Vermont.
From the French, “vert” for green, “mont” for mountain, thus the Green Mountain State.
And when it’s not this green, it’s white, as in covered in snow and ice.
Except for a few weeks in between when it’s every color imaginable.
(We will not speak of the fifth season, “Mud.”)
I’ve been thinking a lot about Vermont in the last couple of days, and all of my friends from high school who still live there, as the state got inundated with monster storm. Some places got more rain in a couple of hours than they normally get in a year, and the flooding has been horrific. Check out the stuff I’ve been sharing on Facebook for examples.
I’ve also been amazed and gratified by the response of the people of Vermont. One store and restaurant after another is rushing free meals and aid to those who have been devastated, even those that have been devastated themselves. Farms and stores and whole villages that have been under 6′ or more of water, without power, without clean water, with bridges and roads wiped out, all are asking for help in cleaning up while also saying they’re not going to do a Go Fund Me or anything like that because there are so many others who need it more. They just need a little help from their friends.
If you get a chance to visit Vermont, take it. Every time. Hit me up, I’ll be glad to give you advice and suggestions on where to go and what to see. And while you’re cruising around, find a tiny restaurant that might actually be a world-class gem in hiding. (I know of a couple…) Stop at a farmer’s market or a roadside stand to get some real maple syrup. Hit up the Vermont Country Store (or one of its kin) and find things you haven’t seen since you were a kid. Find a field and just lay there on the grass and watch the red-winged blackbirds, maybe an eagle or hawk, and if you’re really still, maybe some deer or a moose will wander through.
Just don’t try to take any bad pictures! Can’t do it!
We Love The Stars Too Fondly 