Making a List -- In a Vermont Kind of Way

We've been making a list.  Not the checkin' it twice kind but a very special kind nonetheless. 

We're making a list of all the things we'll miss about Vermont, since we will be leaving in just 3 days.  Our four months of Vermont living are coming to a close and we return to the big city in just few days.

Some higlights from our list:

Starry nights.  Clifford Pond.  Fall afternoons near our stream.  Fresh fallen snow. Our tree house.

Walks in the woods.  The quiet. The darkness at night.  Our house.

Vermont fresh food.  Lewis Creek farm share.  Bristol Bakery.  Fresh everything.

Our friends (you know who you are).  The Robinson community.  Starksboro.

We've learned so much about Vermont and know there is so much more awaiting us.

Christmas is Coming....and the Goose is Getting Fat

And the decorations are going up. We had a quintessentially Vermont day.  Too tired to tell you until tomorrow.

The Big Apple, Part 2

Well, the girls weren't the only ones who got to have some fun.   The mommies definitely got into the spirit of the place, with pomegranat martinis in the fancy Rose Room at "oh, that hotel."  Eye candy shopping at Bergdorf's.  Dinner at Mercer Kitchen.  Boot shopping and more on Columbus Avenue.

Although I must say it's hard to determine who had more fun when I look at this photo!

The Big Apple

There were pretty pink dresses to wear. In a fancy, mirrored dressing room.

And piles of tea cakes delivered by a fancy waiter in a fancy dining room with chandeliers.

And a big store with such pretty dolls.

And oh, there was a big park with brilliant fall leaves.

Did I mention we went to New York City? And had a blast!

Facing Hard Truths in S. Sudan

I wrote this last week when I was in Juba:

There are so many things we take for granted. Clean sheets. A mattress. Windows.  Toothpaste. Clean drinking water.  Yet here in Juba, I’m reminded every day of the bounty of my world and the inequalities that exist between the developed and the developing world.  I ride through the markets and look at the window at the women toiling away.  Many I see balancing a large load on their heads, a baby on their back and carrying heavy bags in the hot, morning sun as they walk along a dusty road.

This is their lot in life.  Mine is to drive in a car to work, stopping for a latte, with my child safely in a school or someone else’s care.  Today at the office, the coffee/tea lady came in with a baby on her back. I marveled at her.  How did she find this job? How far did she walk?  Was her child healthy? Later I saw that same baby peacefully asleep on a hard cement patch out near where the cars are kept. What fate will that child have?

Cheeky London

I love certain British words.   Like cheeky and such.  There's something lilting and friendly about British English that makes even the most mundane conversation uplifting. So, here's to British English. And all my Brit friends and colleagues that keep me smiling beneath the surface.

Ah, Fall Colors

I didn't take this photo and I wasn't even there. But can't you just smell the delicious fall air in Vermont and hear the rustling of crispy leaves?  Brad took this at Clifford Pond, just minutes from our house in Starksboro last weekend.

Heading to Juba

Haven't been good about blogging and won't get any better these next 2 weeks. Heading to London on Sunday and then onto Juba, S. Sudan, via Nairobi.  Can't wait to see our newest nation in the world.

It's Friday in Vermont

Happy Friday everyone. Have a wonderful fall weekend!

You know that feeling when you regret that something has not happened, but yet you are relieved? That feeling when you've suddenly been thrown off course but then you steady yourself and realize that you are still standing and it somehow feels better?

That's the feeling I got tonight when my flight to D.C. was postponed 4 times and then cancelled. And then I got that feeling again when the 5:30 a.m. Friday flight was cancelled.

Somehow I just knew it was not meant to be.

So instead we played with new toys like Break the Ice and a loud orange truck that zooms across the hardwood floor.  And ate edamame and beef with broccoli at an Asian place recommended by Nazgul.

And cuddled in bed way past bedtime even if they were a bit cranky.

We are in Vermont afterall. The land of the Fried Oreo at the county fair.

Goodnight.

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

It's been 48 hours. I've already purchased 2 items of tie-dye clothing.  I may need to leave Vermont immediately.   I am a woman who swore off tie-dye when I met my husband. In fact, I went into his closet and pretty much threw away everything that he owned in that general category. (Trust me, it was ugly).

First, I encountered cute little tye-die tanks at the Waitsfield Farmer Market.

And today, I found a hooded yoga sweatshirt.

Next, I'm afraid I'll be dressing Abby in head to toe in tie-dye. An intervention may be necessary.

In the meantime, didn't she look adorable on her first day of school?

Vermont Calling

Well, we did it. We packed our bags.  Headed north. Left our comfortable life in the city for a life in the country.  For the next 120 days we're going to be living at 57 Brown Hill West Road in Starkboro, Vermont.  Population: 1700 plus 5 now. 

We did it despite Irene, who tried to stand in our way and knocked us back by a day but here we are.  Amongst Vermonters who did not let that woman knock them down for long. They are back up and recovering.

And we are so happy to be among them in this magical place.

We've already made an apple pie from apples in our back yard. 

Caught frogs with our new frog-catching net, purchased at a wonderfully charming toy store in Shelburne.

Had friends over to sit around the camp fire roasting marshmallows.

Helped our little girl adjust to her first day of school....and ride her very first school bus.

And so much more.  I may be starting a new blog soon about this special time in Vermont. Stay tuned.

Why I Love What I Do

My colleague, Agata, sent me a few photos from a contest they held in the UK office. I picked my 2 favorites.  I am again reminded of the millions of amazing women out there in the developing world.

Taking care of their children under incredibly adverse conditions. Gathering water and firewood.  Delivering babies after walking for miles.

But still remaining beautiful. 

Our 2nd Favorite....Wedding

It was our second favorite wedding.  Although it was pouring down rain, it felt warm and fuzzy....and oh so loving.

It was just like the bride.  And, oh yes, the groom.  But we think the bride may have paid a wee bit more attention to the simple details.  Like the table settings. And the wedding prayers.   And the sprinklers, smores and bonfire for the kids on the lawn.

Like the chalkboard when we walked into the restored barn.

And the lovely big, white, fluggy hydrangeas and table settings.  Sorry, this photo does not do them justice.

And the outdoor setting complete with a twig arch that was at their backs when they said their loving vows, as the rain gently poured down.  Not to mention the Vermont sourced pate, cheeses and amazing appetizers.

And of course, the bride.  Who was ever so lovely.  And attentive to every guest.

And did I mention that Abby danced the night away with her daddy?

Thank you, Judy and Jim for sharing your special day and evening with us.

This is where we ate last night with our good friends, Judy and Jim. This picture doesn't do it justice but I was more focused on the food, wine and conversation than I was in getting a good photo. 

It's just a five minute drive from our house.  I'm picturing us with a glass of wine, their yummy, creamy garlic soup in front of the fire this fall. 

So many little finds are awaiting us around every corner that it brings a smile to my face literally every day.

Do I really have to go back to the city?

Look Mom, It's Summer

Vermont Living

Here is a bit of a peek at today.  A barn.  A few horses.  At the lovely Horse N Rebel, just down the road from us in Starksboro.

Here is the word of the day. Awesome, so said our daughter about yesterday's horse back riding camp.

Here is the feel of the day.  Fortunate.  To be in such an amazing environment with our kids this week.

 

Did Someone Say Diamonds?

Did I do them justice with my photos?  Surely not, they must be thinking.

We are much shinier and more sophisticated in person.  We inspire awe and admiration.  We attract lustful stares and longing glances.

So let me apologize in advance to this stellar crowd of diamonds and gold.

I'll see you next time at the Gold Souk.  I promise not to stare too hard.

Beach Time!

Hello friends. It's that time again. Time to head to Fire Island and get some sand in between my toes.

I'm leaving Dubai tonight and heading straight to JFK.  Perhaps I'll be sitting under an umbrella like this tomorrow. I'd like to think so.

Ah Croatia

It has been described as the Mediterranean the way it used to be.  It has been described as magical.  It has been described as so much more.  After a long weekend there with nine old friends, I can't properly describe it. 

Perhaps you can let me know what you think.