Sprucing Up Cold Days

 It has happened, on the 

National Weather Service KBTV report, 

there are snowflake symbols! 

As ambient temperatures decrease, the chance of snow in the New England higher elevations is expected. Seeing white on the peaks in the fall is normal. The words snow and November are not unknown to appear together. 

Earth is being Earth, systems moving along as usual. What about our usual? As part of Earth’s biosphere, our weather/emotions can’t be predicted in the way that climate changes are. We, however, can prepare, manage the adjustments each season requires of us.

Out in the wild we seek shelter.  We dust off the thermostat, get out winter clothing, shovels, scrapers, lock deicer, windshield cover, hot chocolate, broth,  brandy, snow tires, emergency storm kits for vehicle and home, reading list, fun projects for indoors and more.

More can include organizing a soup and casserole recipe book. In winter, foods that comfort as well as battle the cold are a worthy focus.

Recipe Book: 

Looseleaf binder

Hole puncher

Colored pens

Sturdy paper

Magazines

Glue

Tape

Title suggestion: Winter Recipes 2025-2026

You can cut out recipes as well as write them down with notes and decorate the page.

Happy Cooking!

Shut Down Woes

Many folks are in desperate need due to the government shut down. Food assistance is a benefit impacted by the lack of funding being released on time. No paycheck impact is horrific. 

In Vermont it has been reported that by 7 November half the 3Squares aka SNAP benefit will be paid by Vermont to the qualifying Vermonters. The other half from the federal government is reported to be released but I have read no information if or when that may happen.

Note, the Vermont funded deposits, according to an AI information, may take a day or two to be posted on accounts. The banks probably have no information when deposits will be posted.

For general programs’ information call:

211 

Nationwide,  211 is a United Way funded number to call for information on the various programs available. 

Day 311 of Week 45 November 2025

Gracious, seeing this is day 311 shivers the thought 2025 is nearly over. 

There are 54 days left before January 2026!

Why the passage of time is so woven into life, methinks, is due to foraging food and growing crops. The ancient gardener in us continues on. It is stronger than the pull of any holiday. 

Speaking of seasons. This autumn I notice there are 2 peak foliage episodes here in northern New England. The 1st is in the high elevation mountains. The 2nd is at the lower elevation Champlain Valley floor. Fall is at peak beauty out my door. The gorgeous color of gold against dark tree bark is stunning. Also, fall feels longer down here than in the mountains. 

Now is the opening of bird feeder season. I deliberately did not look at the prices of the larger bags of seed so as to not hurt my feelings. The smaller bag prices are kinder. 

                  Have a Kindness Filled Weekend!

November Photograph

Branches always have stories to tell.

Thoughts On Napping

First thing Monday morning this week, I had a cataract removal procedure done on one eye. The rest of the day all I wanted to do was nap. I think that is a normal reaction to the release of stress. I had one short nap. 

The next day, I was keen on having a nap after my yearly doctor’s exam. Alas, I had a surgery follow up appointment that afternoon. But, I fit in another short nap anyway.

At 3 AM EDT Wednesday, guess who is still awake. 😂

I’m just starting to yawn. 

Later today, there will be no napping.