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Suz Rogge's avatar

So enjoy these updates from you, Elisse. You offer us such interesting details and wonderful photos of what you and a David are experiencing in a culturally different corner of our country. Love the story about the neighbor who happened to be passing by in his tractor and cleared your driveway. I’ll bet that kind of neighbor helping neighbor is what allowed early settlers to survive there centuries back. You may not be a Howe or Holt, but you are someone who gives much to others as well. In that regard I’ll also wager you will be a valued member of your community before too long.

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jill suttie's avatar

Always so much fun to read these, Elisse! You have such a keen eye for details. You really make someone feel as if they are there with you.

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

Thanks so much, Jill. Your kind words are truly appreciated.

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Don Arbor's avatar

Always enjoy reading of your Vermont experiences, which in many ways mirror my own from long ago. Including the part about David tapping trees and making his own maple syrup. He is an avid researcher and probably knows this already, but the ratio of sap to syrup is between 25 to 1 and 40 to 1, depending on the tree; so that's why maple syrup is made in a "sugar house" that has a roof but no walls, the better to let the moisture escape. When I made small batches in 1980, that moisture peeled the paint and wallpaper off my (rental) house! Not recommended.

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

We actually just took the boys to visit Silloway Maple and tasted the sap, freshly tapped! Your story is definitely a cautionary tale. Thanks for sharing.

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Rosiland Solomon's avatar

Wonderful Diary of your life now, the pics are great, too....Seems like you are doing all you can to enjoy and experience life there. Also seems like you are connecting/reaching out as much as possible...I am impressed, my dear! Looks like you will be a Vermonter soon without even realizing it, and looks like David is already there! Much love,

Aunt Rosalindaaaa

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

Thanks so much, Auntie Rozzie. Yes, I am indeed.

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Growing Sideways's avatar

Love reading your blog and learning about your life in Vermont. What a difference from Texas!

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

Thank you, Leslie! Yes, it couldn't be more different (except the part where I feel like a fish out of water, though at least the nearby waters aren't infested with water moccasins...).

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Jennifer Atkins's avatar

Love this post. Sounds like you are spending time with a bunch of progressive, outsider-type hippies. Lots of strangers imagining a new way of being. Then there are the Howes and the Holts. I hope you can have as much fun at those town meetings as Lorelei and Rory.

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

Thanks, Jen. Not so sure about the hippie part, but definitely progressive outdoors folks. Looking forward to seeing you soon. xo

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Wendy Marks Firestone's avatar

Amazing blog, as always. While a stranger in a strange land perhaps, what colorful people you are meeting and experiences you are having! You are a gifted observer. Thank you for sharing the novelties of you new life with us(especially those, like me, who have more mundane routines). Your pictures certainly add to your writing and make me smile every time (maybe not the chicken heads—definitely a first for me to see them severed in a jar)

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

Thanks much, Wendy. Your feedback and support are immensely appreciated.

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