by Kevin Theissen Some people in recent weeks may have been feeling that “the stock market seems to be doing so well but I’m not participating.” A look behind the headlines helps tell the story. A CNBC study found that between the stock market high on Feb. 19, 2020—and the new market high on Aug.…

By Susan Shea One summer day I lifted the black plastic top of our composter and jumped back, startled – a large snake was curled up on top of the compost. The yellow stripe down the center of its dark back and two yellow stripes along its sides identified it as a garter snake, our…

By Cassnada Tyndall Like some kind of endurance test, this week you may feel challenged to continue with what you started. It may be a personal pursuit or a professional project that may require more energy, effort or time than you originally anticipated. As the first tense angle between Mars in Aries and Saturn in…

By DJ Dave Hoffenberg The playoffs are under way and they started with a highly contested battle between No. 2 seed Rock Warriors and No. 3 seed DTF, the defending champs. The game started with a blast by Tucker Zink, his first home run since game one. That fired up DTF and they added three…

By Kevin Theissen “Will I outlive my retirement money?” That’s one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years. So I have to tilt my head a bit when I see headlines that say, “Here’s how much money Americans think they need to retire comfortably.” $1.9 million is…

By Mary Ellen Shaw You may not be ready to think about spring bulbs when fall hasn’t arrived yet, but now is the time to do just that! Finding the bulbs you want amidst the pandemic could be a challenge. It’s a good idea to begin the quest now especially if you want a choice…

By Brett Amy Thelen The living light of bioluminescent organisms like fireflies, anglerfish, and marine plankton is legendary. The dazzling light shows put on by synchronous fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are so popular that park managers have had to institute a lottery system for viewing them. An entire recreation industry has grown…

By Merisa Sherman I could feel my braid begin to whip around in all directions behind me as we took off from the stop, leaving the dirt drive and heading out onto the pavement. My right hip dropped toward the road as my left side body squinched in an effort to stay upright. Slowly, the power…

By Dom Cioffi I had to take a lengthy drive recently — 14 hours to be exact. That’s a long time to sit in a car, no matter how comfortable the seats are. When my wife, son and I go on a road trip, I generally do all of the driving. I can do a…

By Cassandra Tyndall The brilliant and dynamic Leo New Moon may inspire a special kind of warmth and radiance that can boost your confidence, helping you be seen in a new light. Taking the lead in a situation may see your leadership skills affirmed or recognized. In addition, a fusion between the Sun and Mercury,…

By Kevin Theissen As we face increased uncertainty about our lives, work and the markets, it can be easy to become anxious and fearful. We may face more surprises as we learn to live with the pandemic and figure out how to manage the economy through this. The best way to prepare ourselves and combat…

Last July, Rich Kelley posted a most unusual photograph to the Vermont Birding Facebook group with the caption, “Someone bit off more than he could chew.” The photo, taken in the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, showed a belted kingfisher weighted down by a mussel clamped firmly onto its beak. They were locked in an embrace…

By DJ Dave Hoffenberg The defending champs have never finished with a losing record so they had to win both their games last week. They were also battling Karrtel for playoff seeding. First up was First Stop Board Barn and they didn’t want to be the first victim. Defend Title Fantastically (DTF) started out hot…

By Merisa Sherman About three months ago, I was cocky and came into the Kent Pond parking lot a little too hot on my mountain bike. I felt my rear tire skid out as I hit the loose gravel but I was able to keep my bike upright ... until my front tire decided to turn…

  By Dom Cioffi Many memorable events occurred in the year 1986 – both good and bad – whose effects continue to resonate today. During the late morning of Jan. 28, 1986, I was heading to the school cafeteria to grab an early lunch. I was standing in line making conversation with some friends when…