By Kevin Theissen As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, “What will happen next if this person is elected?” or, “What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?” In reality, however, it isn’t easy to anticipate what may happen with the financial markets…

Last October, a young student in one of my nature journaling workshops pointed out a fuzzy yellow caterpillar with long black tufts. “Those kind sting!” he declared. He was the third student that month to point out the same kind of caterpillar as stinging. I remembered being warned away from hairy caterpillars as a kid,…

By Cassanda Tyndall What’s fair in love and war is likely to be highlighted this week. As the planet of love, Venus, makes a series of alignments to other planets, you might begin to question just how far you’re willing to go in order to find equilibrium. A sense of helplessness, powerlessness or lack of…

By Gary Salmon So who put the rock underneath this yellow birch tree? No one, but it is somewhat a characteristic of birches to occasionally get away with seeds landing and germinating on mossy logs, uprooted trees, rotten tree stumps, or even rocks or boulders. The common thread here is that the seed must land…

It began as a hike like any other. We met at the trailhead and slung our backpacks on our shoulders and pulled our sunglasses down to block the blinding autumn sun, while relishing the warmth. We started one way, and then abruptly changed our minds; we would walk straight up the big ascent first: a…

By Dom Cioffi I was flipping through the tv channels this weekend when I caught an image of Kim Jong-un, the maniacal dictator of North Korea. I settled on the station for a moment and watched as an American filmmaker interviewed a family from Pyongyang, the country’s capital. The family being interviewed was obviously on…

By DJ Dave Hoffenberg Drive-ins are no longer just for movies. In this Covid world, it’s a great way to see live music while social distancing. This Sunday in Brandon, don’t miss the album release party of Phil Henry and the News Feed at Jack McKernon Drive-in at Estabrook Field at 2 p.m. There is…

By Declan McCabe As I waded in Lake Champlain one summer, a fellow bather explained that just a little farther out, refreshing spring water would cool my feet. I have heard that old wives’ tale repeated at Lake Arrowhead in the Pennsylvania Poconos, and in Lough Ree in the Irish midlands. The explanation of colder,…

As Mercury applies the brakes and heads in reverse for the next three weeks, be prepared for topics involving communication, logistics and finance to experience delays, snafus or setbacks. In the sign of Scorpio, Mercury invites you to take a deeper look into a particular issue. This might mean having to feel things you’d normally…

To hear the pitter-patter of rain on the roof of the tent or that faint trickle of water running down the fly and outward from your head can be wonderful. The soothing sounds of raindrops carry you off to sleep, like a baby being rocked by its mother. Snuggling deeper into your sleeping bag to…

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…