On warm days through early fall, you can find two large species of “digger” wasps flitting about late-blooming flowers. Like many wasps, these species elicit strong, often negative reactions in humans. But digger wasps inhabit a critical niche in invertebrate communities – and can lend a natural hand in pest control. Two of the most…

By Bruce Bouchard and John Turchiano 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…

Tucked away In a sea of brown and gray Just beyond the travelers smog Lives a specimen of unadulterated beauty Thriving in solidarity Harmoniously lending guidance to the kingdom  A single organism Promoting unity in the shadow of the mountain  Your supple, verdant wings spread wide Ignoring your stagnant surroundings Your crimson tiara reaching for…

T’would be wise to tread gently over the next few days. Notice I didn’t say, “back down,” “retreat” or “give up?” Alas, it’s even more important than ever to hold your ground and fight for what’s right. With many voices of confusion lying, scheming and twisting things, it can be easy for some to lack…

I was in terrible pain when we arrived in Valence to spend several days with our dear friends. My guardian angels, the DonCoeurs, rescued me from a Pyrenees storm 20 years ago. I was alone on the Camino de Santiago when a violent tempest arrived, leaving me exposed on a cliff top, shivering and terrified.…

The World Stroke Organization notes that more than 12.2 million individuals experience stroke each year across the globe. Perhaps even more telling, the WSO reports that, globally, one in four people over age 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Stroke is indeed a threat to public health. However, despite the prevalence of stroke,…

Besides Vermont in general, where do you like to watch your foliage from? We always talk about where the color is the best via location — the state of Vermont even puts out an interactive map where tourists and locals alike can figure out where to spend the day across our great little state. But…

 Last Monday, I put my 20-year-old son on a plane to Melbourne, Australia. All in, he was in the air for over 20 hours. I fly regularly and anything over three hours makes me insane. Sitting in such a cramped space for an extended time makes my body ache and exhausts my mind. I can…

By Meira Droznah  Ah, synchronicity. When you know the Creator  is still arranging  the universe just  for your passage  through it  And you are part of the Arrangement For someone Else.  One big puzzle That fits Together perfectly This is Joy.

Intro I saw on the internet the other day a woman commenting on online dating: “If you are ‘still figuring it out,’ then maybe you should take a minute and do that before dating.”  After thinking about it, I agreed. While I know everyone does things at their own pace and in their own way,…

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 wonderful like that. That said, there has never been a time in history where we have been subjected…

I’ve heard about the Sparkle Barn in Wallingford for years, but never had the chance to go. I drove past it many times, and noticed how cool it looked, but didn’t have time to stop in. Friends told me how much I would like the place, and boy were they right. On June 30th, I…

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…