Welcome to Winter

Vermont's first major snowstorm of the season arrived late Tuesday night, and I realized this morning that I am woefully unprepared for winter. My snowtires are still sitting in the garage, I need a new pair of boots, and my winter gear is packed away somewhere in storage.

At least I got around to ordering some winter sweaters and outerwear for Phoebe last week. But otherwise, my prep for the season has been pitiful.

Still, it's nice to have some snow on the ground just as we get into the holiday season. The ski areas are gearing up as well. Stowe, Okemo, Sugarbush and Jay Peak are all opening this week. They join Killington, which opened in late October. You can find details and the latest conditions at www.skivermont.com.

Whether you're out on the mountain this weekend or spending time with loved ones at home, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

**Photo taken in Burlington on November 23, 2011.

An Underrated Season

How would you describe November? If you asked me that question 10 years ago, I would have told you that November was dark, dreadful and depressing. Right now we're in the middle of "Stick Season" in Vermont, when the leaves are mostly gone and the snow has yet to arrive.

I used to loathe this time of year, but now I love it.

Yes, the days are short and the weather turns cold in November. But there's something really beautiful about the stark landscape and contrast of colors that I never appreciated before. Now I embrace the fallen leaves, chilly air and bare trees.

My relatively new affection for November might also have to do with the wonderful, life-changing events that have happened to us during this particular month. Dave and I moved to Vermont in November 2006, and we learned in November 2010 that we were going to have a baby.

What will be special about November 2011? I'll always remember that we were home in Vermont, as a family, surrounded by beauty.


*Photos taken in Burlington, Vermont on November 12, 2011