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The thermometer reads -2 degrees as I write this. We have certainly been in the midst of some downright frosty weather as of late, but we were delighted by a recent visit from one of our favorite feathered residents. I will never forget the day last summer, a low fog hung in the air late one afternoon. The dog and I walked along the old logging road in the damp fog of the woods. As the sun began to shine through the low clouds, we saw this beautiful Barred Owl, gliding low enough for me to fully appreciate his grace and beauty. What I would have done for a camera that day!!
 Spotted owl. Photo by Blake. Over the holiday weekend we had family in town visiting, so of course we spent some time walking and driving around Vermont to appreciate some of this beauty that surrounds us. This past week was the time for peak foliage, and the colors were absolutely beautiful!! The leaf peepers were out in full force, taking advantage of the infinite photo opportunities as well as the temperatures, which were right around 70 degrees. In addition, the Canadian holiday meant even more visitors who came to enjoy this time in Vermont.
       In the woods behind our house, there is an old logging road which is quickly becoming carpeted with the colors of fall. The trees are dressed in rich reds, browns, oranges, and yellows. On my way to work, I drive by what must be the cutest farm on the planet. Behind it, you can see miles and miles of colorful trees covering the rolling hills – it is truly breathtaking and makes one feel happy to be alive.
       
Blake and I were having our coffee this morning, and enjoying the view of our backyard. Who needs the nature channel? We put out some bird seed and suet, then sat back to enjoy the show. This morning there were about 30 birds taking turns at the feast. We put some seed on the ground for the squirrels to enjoy, in hopes of keeping them away from the feeders. Blake was taking some pictures of all the excitement. He was saying how he wished we could see some other wildlife, when all of a sudden, this little white animal raced across the hilltop. I completely missed it. He reappeared, racing all over the backyard, until he ran out of sight. Blake decided to look out the front door to see if he was in the yard, then lo and behold…there was the ermine right on the welcome mat! (He probably heard about Liisa’s yummy Christmas cookies. –Blake) He is extremely fast – he climbed a tree in a flash. I looked him up online, and found he is a long-tailed weasel. These critters are brown in the summer, and turn white in the winter. They typically live in dens, and eat mice and rats. I don’t know how he did it, but Blake was able to get a few photos… they are a tiny bit blurry because this weasel was so dang fast.
Last week in New England, we were hit with another nor’easter. Some of the area schools were closed, and certain areas were hit pretty hard. There were a few towns in Vermont that were without power for several days.
Many of the birds had returned, but were dying because of the extended winter weather and lack of food/bugs. We read stories of local birdwatchers that were buying grasshoppers and crickets from pet stores to try keep the birds fed. Apparently, some birds won’t eat the bugs unless they are flying through the air, so bird lovers were using plastic spoons to flick them up into the air.
Then, we got a lovely taste of Spring. The past couple of days we have enjoyed a big, beautiful blue sky and temperatures in the 60’s. Today it is going to be nearly 70 degrees. Blake and I are going to get our bikes out of the garage, dust them off, and take our first ride on the bikepath in quite some time. With recent events, and all of the disturbing news, I find myself wanting to dive head first into what is good and right with the world. Nature seems like a great way to do just that!
I met with the physical therapist on Monday. Basically, he told me I’m crooked. I have torso and pelvic rotation to the left. My left hip, left diaphragm and right shoulder are the culprits. Also, my left arch is collapsed. This is all causing my knee and leg pain. So, we are working on getting me straightened out. And, he thinks I’ll be up and running in no time. Yeah!!
I’m off to my Saturday spin class. I have really been enjoying it. Next Wednesday we are going to climb “The Beast Of The East”… Mount Washington. 50 minutes… all uphill. Yes!!
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We returned from Montreal yesterday. I have to say that Cirque du Soleil was absolutely amazing. There were two women on the trapeze who were fascinating to watch. Although, they made my palms sweaty, and I think I was holding my breath for a bit. There was great comedy and live music between performances. I was disappointed to see the show end, I could have watched for countless hours, I am sure. I can’t wait to attend another show!!
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