January 2025 - Winter Arrives

 Our first measurable snowfall here in Vermont was on Thanksgiving Day.  It began in the morning, just as we were starting our three hour drive to Spencer, Massachusetts, for Thanksgiving dinner and an overnight stay at John's brother's house.  

I learned long ago that John will drive in just about any conditions (in the midst of the Blizzard of 1978, while the rest of the state was shut down, he and his buddies took to the highways to head north for skiing).   I also learned that, in the interest of marital preservation, I'm better off keeping my mouth shut and my head down, focusing on reading in the car to keep from repeatedly slamming my foot on that imaginary brake pedal at my feet.

I-91 South in Vermont on Thanksgiving morning: note that we're in the passing lane, as we were for most of the trip

Ironically, the snow turned to rain just as we crossed the state line into Massachusetts; it was as if the state had put up an invisible barrier.  

We returned home the next day to 6 inches of the white stuff on the ground - a good start to the winter season!  The following morning gave us a beautiful progression of sunrise photographs, taken about 15 minutes apart.

Smaller snowfalls over the next few weeks made for some peaceful morning hiking and snowshoeing - a perfect calming way to start the day during an otherwise busy time of year.  

And so, I leave you with some pictures from those morning treks...

Unfortunately, the warm rainy weather of the last few days has set us back, and the countryside this morning (December 31) looks a lot like Mud Season.....

AH, but who knows what's in store - the winter, like the year, is still young!

December 2024 - Holiday Bazaars & Christmas Markets

 

Artisan Holiday Market in Randolph

Here in Randolph, the first Saturday of December is traditionally the day when churches and other organizations in town have their Christmas bazaars - each with its own unique focus.  

The Congregational Church has a Peace Fair and Christmas market which includes their famous "cookie walk": $10 gets you an empty bakery box that you fill with your own selection of home-made goodies.   

The Episcopal Church sells wreaths and tickets for their "Chinese auction" - for $1, you get ten chances to win prizes ranging from gently-used household items to re-gifted toys and knick-knacks to hand-made hats and gloves.    

The Catholic Church goes all out with booths rented out to local crafters and vendors (even Tupperware!); the Knights of Columbus sell tickets for their 50-50 raffle; and there are plenty of baked goods to take home and freeze in anticipation of holiday guests.  

The Rotary Club is selling gift baskets of maple syrup and locally made soaps and candles.  Even the Friends of the Library will host a Holiday Bazaar with the sale of crafts and used books, and a raffle of several book-themed gift baskets (the coordination of the library event is keeping me busy this week!).  

Also worth a stop is the Artisan Holiday Market at the Chandler Center for the Arts in the center of town.  The market continues throughout the month of December and is a lovely place to shop for some locally crafted gifts.

As in past years, this coming Saturday in our little town promises to be a great day to walk around on Main Street with a few dollars in your pocket to support the community and perhaps even catch a lunch of home-made soup and bread at one of the churches. 

Library raffle - just one of the offerings in town this Saturday

It's a tradition repeated throughout the world this time of year, in small towns and in big cities.

There are any number of websites to visit and tour groups to choose from if you want to see how the season is celebrated in cities in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Poland, Germany, France, and many other countries.  According to one source, here are the top 100: CLICK HERE for some snapshots and to perhaps start planning your travels for next December.

Photo credit: Rick Steve

If you can't make the trip yourself, there is always Rick Steves; if you have an hour or so, you can watch his video of Christmas markets throughout Europe by CLICKING HERE.

My favorite remains the "Szopka" (creche) display in  Krakow, Poland.  The annual competition takes place in the medieval city's "Rynek" main square, and the elaborate Szopki look more like castles than the traditionally rustic Christmas manger scenes.   A full description of the event and a short film can be found that THIS LINK. 

Krakow Szopka Competition

One of these days, perhaps I'll get there to see it in person, but in the meantime, I was happy to find a display closer to home last month when SS Cyril & Methodius Church in Hartford had its annual Christmas bazaar:

Szopka Competition in Hartford

The holiday season is ramping up, but will be over before we know it.  I hope that it's a season of peace and joy for all of you.   We'll see you in 2025!