Sunday, November 20, 2016

Come Set A Spell

 A porch, simple, yet timeless. Once common, now becoming extinct in a more streamlined and hurried era. Perhaps I'm idealistic, but I believe life would be better if more people took advantage of the gifts a porch has to offer. Shall I go on, rolling out the reasons I feel the common porch should be held in such high esteem? Or maybe I should ask you to reflect on times you spent on a glorious porch, simply because the more I think about it, I believe I could fill the pages of a book with mine.
 This particular sweetheart of a porch can be found at the Southern Vermont Dairy Goat Association clubhouse in Marlboro Vermont. The holiday dinner was a lovely gathering of club members, the last event before winter sets in. Always so much fun to chat and feast upon a variety of dishes folks bring to share. With so many demands pulling people in a multitude of directions, clubs, committees and many volunteer organizations find themselves with fewer people than in the past. "Back in the day" if people wanted to have some fun and be social they had to participate. Today we are flooded with opportunities and instead, usually have to choose between the many things that pique our interest. Thankfully the SVDGA members are committed to keeping the club going as intended; a place to promote the dairy goat, share information, continue educating ourselves, make connections and enjoy the company of others  that are also passionate about dairy goats.

Speaking of getting out and about, finding yourself in a social situation... here is my 95 year old Grandmother after we returned home from voting in the election, still exercising her civic duty! (isn't she adorable?) Voting day in our small town is a pleasant affair, you know nearly everyone you see. The Town Hall is also the main fire station. Part of the building is a meeting place and also holds the Friendly Meals each Tuesday and Thursday. The other part houses emergency vehicles, but for voting day they move out some trucks to make room for a huge bake sale that helps fund the Friendly Meals.

Out and about cruising back roads and main roads, always something to catch your eye as well as your imagination.
Alstead Center
There are fantastic sculptures all over town.

Morning sun on a frosted soccer field, shimmering gold.
Home of the NH Dlll State Champion Girls Team


This fella is fairly predictable, I enjoy seeing him/her on a regular basis - although I'm a bit surprised it hadn't yet left for winter. This one is quite brave and tolerates a fairly busy area with vehicles and people passing rather close by. Other individuals are timid, and take flight quickly. They seem to stick to their own territory, making it easier to identify individuals. With the pond nearly dry, this small rock has become a favorite resting spot. I watched it catch breakfast, then hop up to the far shore for a walk around to stretch out.

Overall it has been an enjoyable November thus far. Always fun to explore while trying to improve photographic skills.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Gold



Good morning


My favorite son, can't believe he is 18
(don't worry, I won't hurt any feelings, it is my only son)

Lily

Jake

The pinkest horse competition at the Vermont Ride for the Cure








Harvey
A part of our family for over 13 years, difficult to let him go this fall - so very thankful he was able to enjoy this glorious hike, it was a wonderful day, he was a great dog...

grown from seed sent from my cousin Lori
herself a lovely garden sprite


4 generations picking over blueberries
summer joy

back of fountain

Norwich Vermont
I keep having ideas to blog about, and then I don't sit down and do it! Each of these photos, like all photos, have a story behind them and perhaps more photos to add detail. If you have taken the time to scroll this far, you might find yourself curious about a few. I am thankful I live in a beautiful area, but then there is beauty every where.

The days seem to be flying by, seasons as well. My Dad used to tell me the older you get, the faster time goes. I remember hearing this when I was a teenager gearing up for college. Know what? Caught myself saying the same thing...

Enjoy your day, I hope you find many things to warm your heart and make you smile.

Monday, June 27, 2016

June - photo essay of the week - much to appreciate in my area

horse farm in the valley
JHF Stable Quarter Horses
wide view
Walpole NH holds band concerts on the common Sunday evenings all summer long. Great time to visit people, hear good music, eat some pie and have hot dogs grilled up by the Boy Scouts
Dummerston, VT
a small bird party atop this cupola
not sure why this grouse was hanging out beside the road
it appeared to be fine, although unusual behavior
I admired this camper last year, and finally had time to stop! It is at the KOA campground in Dummerston, VT they park it out & can be rented as a B&B. What a neat idea. I thought it was an old model, but it is a 2015 re-issue Shasta. I told my family I want one!
When I was a kid I sure wanted a dune buggy, I had (and still have)
 a metallic blue matchbox dune buggy that was one of my
favorite toy cars, and believe me I had quite a few

One of our local farmers often works his team in town, the other night they were headed off to mow I would guess judging by the sicle bar, can you see it? I love hearing the cadance of their hooves and the bells on the harness. The boys are in perfect step. If I hadn't been on another mission, I would have gone to watch them mow hay.
photo credit: Katrina Hamilton
I had the pleasure of working at this farm back in the 90's
Always glad when I get to drop by, fantastic people & beautiful spot
ready for the classes to begin
beautiful tea towel donated for silent auction
& yes I was the lucky winner!
Last weekend was the Southern Vermont Dairy Goat Association's annual Goat Show. Held each June at the Clubhouse in Marlboro, Vermont. People came from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachussetts, Connecticut, and the judge flew in form California.
the SVDGA is fortunate to have this beautiful facility
Dr. Rowe was excellent
I believe the young showmen learned a lot &
her reasons for placings were clear and well worded

Sights and experiences to be thankful for here in the twin state region of Vermont & New Hampshire
Many of these photos were taken on the fly by my daughter, Katie as she has been most often my partner in crime lately.
 (you can tell we are quite the criminal pair huh?)