to deal with. While going over old territory can be frustrating, it does provide you the opportunity to…

By Mary Ellen Shaw I don’t know about you but I find that decorating for autumn can be just as much fun as decorating for Christmas! The yellow, orange and red colors that are prevalent this time of year brighten the days that are getting dark so early. Decorations outside bring cheer not only to…

I often listen to podcasts when I run. I find that the conversations help me detach when things get difficult – like when I’m headed up a long hill or struggling through the last mile. I also know that running puts me in a state of mind where I’m able to be truly present as…

By Dr. Glen Mollette Much has been written about political polarization in the U.S. and how a heated political climate has drawn a line in the sand between voters. But heading into the 2020 presidential election, self-censorship also is on the rise – including at the workplace, where some people fear sharing their political views. Nearly a third of employed…

New England is home to dozens of species of mammals, hundreds of varieties of birds, and tens of thousands of different insects, but only one lizard: the five-lined skink. Though I am fond of reptiles and often seek them out, I have never seen a skink. Unless you’re lucky, determined, or a rock climber –…

By Merisa Sherman As we topped out, I could see the mountains spread majestically before me, layers of ridge lines fading to an almost blueish gray in the distance. The once green landscape was now filled with a myriad of colors, vibrant reds, stunning yellows, contrasting browns and the always present sections of dark pine…

By Cassandra Tyndall This week marks the Equinox, where the Sun enters the cardinal sign of Libra. Latin for ‘equal night’ the Equinox heralds a period when the days and nights are relatively equal, thus, symbolizing the theme of balance. In pagan traditions, this harvest season is a time to celebrate the last of the…

By Dom Cioffi I picked up my son from a sleepover last weekend and, when he came out of his friend’s house to my awaiting car, the boy’s father followed him. I was unprepared for this visit since my son is now of the age where parental check-ins aren’t really necessary. The father waved as…

Due to Covid-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home improvement. It’s not that big of a surprise since many Americans now find their homes are doing triple duty as a place to live, work, and learn. Homeowners are funneling more money into…