A Late Fall Walk in the Woods……..11-11-16
Last walk in the woods before deer hunting season.
My Dear Friends and Family,
We went for our last autumn walk in the woods behind the house a few days ago. Gunnar and I are not allowed to bring our scent into the area. This way we don’t discourage the ‘elusive buck’ from visiting the stream and walking up the trail from Donkey Alley.
Hunting here in Vermont is sacred. And this year, I respect that even more. We are now, potentially in that group of people who would benefit from the meat a buck would provide. With our work lives changed in the way they have been, and less money coming into our bank accounts weekly, spending less for food is greatly appreciated. Would we starve without a deer? Not at all. But we would be able to put that extra money toward retirement and other expenses.
I go here because I live with people in our small community who do face going hungry without the many opportunities they have for accessing good food. Gardening, hunting, even gathering (this was a huge blackberry and apple year for us in Vermont) contribute to the small economy of many people.
Giving this Holiday Season
Food banks and community dinners are common in the towns surrounding us and I can understand how a simple meal provided freely can boost a family in need. So, as we enter this holiday season, think about contributing a food item to the cardboard box as you leave the grocery store. Make a contribution to the Food Bank in your state in the memory of someone you love. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or community supper. Simply pay forward at breakfast in a café or restaurant. These are all great ways to help people and in a small way, help ourselves.
Tamaracks from the field above our hillside woods.
Several weeks ago we took the auto road up to the top of Mt. Mansfield. We have hiked this mountain several times in the past few years. Yet, this is the first time driving it. Since JB’s accident we have only been able to do easy walks. This short hike from the parking lot up to one of the western look outs near the summit was quite perfect. The fall colors were almost at peak and the air a crisp fall reminder winter is on its way!
Gunnar enjoying a hike on Mt Mansfield
Thank you for visiting and love to you all,
Patricia
Leave a Reply