Today is the Winter Solstice. Here in Vermont the snow covers everything making the world a silent wonderland. As we await the arrival of the family and friends we are crossing our fingers for clear skies.

The end of 2008 is a time of reflection and looking to the future. We take some deep breaths, count our blessings, and get ready for another year!

Happy holidays to all. Talk to you in 2009.

Deborah Jurist

School is out, the heat is on, and summer is really here in the Northeast Kingdom! Summer in Vermont is unlike summer anywhere else. The summer camps on lakes that have been empty and closed up for the long winter months are beginning to buzz with excitement. Check out our variety of vacation home and summer plaques. There is no question that it is a time of year meant for relaxing: reading books, recreation, and travel. The days are long, the mountains and fields are green and lush, windows are kept open, the breeze is fresh and smells of lilacs. It is finally summer in Vermont.

Memorial Day is coming up and the lilacs are about to bloom, the black flies are just coming out also, another Vermont tradition. Vermont is so beautiful this time of year. Sometimes I wish I was retired so I could really take advantage of this fabulous weather! Check out our retirement section by clicking here: retirement

Warm days and cold nights are making the maple sap run. Farmers are putting up their buckets and starting to make maple syrup. The birth of spring in the mountains of Vermont is kind of messy. Mud is everywhere trapping cars on the back roads and leaving a layer of dirt in our kitchens. It is a good time to remember that a little mess now and again is good for the soul. After all a little “clean” dirt never hurt anyone.

Winter is here. It is quiet, and the nights are long. We have tons of snow (we love snow in Vermont) finally. It is time to knit, read a book, cook a complicated meal, and spend time with the people you love. Soon enough spring will bring a million projects, for now it is time to enjoy the frozen simplicity of winter.

Shortened days signal the approach of the Christmas season. We have already been as far as Michigan and Washington DC to participate in craft fairs. Everywhere we met people who are enjoying a laugh, thinking about relationships, and looking for ways to encourage and support the people they love.

A recent divorce’ will receive a: Dance As If No One Were Watching plaque
A wonderful elderly man who bought a saying for his Cousin. He told me a rollicking story his about his youthful adventures with his cousin on the Erie Canal.

I met a woman whose daughter’s prize winning german shepherd had just given birth to 10 “mongrel” pups. The fun part was her Mom bought her a Put On Your Big Girl Panties And Get Over It plaque!
As the Christmas season progresses with its stresses and pressures let’s remember to laugh