No, Vermont was not
love at first sight for me. My husband and I arrived from Boston in 1956 with
two small children. I missed the amenities of a metropolitan area.
Gradually new
friends came forth. Two more wondrous babies arrived. Together we followed the
seasons with our activities – cutting cross country ski trails and hiking in
the fall; skiing, skating, and sledding in the winter; then glorious summer
with water activities – on, off, and in the lake. I learned the sheer joy of access to
nature – in the fields, the woods and on
our mountaintops.
Vermont began to
shape me as we joined in the community and took pride in helping it grow. I
delighted in the academic life, as both student and faculty at UVM.
I grew to appreciate
Vermonters’ no-nonsense values, their work ethic, their reserve, their basic
kindness and pioneer spirits – no stuffy social hierarchy here.
My daily passion
continues: a tuna fish salad by the waterfront while sharing the view with the
ducks and squawking seagulls. Adults and children stroll by, bikers whiz past
as purple azaleas display their blossoms. Nearby, a royal avenue of Callery
Pear trees unfurl their delicate leaves.
The massive Adirondacks
across the lake rise as proud guardians. Fifty-two years later my life is rich
beyond all expectations.