On Sunday mornings in deep summer, we stroll up MacArthur Road to the farm stand atop the hill. Our walk is canopied by lush green until we arrive under the bright expanse of sky–for the morning service.
Each parishioner, barefoot or sandaled in the grass, takes communion from the tray beside the coffee pot: a golden scone filled with juicy goodness.
Today’s choice is raspberry or blueberry; the latter having just ripened on the hill.
I am not fit for company this morning, so I tuck a scone into my basket, and head into the field under the netting where the berries grow.
I cannot pluck a single berry without slipping into the past–falling in beside my great-grandmother Mildred in Delaware–picking and packing and canning and freezing to last us through winter.
Today, it seems I can’t pick at all. My husband has slipped in beside me and works diligently at a single bush, while I bob from plant to plant, taking in the shades of blue and purple and black, in communion with Nana.
The dew on the berries lightens the impact of yesterday’s trauma: A diving accident. A cat scan. 16 stitches. Blood pouring down my son’s face as he emerges from the pond.
This morning he is reborn. Prancing down the stairs, dressed in white, claiming, “I might as well wear something nice since I can’t do anything to get dirty.”
At 16, his life is temporarily restricted by this injury; but at 47, I feel undone, not just by what happened but what could have happened.
As my husband fills a basket with berries for breakfast, I pluck, as our youngest once did–nibbling my way through the patch–letting the sweetness of the last day of July soften my spirit on this Sunday morning.
As I listen to the Senator from Vermont address the budget issue with calls for “shared sacrifice,” I wonder how such a compassionate nation can be so careless with those we claim to care about the most.
“One of worst proposals on how to reduce red ink came from a group of senators calling themselves the Gang of Six. They want massive cuts in Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and virtually every program important to working families, the sick, the elderly, the children and the poor.”
Though he is a Senator from Vermont, my Facebook friend from New Jersey captured Senator Sander’s call for “shared sacrifice” best:
“Bernie, at least, still has–us–as his focus.
Thanks to Vermont for speaking for all of us regular people!”
I’m not sure what this travel piece is doing on my Vermont blog, except that it’s so000000 good to get outta here every now and then–especially after 5 months of the white stuff!
Every Vermonter has the fantasy of escaping at least part of winter–or better yet–to take off during that dreadful time of year that we don’t mention in travel brochures: MUD season!
So why am I so anxious about leaving smack in the middle of it? I guess I’m STUCK. It’s been 2 decades since I settled into these Green Mountains, and even longer since I traveled abroad.
mud tires, Waloszek (visipix.com)
I used to be a rolling stone… an Army brat who attended at a half-dozen different schools in as many states… and then backpacked through Europe 3 times before setting some roots.
Which is why despite the fact that they put their early SPRINGS in my face, I appreciate my Facebook friends. In the past few weeks, they’ve shared their best travel tips, helping thaw my “cold feet” when it comes to finally leaving this place I call home.
Facebook Friends Travel Tips
MONEY. How do you bring it, spend it, keep it safe?
FB Replies: 7
ATM machines then keep cash close to your body.
Careful at ATMs. If a machine doesn’t work and someone offers to help you.
Check bank and credit cards for the rate they charge for using them abroad – use the one that has the best rate.
ATM’s totally. It’s all I use. Also – I always have at least two cards, just in case something goes wrong with one of them
Don’t use your debit card as a debit card – only a credit card. Know your PIN for your credit cards so you can get cash. And yes, bring 2 for sure.
Wear a money belt
Let your credit card companies where you’ll be traveling so that they expect charges from there. Sometimes they refuse charges if you are not a frequent traveler!
Hodler, detail, visipix.com
What do I wear on an overnight flight so that so that I don’t arrive feeling wilted?
FB Replies: 12
Black yoga pant & tunic-type top–like one of the nice kurtas from Dragonfly. Or leggings and short dress…..comfy if you can. Also, you will get your luggage before you see your hosts (go through customs, etc.), so you can freshen up, change, etc. in the bathroom.
I ALWAYS wear stretchy pants on the plane
Take Ambien.
Do not take Ambien.
I knew she would say that.
Wear support socks so you feet and legs don’t swell- bring toothbrush, hair product and light make-up on the plane.
Jammies, of course!
Lavender oil.
You are over thinking this… You are a traveler, you know how to travel! You have a personal style that’s carried you through thus far, rock that & they’ll love you, almost, just as much as I/we do…
White no wrinkle shirt–white always makes people look fresh and perky (honest!) so the black pants and white top, maybe a scarf and you look professional, refreshed and good to go!
You can freshen up in the rest room before going to luggage claim. In Japan they actually had full shower rigs and lockers for a fee.
We flew to Hawaii once and before we landed they gave us hot towel/face cloths. Felt great!
visipix.com
Must haves for the flight?
Facebook replies: 15
I like to carry a pareo/sarong in my carry on bag. Works great as a blanket or pillow or throw it on as a shawl, also can become a makeshift bag if needed, you’ll find many uses. It’s a nice lightweight addition to my carry on.
Wear your biggest shoes.
Charcoal capsules.
Make a small 1st aid kit…. including benedryl, advil, bandaids etc
book notebook pen pencil sedoku camera socks pashmina bandaid earplugs eye mask hand cream trashy magazine almonds gum mints advil cough drop lip balm chocolate
Take your sister!
fruit, or what ever you plan on eating that day, no yogurt or jams, phone, it’s charger, only take jewerly you are wearing, empty water bottle/canteen…
I always wear a scarf on the plane — if someone near me even hints of sneezing/coughing/sniffling, I wrap the scarf around my nose/mouth….
Do you have a neck pillow? I have an extra — makes a huge difference for sleeping on the long flight
your fav herbal tea bags
This is the best list.. love the scarf idea…i’m taking notes..
What is a pareo or a pashima?
I do the large scarf idea, too. Also, peppermint gum for any ear-popping or turbulence upset.
Some Elderberry tincture. One for the way there and one for the way back
Anything that may be needed just in case the checked baggage does not arrive in a timely manner
Check it or carry it on?
FB replies: 4
Be careful of the weight on that roomy suitcase. Going over the weight limit can cost you big. Make sure you keep your valuables with you. I usually carry my backpack with laptop and purse inside and then have my camera bag for my camera equipment, if I am taking it. Though I think they allow a camera bag as a third bag.
Emotional baggage limited to two checked pieces and one carry on…… So on second thought bring as little as possible!
Bring as little as possible, and pack an extra, stuffable duffle for the way home. Or bring stuff that you are happy to leave along the way in order to make space for what you collect. I also suggest having as little carry on as possible, particularly if traveling solo–it makes airport wandering and visits to the loo MUCH easier! Bon Voyage!
Beware: They now charge for carry ons unless they fit under the seat infront of you
Do you carry or check your toiletries? Any other toiletry tips?
FB replies: 16
How long is your flight/layovers? I carry what I may need in case of delay, like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, and an all in one shampoo-conditioner. Also will the 3 ounce size you are allowed to carry on be enough for your trip?
How long is your flight/layovers? I carry what I may need in case of delay, like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, and an all in one shampoo-conditioner. Also will the 3 ounce size you are allowed to carry on be enough for your trip?
check ’em! 3 oz is not much! I pack them in freezer ziplock bags. Easy to see what’s what and protects against spillage…Did you ever check out Rick Steve’s site? He’s the ultimate traveler.
Ricksteves.com
You have to check any liquids/gels, so you’ll probably have to check your toiletries. sometimes i carry on a toothbrush sans toothpaste. but it’s really easier to check liquids/gels than make sure they’re small enough and in a clear plastic bag and you have to take it out as you go through security…big pain in ass.
CHECK them, different airports (believe it or not) allow different items, it’ll be a bummer to loose your coveted cleaning gear to tsa… Yes on toiletries bag, soo many nice ones out there these days…
Take the 3 oz items lotion, tp & put em in a sandwich baggie…
Think about what you might like to have on you in case of excess layover, or (the unspeakable) lost luggage…
Heck your ‘toiletries’ bag. You’ll need more than 3oz for you entire trip, the kind of shopping you want to be doing is for fun, not hairproducts, trust me & think of me, lol, while shooping for fun! Carry on in sandwich bag some toothpaste & lotion. Chances are your luggage will NOT get lost, that is not what you are manifesting.
If you’re checking luggage, check your toiletries, except for toothpaste etc. I travel for 2 weeks at a time, use only carry on, and shampoo etc is enough. If not, you can always buy some there. I check gel all the time, no issue.
I meant, as long as ligquids are 3.4 oz or less, you can take gel etc. I’ve never had any toiletry items removed as in the correct amount.
Also, hotels usually provide shampoo etc. so I either alternate using mine with the hotel, or use mine until it runs out and then use the hotel. I hate checking bags….
my mom’s toiletry bag just split this morning while visiting and the little shampoo bottle inside was leaking too. get a “travel/adventure gear” option from sams instead of a drug store version. more rugged. on the other hand, i spent 5 months washing my hair with the free liquid soap now available in every public bathroom in the world and that works just fine.
What are your favorite wardrobe items when traveling?
FB Replies: 7
It’s very simple – I pack for one week and expect to do laundry once. Also, clothes from Title IX — pack small, versatile, can dress up and down.
Black tunic that can be worn as dress or top! comfy clothes for getting into at end of day!
too hard to transfer 1 closet to the next, gotta see that wardrobe in person….pack for 7 days, “casual chic”… leggings and dresses, 2 scarves (see , I can only relate it to mine) happy to come over when you think you’re packed and be rut…hless for you.
Black pants colorful tops that you can dress up or down with accessories you will be good with that
Black skirt from Sam’s, some natural fabric or other. You can wash in sink and it dries overnight.
Don’t forget some kind of cover. no matter what the climate it can get chilly!!!
Comfortable shoes!!!! Most important item!
I carry earrings in one of those snap open vitamin holders…. they don’t get tangled and can sort by color….
Roll your clothes; stuff underwear and socks in shoes; base layer in solid color can match many different tops;
Lots of high heels. You never know when you’ll get to go someplace FABULOUS.
~
Have some travel wisdom that was missing above or did you see something that you never thought of before? Let us know in the comment section below!
Marlboro resident at Town Meeting on the issue of children in the cemetery
Marlboro Town House, Town Meeting Day 2010, Marcia Hamilton
If you missed town meeting this year or you’re just curious about what goes on at this community tradition, VPR (Vermont Public Radio) runs a live feed of tweets from the meetings around the state.
Below are the highlights from Marlboro as copied from my Twitter/Facebook feed:
Vermont Public Radio: @kellysalasin is Tweeting Town Meeting from Marlboro
Jean Boardman’s Creme de Cacoa Chocolate Cake from the Whetstone Inn continues to be highlight of Marlboro Town Meeting Day Potluck
15 yr old skipped Town Meeting for the first time this year; but couldn’t resist inquiring around any heated topics. “Tag in the Cemetery” was by far my favorite this year; but in no way surpasses the protracted conversation around dogs or flags or school breakfast in previous years.
A rare, before lunch, conclusion to Town Meeting in Marlboro today with ample gathering under the sun out front for socializing…
Respectful behavior in the cemetery is an extended topic at the end of the morning here at Town Meeting in Marlboro. “The dead like to be played upon,” says resident Richard Dror, about the children who like to play there.
Vintage aerial view of the Town of Marlboro, VT
other things you can do during Town Meeting Day: vote, knit, tweet, text, Sudoko, pay your neighbor for eggs, pay your other neighbor for solar panels, ogle over new babies, see old friends, witness leadership from youth, appreciate wisdom from elders, see new faces…
Speaking of carbon release, Marlborian Jonathan Morse says, “if we’re going to have a planet to have health care on…have to advocate for alternative transportation…”
Milo MacArthur, youngest town member in attendance today.
Death with Dignity Act put forward by Marlboro resident Dan MacArthur. Rep. Marek says, whether you call it death with dignity or assisted suicide, its happening already, so let’s put a framework around it.
Rep. Marek reports that President Obama shared his support of VT’s single payer health care initiative with Governor Shumlin at yesterday’s governors meeting in DC.
Governor Peter Shumlin’s plan to implement a single payer health care system in Vermont by 2014 has gotten a big boost from Washington. President Obama told a meeting of the nation’s governors th
Rep. Marek says that he gets more calls on cell phone coverage than any other issue.
Rules suspended to allow Rep. Marek to take the floor. First order of business–distributing the Town Meeting coloring book for the several children in the room, followed by the infamous Doyle Poll.
“We do appreciate hearing about bad spots, and mud holes, and…” Marlboro Road Crew Foreman, Dave Elliot. “We will get to all of them… at least by the end of August:)”
Road crew foreman Dave Elliott addressing the question, “What’s new?” at Marlboro’s Town Meeting. “Bridge grant,” is the answer.
“We all rely on each other,” said more than once, on the subject of contributing to keeping the town recycling center clear of debris.
Mid-morning is when Town Meeting becomes more of a “family meeting” highlighting the rich characterS & community LEADERS of Marlboro.
Marlboro~a handful of seats still open in Town House for today’s Town Meeting; school budget already passed; town budget underway; then lunch & Jean Boardman’s cake (if we’re lucky)
Extended conversation around roads & speed at Marlboro’s Town Meeting given that the elementary school is on Route 9; another issue is college students on South Road; lots of accidents
Marlboro Selectperson Gail MacArthur receives STANDING applause for her 9 years of service; and LAUGHTER when she says that she enjoyed every minute of it.
only controversy so far in Marlboro is 2 NOT allow School Board & Select Board 2 reduce their compensation from $1,000 to $100.
Town Meeting Day Vermont :: ’11Moderator Steven John, who is also the district school superintendent, 2010 (Marcia Hamilton)
Marlboro Town Meeting Moderator is also School Superintendent;Comes in handy when ppl have ques. about other budgets in district
Any resistance felt about attending this year’s meeting swiftly melts away as I take my seat in the Town House among my fellow Marlborians on this–the 250th year as a town.
This Vermont Life 