For the most part, it’s recommended to see a balanced perspective on things. The more points of view you take in, the more likely you’ll gain a well rounded approach to things. The consensus model can be aThat said, there has never been a time in history where we have been subjected to the opinions…

I must confess, I haven’t been honest about our last two weeks in Provence. There’s a bit of trouble in Paradise. The challenges we’re facing traveling abroad as seniors aren’t for the faint of heart! Colette left Marseille for her Avignon home to see her doctor for her annual checkup. She fell on the sidewalk…

Thirty years ago, I attended a friend’s destination wedding in Paris, France. It was a fun affair that involved several events related to the nuptials, balanced with a few sightseeing tours that introduced us to French culture. I remember having a blast but feeling slighted when it came to the few museums we visited. I…

As sometimes happens when you are sitting next to a stranger for a period of time a conversation begins. Recently a woman asked me if I was from Rutland. I said that I was and then she told me that she had lived in Proctor all of her life. I followed by commenting that not…

I don’t Spartan, but I have always felt that the race itself constitutes the beginning of the fall season. Although this year, with the hot summer temperatures, I’m not really sure how that fits in to any season except “Vermont.” But at the same time, it’s my signal to kick in the dryland training, that…

I was sitting in an auditorium last spring watching my son graduate from high school when a funny moment occurred.  The class valedictorian was giving his speech and at a certain point mentioned the various personalities of his classmates and how they were a microcosm of society. “Some of my classmates are going to be…

By Emily Haynes As the height-of-summer floral abundance fades, goldenrods and asters fill the landscape with hits of yellow, purple, pink, and white. Beyond the beauty they provide, these late bloomers are a critical food source for several native species of wild bees. During late summer and fall, many specialist wild bees are active, said…

Growing up, my parents had some kind of large toy that wasn’t functioning. I remember it so vividly. It was white with red and blue stripes. Big white stars. The sides and headboard showed a man burning rubber with an impertinent amount of orange and yellow flames, doing an amazing wheelie on a Triumph motorcycle.…

You probably like astrology because it can give you a glimpse into the future. That said, if you could really open the curtain and take a peek into 2025, would you? If you actually could see which areas of life were going to be lit up and which ones may diminish, would it change your…

Vermont and Provence share the distinction of a charming village and breath-taking view in any direction where you may go. While Vermont is verdant from rainfall and snow, Provence is quite arid despite the Sea since Mistral winds blow away the rain clouds. Both places are noted for rocky outcroppings—Vermont with granite, marble, and quartz,…

Editor’s note: Bruce Bouchard is former executive director of The Paramount Theatre. John Turchiano, his friend for 52 years, was formerly the editor of Hotel Voice, a weekly newspaper on the New York Hotel Trades Council. They are co-authoring this column to tell short stories on a wide range of topics.  Charley has been gone…

The first day, I chose to take the east side route. It was a plan I had never been before in a state that I had not visited in over 20 years and certainly not one that I knew anything about. The easterly route up the horseshoe ridge seemed to have the most people and…

 My son was barely 10 years old when we moved into our most recent home. On the day we arrived, I told him to get on his bike and ride around the neighborhood to look for kids to play with. Without concern or care, he promptly did just that.  I knew when he didn’t come…

I often spot black willow trees as I’m kayaking along a riverbank or lakeshore. While perhaps less picturesque than its (non-native) cousin the weeping willow, black willow is native to the Northeast and provides a host of ecological benefits. Willow trees are in the Salix genus, along with pussy willow and more than 20 other…

With busy lives and breathtaking scenery in the mountain community, it can be hard sometimes to embrace deep companionship and friendship. Casual connections come easily, but don’t offer the same benefits that are received through a close connection, through a network of genuine support. As we grow older and more involved in personal responsibility, I…