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Building a Killington dream lodge: Part 13 Dad was focused and totally devoted to building his Killington dream lodge each weekend. It became his life purpose and passion to build his heart-felt legacy for our family. His dedication was inspiring to behold. Mom was committed (they were still married) but she had other interests, as…

By Meira Christine It’s that time of year.  Rhubarb’s in season, Spring fevered Feminist movementbe damned  I’ll make pie If it pleases me And chase men, too No promises of pie though Fork you! Really serious about That. Just thankful the foolery of April is Done with And all of that You-know-what Bring on the…

The grass sparkles as we walk to the car.  The dew flies from the bird’s wings after they fly away.  My boots tap the freshly damp ground and leave imprints.  The wind blows my hair side to side.  Birds whistle and chirp in the distance.  The sun just opens its eyes to the world.  Good…

Sometimes, a situation can be so unbelievable, so stark or so out of your comfort zone, that it doesn’t even fully register on your radar that it happened. Even when the blatantly obvious is right under your nose, you still don’t see it. Even when those who know, those who speak from experience, the blind…

May is Older American Month. This designation was established in 1963 by the Administration for Community Living. The theme for 2024 is “Powered by Connection,” which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.  In our area we have the Killington Active Seniors, the Thompson Center in…

Building a Killington Dream Lodge: Part 12 While building our ski lodge in Killington, we worked very hard but there were perks, too. One thing I loved most about Vermont was what I discovered when I was 13. Since we owned property, I’d qualify to apply for a learner’s permit when I turned 14. (In…

My mom moved here, to Killington, seven years ago, after the passing of my father. She was the first widow of her friend group and no one knew what to do with her in a world where everyone was coupled up. She was lonely and alone, so when the needlepoint shop that she worked at started…

  I don’t know when it first happened, but one day many years ago, after indulging in a donut, I experienced some odd discomfort in my chest; it was a burning sensation that felt like I had burped up acid. I didn’t initially attribute the feeling to the donut, but after having it occur multiple…

Years ago, a hitchhiker found a baby red squirrel beneath a tree and brought it to the nature center where I worked as a naturalist and wildlife rehabilitator. The squirrel kit had not yet opened its eyes, so we estimated it was only 3 weeks old.  Most squirrels are born in the spring, but this…

By Bruce Bouchard and John Turchiano Ok! Get ready people, it’s emergence time; your friends and family who reside in the northern and central Midwest, the Deep South and the Southeast have an approaching messy miracle, a maximum decibel symphony; a mating, urinating and psycotropicating bacchanal. This spring, in a matter of days, will host…

Back and forth, The waves crash against the sand, With a beautiful sound of calmness, The waves breathe in, And they let out a big sigh, In and out, In and out, The beautiful blue ocean goes, Maybe it’s sending a little message, A message telling you, That it is important to always be calm,…

After the month that was, chances are that by now, you need a little resolve. This week brings one of the most calm and quiet weeks we’ll see in some time. Though collectively, we’ve grown grossly unused to it, there is a magic in the stillness,  in the calm and quiet where nothing seemingly happens.…

April’s storms were turbulent. Explosions. People losing their heads. Temper tantrums. Life really has been feeling like its straddling the boundary between chaos and order. Chaos can make you feel like you have purpose. Expending rage, for rages sake. Unless you’re still wearing diapers, petulant behavior is rarely a good look. For brief period, the…

Spring and summer are seasonal reminders to me of those who have contributed to my perennial gardens. As their gifts to me come into bloom I remember the person who gave the plants to me and their kindness in doing so. This year in particular I will be remembering our neighbor, Eleanor DiSabito, who sadly…

Three vibrant young 20-somethings were just gathering up, skis on their shoulders as they walked from their vehicle to the trailhead. Their day packs were small, ready for whatever fast and light adventure they had chosen for the day. But they had definitely been here before, definitely had a plan and definitely ended the day…