Trees in Winter

One of the prettiest things to see in Vermont during the winter are evergreen trees covered with fresh snow. We've had three straight days of snow here, so all of the spruce, fir and pine trees near my home look incredibly beautiful.

It sounds like everything in Vermont is going to be completely covered with snow in a few days. The weathermen are talking about a major storm hitting northern New England this weekend. Looks like I will be housebound for a few days, which actually sounds really nice.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy New Year. I look forward to hearing from you and reading your wonderful blogs in 2010.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season! Best wishes for the New Year.

Holiday Scene in Burlington

Families gather outside the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.

The Nutcracker Ballet, performed by the Vermont Ballet Theatre, drew hundreds to the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts over the weekend. This photo was taken while my husband Dave and I were walking by the theatre after a matinee performance of The Nutcracker Ballet had just ended.

The Flynn has been an integral part of Burlington's cultural landscape for 75 years. The Flynn started out as a vaudeville and film house before becoming the region's leading performance center.

We've seen some incredible performances there this year: Esperanza Spalding and Anat Cohen at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, and the Lyric Theatre Company's production of The Full Monty. I can't wait to see Lyric's production of La Cage aux Folles in April (Dave designed the poster for the show).

Early Winter Snow

A view of Sugarbush Resort taken from East Warren in early December.

With the winter solstice just a few days away, we're all gearing up for a snowy season in Vermont. Several areas around the state, including Sugarbush and the Mad River Valley, have received a decent amount of snow over the past week.

Temperatures have dipped into the single digits and more snow is in the forecast next week. Looks like we'll have a white Christmas after all.

December Sunset on Lake Champlain

It will be a while before Lake Champlain freezes. But when you feel the icy wind blowing across the lake and onto the shore (and against your face), it's pretty evident that winter is here.

Still, the chill is well worth it on a cold, bright day when you can catch a gorgeous sunset. These photos were taken along the waterfront in Burlington.

Horse Farm in Townshend

Friesians of Majesty is a 650-acre horse farm in Townshend that is owned and operated by breeder and trainer Robert Labrie. I met Robert a couple of years ago and was fascinated by his story.

In 2000, Robert sold his asphalt business in Massachusetts, moved to Vermont and bought his first Friesian horse. Since relocating to Vermont, he has become an experienced, full-time horse trainer and breeder. His farm is now home to about 40 Friesian horses, many of which compete in various equestrian events throughout the region.

Friesians of Majesty offers sleigh rides in the winter, as well as various riding clinics and equestrian performances throughout the summer and fall. The farm's setting is picturesque, the horses are exquisite, and Robert is a wonderful host. Visit www.friesiansofmajesty.com.

Winter is Here

A photo taken a few years ago at Stowe Mountain Resort.

The snow is a little late this year, but it's finally here. Several areas of the state did receive a few inches over the weekend, and more snow is in the forecast this week. It won't be long before the mountains are fully covered with fresh powder.

Some ski resorts, including Stowe, Killington, Okemo, and Sugarbush, are now open for the season. More ski areas will open this week as temperatures drop and the snow continues to fall.

Now that winter has arrived, I am hoping to take more photos of ski areas this season. The above image, taken on a blustery January day at Stowe a few years ago, captures everything I love about winter.

Looking forward to getting out there once again.

Favorite Photos of 2009

In the spirit of those end-of-year lists we see in December, I wanted to post some of my favorite photos of 2009. Hope you enjoy.

Porch in Vergennes, Vermont

Winter snowstorm in Underhill, Vermont

My niece Sophie and nephew Jack at Lake Winnipesauke, N.H. This photo was published in The New York Times online edition in September. If you have a chance, please click here.