Asters

There are years when purple asters are hardly seen. This year here in this Vermont lower elevation, I’ve seen big clusters of asters. So, I had to stop and take photos of them outside the thrift store. 

Learn something new

Coffee. Wondering why store bought coffee tastes better than home brewed coffee, I searched that question online. It is no surprise that 90% or better simple questions have already been posted it online.

A why didn’t I think of that: 

Home brewed coffee is not as fresh as store coffee where turn over means just opened freshness. 

Grinding coffee beans at home and using really hot water, I believe, does enhance favor.

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Foliage reports are important

this time of year

My suggestion is to check out state tourism websites and Instagram. Instagram has boots on the ground reporting with actual photos that prove how the colors are doing. 

From what I’ve seen online, the higher elevations are showing good color. The map on the link below I believe is fairly accurate. There is color, that orange tint on the Green Mountains’ Presidential range seen from along Route 7 in Addison County.

 https://newengland.com/foliage/foliage/peak-fall-foliage-map/

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Tip of the day:

Don’t cut your bangs without

looking in the mirror first.

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It has to be said

To Keyboard creators: 

MY fingers are not that fat!

Please, do better

Thank you 

Day 269 Week 39 September 2026

Here we are at the last Saturday of September 2026. In 96 days, (about 13 weeks) it will be 2027.

Think about that for a moment. 

There’s enough time to prepare for a new year. If you’ve ever considered creating a calendar, then now is the time. If you want to celebrate the new year with a dinner or party, then there is time to plan. 

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This morning my plan was to gas up. The days of feeling all right with half a tank are gone. First though, I bought a Dunkin hot coffee. By the time I arrive home, it will be cool enough to drink. 

Along the way to the lowest priced gas in Middlebury, I notice a tinge of orange on the Green Mountains’ Presidential Range. I expect foliage to turn earlier because the ambient temperatures cooled in August. 

Still, I’m surprised to see that much orange in the higher elevations this soon. Late first week into the second week of October is when I plan foliage excursions.

This year, leaf peeping begins for me next week. Well, as it happens, rain is in the weather forecast for most of next week.  

There is s Nor'easter along the upper Eastern Seaboard. This far inland in Vermont, we might not have as much rain. Rainy weather adds an atmospheric vibe to autumn. It also with the wind, sends foliage to the ground.

Enjoy a We’ll See Week

Sort your winter gloves

Cook a New England boiled dinner

Make a fruit salad

Browse hiking socks online

Research skin moisturizers

Read about pinecones

Draw a cluster of acorns

Play cards with friends

 

View from Dunkin drive thru
26 September 2026
New Haven Vermont

Bright ideas

Bright ideas are a trap. The moment one enters my thoughts, it feels like the best idea ever. If I don’t get a grip right away, then the next thing I know I have a dozen bookmarks and I’m wondering Home Depot or Lowes?

The bright idea this week is thankfully mild,  Apple picking. I haven’t been in a few years. Given my diet changes, I want frozen fruit that I prepare. Apple slices can be used a lot of ways from smoothies to in soup or a one serve apple crisp on a cold winter’s night.

When a bright idea is complicated, there’s a #1 rule I like to follow (when I remember it)…Don’t buy anything right away. The 2nd rule is to source first from what I already have. 

It is important to know that not all bright ideas are meant to be. Adding time between the introduction and moving forward is a way of getting a grip on the emotional trap mechanism that pulls you in, and clamps you down. You can identify the clamping as you begin to ask yourself: Why did I buy all those?

Picking apples is an easy bright idea.

Check out your local orchards.