@ Lance: Oh, you HAVE to visit here… and when you do, let me know so I can take you out for a pint (of ice cream). Actually, there’s a really great brewery here too, called The Alchemist, for those who’d rather have a pint of beer.

Thank you for mentioning your favorite things because they also remind me of some of mine. Your new roundabout sounds like a ton of fun, and the custard stand you can walk to? Priceless!!!

@ Hayden: You too, have got to visit here. I can’t speak for the Winter yet, although, if you are into skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling, I hear this place is perfect for that, with 5000 miles of maintained trails that run through more than 8000 private properties! But I can tell you, Fall is fantastic here. I’d love to show you around some time… once I learn my way around!

Costa Rica, huh?… I think I’ll put together a post just for you with some of the pictures I took last time I went. In the meantime, you can search in the Google search bar on this page for “Costa Rica” and will probably come up with stuff I wrote about Immigration, Simple Coffee making, a day when the property next door was on fire, etc. Costa Rica is woven into most of what I do. But, I’ll put something together that rounds those all up and adds a little scenery and new info.

I’ve really thought about taking a bunch of my blogging and online friends to Costa Rica one day, just to share the beauty of that tropical paradise.

@ JR: I’m sure more people care about what you are doing than you are aware of. Still, I suppose they would all support you in whatever you want to do. I just looked at your photography page, and it’s stunning. You’ve chosen a wonderful hobby! Health, home, and income are so important. When you have all three, you are truly blessed. Thanks for sharing your five.

@ Jay: Hmm… travel writing, huh? I’ve never really thought about it before. But I do like sharing stories of people & places, and the wonderful things I learn from them. Perhaps I’ll find a way to make that a regular “thing” here, at Q4B… just for you.

@ Jill: Who knew this little village would turn out to be so idyllic? Last year, in October, we came and visited for ONE DAY… and I fell in love. Since then, Waterbury has had a special place in my heart. There are so many ways I can be of service here. I live about two buildings away from the food pantry, the migrant workers program, the department of family and children’s services, and planned parenthood… as well as several yoga/ spiritual places. Having everything so close is a huge blessing for us, as we’ve been a one-car family since 2004! I’m about to head over and read your gratitude list. Yay!!

@ Dani: I will certainly do my best to keep finding something, ANYthing, to appreciate about each day. Today I’m going in search of a decent winter coat. Maybe that will keep me warm all through the cold season, so I can be thankful for IT on a daily basis! I know one thing, this apartment is warm as can be! It’s actually kind of chilly outside and we keep the windows open all day (haven’t even needed the heat). I’m really, really thankful to have a warm place to live!

Hi, Lisa! I know it… I am beginning to think that I’ve been “addicted” to Ben & Jerry’s since college because it was always my calling to come HERE. Wouldn’t that be something?

I feel certain there must be a whole underworld of local society where we can get everything we need and not pay tourist prices. It’s just a matter of mingling and learning the tricks of the trade. As a matter of fact, today we are headed to the Waterbury Farmer’s Market (last one for the season, though).

I love all of your favorites, since I share them too: kids, flowers, sunshine, travel, and… last but not least, a wonderful coffee maker!

@ Barbara: You definitely should add Vermont to your list, especially for a Fall trip. I like your optimism about the new construction. I’m certain it’s a sign that our economy (and your business) will be seeing more prosperous days ahead.

@ Suzen: If you do make it up this way, be sure and let me know. I’m on a personal mission now to meet as many of my online friends as possible… trying to merge my two worlds into One! I love what you said about just Being Here. It really is the greatest blessing, and one most people don’t take the time to notice. I think Jay once told me, “Any day I wake up on THIS side of the grass is a good day!”

@ Erin: Thank you; I only wish I was a real photographer with fancy equipment to show you the incredibly vibrant colors, and contrasting textures. I went out today looking like quite the tourist, taking pictures of every tree that “sang” to me… there were so many! Oh, and the pumpkins at the farmers market were HUGE! I think I read somewhere that they race in these things on Lake Champlain (like a canoe race, but in hollowed out pumpkins!).

Ah, it’s a crazy place, but FULL of life, energy, and vitality. I told my husband today, it seems like everyone I talk to has a sparkle in their eye and a friendly smile. I’ve grown accustomed to dealing with people who seem to be going through life on autopilot, or burdened with misery. It’s quite refreshing to be surrounded by people who seem pretty happy just to BE here… like Suzen!

@ Lori: Better late than never, my dear. You know, you raise an interesting point in your comment about how I always seem to feature the best parts of all the places I live. When I read that I realized I could have just as easily written a post complaining about the noise of the AMTRAK train several times a day, or the dust and chaos on Main Street (that requires a traffic cop all day every day), or how loud apartment living can be, or any number of things.

I could CHOOSE to focus on the pros or the cons, because EVERY place has them both. I guess I’ve learned that my experience of living anywhere is entirely dependent on MY willingness to find, and highlight, the good stuff. For that matter, I think the same applies to my experience in any relationship… I can choose whether to focus on the good or the not-so great. My choices directly affect my experience.