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An autumn evening in Vermont 🍁

As sunset’s warmth descends to gold,
Upon Vermont’s hills, stories untold,
A beaver pond, serene and still,
Mirrors autumn’s hues, against the hill.

The maples, ablaze with fiery might,
Reflect their splendor in the quiet night,
The pond’s soft ripples, gentle play,
Disturb not the peace that ends the day.

The forest whispers secrets low,
Of leaves that rustle, soft and slow,
The beavers’ lodge, a tranquil nest,
A haven from life’s turbulent unrest.

The evening sky, a canvas wide,
Displays its art, with colors inside,
Soft pinks and oranges, purples deep,
A breathtaking view, the soul to keep.

In this still moment, free from care,
Serenity envelops, beyond compare,
The world’s din fades, as nature’s peace,
Descends upon the heart’s release.

The stars appear, like diamonds bright,
A twinkling show, on this autumn night,
The pond’s soft lapping, lulls the mind,
In Vermont’s woods, serenity is found.

Why I find it hard to find a home in the Albany-area

I have shelter at home – a drafty decrepit apartment. Until the landlord removed the mail box for construction, I had a place where I even got my mail. But it’s an interim place, even if interim has lasted longer than I ever expected it would be.

But when I spend my weekends in the wilderness – be it Rennselaerville State Forest, the Green Mountains or the Adirondacks – it’s hard to go back to Albany and find anything for any price that looks like a home to me. Vinyl siding and drywall provide shelter but in my mind not a home.

I want that cabin in the woods in a freer state with low taxes, good gun laws and few restrictions on open burning where pot is legal to smoke and grow yourself. A rural place with hills and forests but also agriculture. Small towns, where the pollution and crime and consumeristic culture are far away.

Today I’m out hiking on Bald Mountain in Bennington Vermont ⛰️

Been planning to do this for some time but it never seems to happen. I’m not camping that far from Bennington and figured if I had some extra time this evening, I could explore the village. Plus I need to stop by the Visitor’s Center for the free wifi so I can do a bit of work before heading back to camp.

Kind of a quiet start to the autumn, 🍁 with yesterday I spent most of the day reading πŸ“–, listening to podcasts and doing some hikes around the ski 🎿 trails at Prospect Mountain.

Grapefruit 🍊

You know I was thinking I haven’t had grapefruit since last winter. It’s usually cheapest in the winter months and a good treat through somewhat messy to eat. Not as popular as it once was due to how it interferes with statins that many older folks are on its both healthy and has a very distinctive taste.