We ‘ve been here for about two and a half weeks, having found the sun and warmth we were seeking, hiding a bit from the endlessness of winter in Vermont. It’s snowed about five times since we left; once we got a message from Green Mountain Power that the electricity was out. How grateful we are to be in a place we can be outside more than inside, walking on the beach, bicycling, golfing (a lot of time spent at the driving range, pitching area, and putting greens trying to work our way to not-being-terrible more often), and writing or reading on the deck. Ben realized something kind of crazy—being on a deck next to the beach is basically going to the beach without the sandy-ness everywhere and with access to a bathroom. We’re still walking along the beach, seeing dolphins, and sadly stepping over beached jellyfish, but we’re not bringing our towels down there and setting up shop. We’ve transitioned into deck beach goers. (I’m imagining things will change with a grandchild…)

Some photos:

Also, I’ve read two great books I’d recommend:

 

Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

What a clever idea—to recount past relationships, possible dreams all amid the backdrop of Covid…The four voices are so rich and palpable.

 

Going Home by Tom Lamont 

Another book with four different narrators—such a poignant, powerful investigation into friendship, parenting, different kinds of love. The dialogue between the toddler and others is so authentic and moving.

We’re headed back north on Friday, can’t wait for lilacs in Vermont!

Be safe, everyone. Thanks for reading. Keep hoping.

Love,

Sarah