Adventure: Frolicking in Vermont’s Stick Season
November 9, 2009
The famous “Stick Season” is here at last! I’m not sure if that’s actually a good thing, because all the pretty fall leaves are gone and we are now dangerously close to the notorious Vermont Winter (eek!). BUT, we have been making the most of this unofficial season to get out and hike some trails, like Camel’s Hump, and Hunger Mountain (where these pictures were taken.)
It has actually been really, really, really cold lately; although you wouldn’t know it since people are still out in tee shirts and flip flops! But on this day, the weather was a beaut! The sun was out, the skies were clear, and it was downright warm. It was lovely to be able to thaw out my bones a little before bracing for… that season whose name we do not dare mention.
Seriously, every single person who hears we moved here from Georgia asks us why in the world we would leave that warm weather and come here? The winters, they say, are very cold and very long… a lot of fun until after New Year’s. Then, when you are ready for Spring, the cold lasts for 3 or 4 or 5 more months! Time to find out what we are made of, I guess. In the meantime, we’re trying to soak up the rays and play outside as much as we can.
We’re looking pretty happy, right? Two things happened recently that have us in a fairly chipper mood. First, we got registered and approved for Vermont’s universal health care program. This is a big deal for us because we had NONE. Our window for COBRA had expired and we did not elect it, because it’s ridiculously expensive! The added benefit of having health care that isn’t tied to your job is you can then get any job you want. You don’t have to sell your soul to a corporate nightmare just for the insurance. Which brings us to the second recent development:
Jeff got a job! And not just any job, but a job at Eastern Mountain Sports… selling gear and equipment for outdoor adventures. Now, for those of you who are new to Quest for Balance, let me just say that this is a dream come true for him. I believe Jeff would work there every day from open to close even without pay, just to be around gear, other gear-heads, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. You know you are doing your dream job when you would gladly do it for free. (However, in the unlikely event that Jeff’s boss is reading this, please note: his wife would prefer you continued to pay him. Thanks!)
We still have to fill in a few more pieces of the financial puzzle in order to make our Vermont adventure work out long term, but we are certainly much closer than we were when we got here. Not only that… HE LOVES IT!!!! I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, although you probably get the idea.
Here’s Jeff (and Hunter) in a moment of quiet reflection, gazing at what Hunter called, “a natural spring of beer,” because it was brownish and there were a few broken bottles in the vicinity. Meanwhile, Jeff and I were thinking, “If this is a natural spring of beer, we’re moving up here!” We never did taste it, for obvious reasons, but we’re pretty sure it isn’t.
That’s pretty much it, by way of an update. I suppose I could try to find a way to make this into some major life lesson, or give you a really good reason why reading this wasn’t a colossal waste of your time. But I don’t think I will.
Consider this post a palate cleanser for your brain.
Some things aren’t strategically meaningful or complex or hugely important; but they are still worth sharing.
Thanks!!!
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This is such a pleasure to read. Thanks so much for the update. I’m glad all the pieces are falling into place, and that things are looking up! Three cheers for following your heart and finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Dark Side of Music =-.
Cold!??? It ain’t cold yet, young lady.
@ Jay: At this point we haven’t found the whole pot yet… but we’ve started to stumble across a couple of the coins, so we’re feeling like we are on the right track.
@ Jeff: I guess you’re right… it’s no where NEAR as cold as it’s gonna get before it’s over with. I’d better toughen up!
I’m so happy for you and your family. I love getting these updates because they are proof that people can follow their dreams and live happy lives. Fills my heart with optimism.
.-= Jill´s last blog ..Returning to a forgotten practice =-.
Hey, Jill! I just read your comment over at Jane Be Nimble and it totally made my day! I was feeling bad about having shared a story with no obvious point or useful lesson. Then I read Lori’s post and your comment in particular and now I don’t feel so bad about it. You totally validated my feeling that not every post has to have a point! It’s just a story… enjoy!
looks like you’re having a lot of fun there. I don’t like winters and I don’t have a clue about how cold it can be there. Anyway I hope you can continue to have fun during the winter.
.-= Oscar´s last blog ..The Do Habit Update 1 =-.
Yeah for insurance and Jeff’s job. Beautiful photos.
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..They Said She Couldn’t…She Did It Anyway =-.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing some updates with no higher purpose. (This is the very reason facebook is so popular.) Sometimes I just like reading about events in peoples lives, and I can fill in my own meaning if any at all. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Eric | Eden Journal´s last blog ..The Open Mind Test – Part 2: A Great Teacher, A Little Philosophy, and A Whole Lot of Love =-.
@ Oscar: I sure hope so too… I’m doing my best to embrace the fun of snow. Maybe it will be easier because I have a 9 year old boy who will be LOVING the snow. Usually it helps me to see the world through his eyes.
@ Tess: Thank you! Any time I publish photos of Vermont I feel a little guilty because they don’t even come close to the beauty of the real thing!
@ Eric: That is a great point. When I first started this blog I really just shared my stories with no lesson, and left them open to interpretation by the reader. What I found was that each reader derived what THEY needed from it at that time. Often it was something I never would’ve dreamed of. So just plain stories definitely have value in the blogosphere.
Yippee….Me happy cause you guys are happy
Youll look so good in the pics..all chipper
Congrats to Jeff on getting an awesome job he loves..and congrats you all for the insurance.
Enjoy the new weather….:) I would give anything to play in the snow here in india
Lots of love and hugs…
Z
Who says that this post is not strategically meaningful or complex or hugely important? You shared some wonderful news and talked about how everything is falling into place. Besides, it’s meaningful and hugely important TO YOU, and this is your blog, so I’m glad (and honored) that you shared it with us. I am so happy that things are going so well for you there!!
Also been meaning to tell you, I have a couple of friends in Vermont. They make Bohemian Bread (artisan bread) and they are in East Calais. The moved from California several years back and are following their dream as well.
So please keep sharing with us, it’s lovely to hear (and inspiring…at least to me)!
@ Zeenat: Aw… maybe I can FEDEX you some snow!
We’re definitely feeling joyous right now. I was just telling Jay, on twitter, that Jeff’s new Sunday Syndrome is nothing like the old days, of a black cloud of misery hanging over our home. Now it’s more like, “Yay!! Monday is almost here! I get to go back to work!” When it’s quitting time, they practically have to shove him out the door, ’cause he’d rather stay! It really is nothing short of a miracle to see him THIS thrilled about going to work (aka: play).
@ Rhonda: You’re right about that. These developments are hugely meaningful to me, and I wanted to share that joy with you! I have this new peace of mind now because I don’t have to worry that we’ll go broke if something happens to one of us (medically), AND because Jeff isn’t dragging himself to a job he hates or stressing out about having no job at all. Now if I can just finish MY piece of the puzzle… making up the gap in our budget, I’ll be 100%.
That’s awesome about your friends… I need to get over there and try their bread. Do they have a website, or something that would point me in their direction? So far I’ve met two blog readers who live in Vermont (Hi, Lisa and Charity!), and they are both wonderful, amazing women. I would love to meet your friends sometime too.
Hi Lisis!
DELIGHTFUL! It’s a great post! Your writing is a pleasure to read whether it is challenging us to think, giving an example of a life lesson, or like this one, just a delightful update on what’s going on! It’s refreshing! Those of us following your “adventure” really CARE that you all are experiencing some good old days. And it’s so cool to hear Jeff got a gig doing what he absolutely adores!
There seems to be a few of us blogging about things that have no life lessons or whatever. Lori blogged she was going to write some stories about interesting people and this week I broke from my normal here-let’s-think-about-this to spilling my guts out about my son’s deployment in 2003. No lesson – just an emotional experience that for some reason I was inclined to share. Aren’t our blogs little snippets of who we are? Hmmm, what do you think?
Your winter there – yikes – yeah, get your warm clothes ready! Who knows? Maybe you will become a prolific knitter of afghans when you are all snowed in! Worse things could happen, haha!
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Tears of Fears – Veterans Day & Personal Story =-.
Hey Lisis.
Cool material to read about here. There’s a bunch of stick trees in that first picture. It sure is getting colder around the US>
That’s a good point about health care not being tied to a job leaving more freedom for the person that has it.
I like your point at the end there that it is good to sometimes just bring up updates, because we do like to hear what is going on as well.
.-= Armen Shirvanian´s last blog ..Knowledge Is Your Best Friend =-.
Hey, Suzen! I totally agree that our blogs are (or should be) representative of who we are. At some point, not long ago, I made the mental switch from wanting to make money with this blog to wanting to make a difference with this blog… just helping or inspiring people. That instantly freed me from the pressure to write a certain type of post. I’ve always written what is in my heart but then tried to shape or package it for mass consumption (and stumble-worthiness).
But it’s not really my style. I’m all about swapping stories and letting them meander wherever they will. It’s really not for ME to decide what YOU should learn from any given story. The beauty is in sharing the stories and each of us arriving at the conclusion that we are a lot alike, despite our unique variations. I am SO looking forward to “Lori’s Stories” for that very reason. (BTW, Lori, I haven’t trademarked that phrase, in case you want to use it.)
Hi, Armen! You would not believe how many sticks are around here. All those beautiful maples that were recently yellow and orange and red are now totally naked! The hills that looked so colorful and now gray, with little bits of green, from the pines. It’s like a whole different place!
The health care thing is something I really hadn’t thought of before, even as I wrote my post about universal health care. A few times we have been “stuck” in situations in a job Jeff HATED because we were “trapped” by the insurance. Particularly while Hunter was having his surgeries over the course of a year, our medical benefits were almost more important than our salary.
Now, he can take this job which, for 90 days is part-time and without insurance (trial period) and not worry about us. The Great State of Vermont is taking care of our family so that we can pursue our dreams!! Insurance needs should not dictate or limit what we can do for a living… it seems to me. Anyway, turned out to be an added bonus! Yay!!!
Seems like today in the northeastern US is sunny and warmer than usual – good thing for a Monday! Don’t know about Vermont, but in eastern PA warding off winter blahs means being active outdoors in whatever ways you can (and with your husband’s job, sounds like your family has that covered). Also (maybe this sounds a bit weird) figuring out how you can mentally ‘connect’ with that outdoor environment as opposed to shuddering and wanting nothing more than to run inside – is there something beautiful to see, or is there wildlife that you previously gave no attention to, but is now a welcome companion? Take pictures of the scenery to help you reflect on the way things look in one particular season (and compare them with similar pics from a different time) – I guess I’m saying learn the seasonal rhythms of the land at your location and what they have to offer. Maybe the local library has books on traditional Vermont folk life to give you ideas? Really though, looks like all of you are well underway in that department-enjoy.
Hi Lisis,
Congratulations on all the good news! That is awesome! Yay!
I also loved the pictures. Hard to believe that the cold season is about to start. Over here we are getting above normal temperatures and it is fun. Kind of weird too because all the leaves are gone and people are walking around without jackets.
.-= Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..My November Dose of Tough Love =-.
Hi, John! It’s so great to “see” you here! Yup, I have to say that today is downright WARM in Vermont. Hunter and I just walked to the library and saw SO many people out walking, running, cycling, whatever. I think every single resident of this little village it out today, stocking up on sunshine!
I really appreciate your advice about finding ways to connect with the season, because I think “white-knuckling” my way through it would make it ETERNAL. Jeff and Hunter both will be playing in it, so I can do some of that. But mostly, I’m foreseeing some photography (like you said), or writing about it, or… and this sounds kinda goofy: connecting spiritually with it. I’ve always said I was a big fan of water, but really I was referring to the liquid and gaseous forms (rain, clouds, mist). I’ve always left the solid (ice and snow crystals) out of the picture, as if we could love something in parts. Love and acceptance are unconditional, so this winter I intend to bond with the solid state of water… thus completing the circle.
Hey, Nadia! I bet it IS warm where you are because we are practically neighbors now! (I just love saying that.) It’s been crazy warm today… almost unpleasant, but I dare not complain ’cause it’s probably our last warm day until, like… May!
LISIS!!!!!
We are totally soul sisters!!
I was sooo worked up over launching my “stories that have no point” series, er uh, “Tuesdays with Lorrie” (ha) or “Lori’s Stories” er uh…I brainstormed with Scott during the week and the best thing I could come up with was “Front Porch” – for now anyway.
Thanks for not thinking this a radically dumb idea. And guess who I’d love to interview, write a story about, or to have guest post….YOU!! (You in???) 
Thanks for giving me rights to Lori’s Stories, though.
I love your posts, Lisis, I love the photography, I love the realness of them. And, really, I don’t think you need to spell out anything. Without telling me the lesson from your post, here’s what I learned:
1) In the end, we’re all provided for (sorry – dangling participle…)
2) Enjoy each day for what it is – the snow’s coming and the sticks are groovy!
3) Aim for meaningful work. It is attainable.
4) Who needs shoes when it’s still warm and the sun is shining? (ha)
OK, OK, sorry for the book of a comment. You just really jazzed me up today to hear your thoughts. My brain palate is officially cleansed.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..The Webs We Weave =-.
I am so glad that things are working out in your new location! Your journey gives me hope that Donald and I will find our place soon and that it will be right for us. Thank you so much for the update.
Oh, and as for the winter, I grew up in southern California and I have lived in snowy places ever since. The adjustment can be done, but if you need some encouragement or someone to ask silly questions to (like what is long underwear and why do I need it?), feel free to let me know.
.-= Daphne´s last blog ..To All The Dogs I Have Ever Known =-.
Lisis,
Glad to know you are on your way. The journey is always more important than the destination, I believe.
I am smiling from ear to ear right now. Wasn’t that the point of this post…to spread happiness? If so, score!
When I saw the picture of Hunter and you, I thought there was a special something coming out in his smile. He looks happier from the inside, if that makes sense. At least to me, it looks like this life change is going well for him also.
As for Jeff’s job, WOO HOO!!!! He escaped from the trap and has landed into a safe, soft spot. That’s awesome.
With the health insurance being taken care of, I hope you can now focus on finding ways to make up that gap in the budget. And don’t you worry about that winter coming. You know that worry won’t change what will be, well in a good way that is.
Don’t forget…TCOY (take care of you)!
.-= Suzanne´s last blog ..Quote to Reflect Upon (Nov09) =-.
Hi Lisis,
How wonderful that everything is working out! Great about the universal health care (yah for Vermont) and Jeff’s job. Sounds like you’re ready for the Vermont winter!
k
.-= Kaushik´s last blog ..Getting into the flow of Awakening =-.
@ Lori: I absolutely LOVE the idea of your series of stories. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING I enjoy more than a good story. In fact, that reminds me of Jeff’s favorite story-teller, Jerry Clower. Have you ever heard him? Checkit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8wLI4gHvts&feature=related
Or one of my favorite movies, Big Fish, which was all about the dad’s story-telling prowess… much like my dad. Oh, I’ve got some stories for you, young lady. You’d better believe it!
@ Daphne: Darlin’, I have NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER that you and Donald will find your way into the right spot for you guys real soon. When you have a little faith, things work out… they just do; I don’t even know how! Hmmm… “What is Long Underwear and Why do I Need it?” sounds like a blog post in the making!
@ Sunny: Well I hope you’re right about that, ’cause I have no idea where we’re headed. We are just having as much fun as we can along the way!
@ Suzanne: I guess that was the point, after all, to spread a little joy. Hunter is definitely happier here… which is saying a LOT because he’s always been happy. But he loves the cooler weather (still in flip flops) and they outdoorsiness of it all. He’s a natural born adventurer!
@ Kaushik: I believe I am ready for this Winter… at least I’m excited about finding out what it’s like, rather than dreading it. But the job and the health care definitely help to remove some of the tension and anxiety. Still going with the flow, and liking where it’s leading us.
Hi Lisis, thanks for the palette brain cleanser, and the congrats on the good news, too! It was temperate and beautiful down here in MA, too, and I thoroughly enjoyed it as well. The winter mistress will soon be upon us here in New England, so every little day or moment that the cold isn’t biting our faces is meant to be relished in. And good thing Jeff is working at EMS… stock up on the North Face gear, they make shoveling and snow frolicking quite enjoyable! Yes, you’re right, not everything has to be a life lesson, some of the simple joys are just that, simple joys.
.-= Miche´s last blog ..Accepting Suffering and A Call for Compassion =-.
I am so happy for you!!! Vermont is beautiful and you will learn to enjoy the cold weather sports.
best wishes
.-= BunnygotBlog´s last blog ..The Answer Lies Within The Question =-.
Have you ever been cross-country skiing? Is that something you’re going to try? : ) I love reading about your new adventures, and I’m happy to hear how things are shaping up!
.-= Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Adventure: Frolicking in Vermont’s Stick Season =-.
Lisis, This is a beautiful post. I used to live in Vermont and can appreciate the beauty and the love of the land. Enjoy stick season, insurance, the new job, and the wonder. Your freedom is uplifting and inspiring.
Stacey
Pleased to hear about the insurance. That will take a whole pile of anxiety off your shoulders. The job news is also great. Not many are blessed with the opportunity to work at something for which they have a passion. It’s almost like not going to work-work. You are living in a great area surrounded by nature’s beauty. On a cold day when the sun is shining you can see forever. And don’t worry, spring WILL come! In the meanwhile, enjoy the winter. The economy of the area depends on a good one.
HA, what more proof do we need that when you follow your heart, things will work out.
Lisis, I should NOT be surprised, so I will NOT. I am just so thrilled to hear that you all are enjoying yourself.
Yeah for living like we do, and keep it up.
Hugs to all of you, Wilma
.-= wilma ham´s last blog ..Questions, the doors to our hearts. =-.
As humans, we are innately curious about each other. Any story that is told from a real and genuine place is worthwhile. Plus, this post and many of your other ones are very inspiring in terms of following your heart over what is conventionally “practical”.
.-= lena´s last blog ..Using "The Peaceful Scene" =-.
wow, this looks and sounds beautiful. Gosh I haven’t been here for soooo long – sorry! but I thought of you just the other day and here I am and I find that it sounds as if we are on a pretty similar adventure, just in different parts of the world! We too are trying to start a new life in a colder part of England
Hope you are all well xxx
.-= Alice´s last blog ..Fuddle Duddle Do =-.
Hi, everyone! I know I fell behind on replying to comments, but I have read and appreciate each one. I am currently steeped in Vermont Homeschool paperwork, so I’m a bit distracted from my blogging world.
It’s kind of strange… I would have expected Vermont to be as “hands off” about homeschooling as Texas is, but let me tell you: That is NOT the case. I guess they are pretty serious about making sure every kid gets what he needs because I even have to take Hunter to have a professional officially state he is not disabled! Then there are some fairly strict standards to prove progress each year, so that’s the part I’m wrapping my brain around right now.
Anyway, I’ll be back just as soon as I can!
Hey Lisis,
Brrr…..
…has only just begun!!
Great photos – and awesome news on both the work and health-care fronts.
Now, as for the beer pool…if this is real…I may be showing up sooner rather than later!!
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Deeper Connections =-.
How wonderful!!! Glad to hear all your good news. I think there ARE many lessons here, not the least of which is that when you follow your strongest heart intuitions – whether it means going to the airport for no reason, talking to a sculpture that happens to be where you thought a meditation class was going to be, or moving to Vermont – things work out. Sometimes not exactly as planned, but they do work out. To me, that’s what true faith is. And it doesn’t really have anything to do with religion or even spirituality.
My family’s from Minnesota, so I do know what you mean re: the winters. We don’t officially have a ‘stick season’, but I get the drift. Just think of the Tibetans. A happy, peaceful people amidst 10-month a year mind-numbing cold (well, until China invaded of course.) Just get a good parka and snow shoes, and LOTS of hot chocolate with marshmellows (and maybe some liquor to go with it…) Think of all those cozy nights curled on the couch while it’s storming outside…nothing better than that feeling, really…
.-= Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..Interview with Paul Martin, author of Original Faith, on the Spiritual Journey =-.
Hey Lisis,
This post just makes me feel positive and happy haha. Simply because it has such a joyful atmosphere in the post. Sounds like you were smiling as you were typing that out
I live in Canada so it is even colder up here! I mean when I walk out of my igloo the blasts of snowy wind just hits my face right away! The mounties can’t even ride their horses on the slippery ice anymore – meaning no more law enforcement!
But in all seriousness, it’s just raining like hell here
I would like the change the maple leaf in the flag to an umbrella please.
Anyways, congratulations to Jeff with his dream job, finding a job can be hard these days, finding a dream job…that is something to be happy about
Steven
.-= Steven´s last blog ..The Chamber of Torture – Our Minds =-.
Boy, “stick season” sure sounds ominous!
Can I just tell you how HAPPY it is to read how much everything is WORKING OUT? It’s amazing when you hit that certain flow where everything just seems to click.
Yeah.
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..How to Get Your Move On! =-.
Hey, everyone! It really IS amazing… I just got through reading Nadia’s post, about her interview and career path, and it reminded me of all that Jeff has been through to get HERE… to this job… where he BEGS for more hours to work, not because he wants more money, but because he LOVES being there! It’s amazing, especially as Steven pointed out, in this economic environment, where finding ANY job is pretty difficult… much less one you love.
Now I just have to figure out how to do the same thing! Hmm…
So glad to hear Jeff has found some work he will enjoy! Life is good.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Finding Your Way =-.
Stumbled across your blog while looking up a definition for “Stick Season”: for another “Southern” friend (from Alabama).
Your story sounds so much like the one I would like to be following. I am in Georgia and have dreamt for a long time of moving/retiring to the mountains of Vermont. Very glad to hear it is working out for you and your family!
Just remember, you have an advantage with cold! You can always put on more clothing to combat the cold, But you can Only undress so far to counter the heat and humidity!!
Hey, Dana! Oh, I cannot say enough good things about Vermont. Winter is a little tough on me, but then again, I’m exceedingly “wimpy” when it comes to the cold. But the rest of the seasons are downright GLORIOUS. I’ve never seen a more picturesque place… and the people are SO nice! Don’t even get me started on the foods!
I feel certain you would LOVE Vermont.