A little bigger than a mouse

As you know, we have a mouse problem in our house (barn-house rather) ... we've been setting traps and have made quite a dent in the population. However, we've still had super loud noises coming from inside the walls/crawl space of the third floor at night.  I finally made Jason get in there and take a look.  I was a bit terrified at what it would look like based on all the gnawing sounds that have been being blasted from the area.  When he looked, he didn't really find anything unusual.  So one evening in the midst of the racket, he took a peek and came back downstairs to let me know that a SQUIRREL had joined us!

It was time to set a bigger, live trap which luckily the summer caretakers had left for us (I guess the fact that it was left for us should have been our cue that we'd end up using it).  So, back Jason went into the crawl space to leave our trap ...

When we checked this morning, we had caught something, but it didn't look like any squirrel I'd ever seen.  We were both left wondering, "what IS it?"  Seemed more like a large chipmunk without the fun stripes.

On my way into town, I took the squirel for a ride and released him several miles from our house with the hope he won't be returning.  He quickly scampered up a tree and out of sight ... then as I left he flew/glided to another tree!!  I'd never seen a flying squirrel before and it was SO fun/surprising to see!  

 

My first uniform

Jason and I were fortunate to begin work last week at Okemo Mountain Resort, the local ski resort and with that I was given my first work uniform - ever.  Very exciting business for the girl who has to try on five outfits before going to work.  I've always liked the idea of a uniform, thinking it would reduce my early morning clothing decision making and am excited to now have the opportunity to try it out.  We're also super happy to have the opportunity to be getting a little income for the first time since we left China.  Hurrah!

Bread ... in a can?

Am I the only one who had never heard of this???
I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen and tasted it myself ...
As wrong as it sounds, it's actually quite delicious!
Thank you New England for introducing me to bread in a can!

Toilets from another time

Jason and I have had great fun exploring both the land and the cabins of this beautiful place.  As we've explored, we've found some interesting/fun things.  One of these is the variety of antique (and otherwise) toilets scattered around.

Check these out --

 

 

 

 

Just a couple pretty pictures

Going to use the outhouse in the morning is not my most favorite thing in the world, but seeing a sunrise like this one makes it all worth while!

Blessed!

Thanksgiving always seems to be a time to remember our blessings and be thankful ... I wish I would give that kind of focus to my blessings everyday. 

This year, I felt especially thankful for Peace Corps.  In spite of the many organizational negatives I encountered during my experience, I am thankful for Peace Corps.  First and foremost, for introducing me to my incredible husband - a person who I never thought I would meet.  Secondly, I am so so so thankful for the group of people it introduced me to.  Our little band of 16 volunteers, bound for Tonga.  Many of who I still keep in touch with and all whom I shared a uniquely challenging and memorable time of my life with. 

This weekend I was reminded to be thankful for Peace Corps because we were blessed by a visit from a fellow volunteer and friend, William.  It was a totally spontaneous visit and we loved it! I was grateful for the reminder of the priceless things I gained from my Peace Corps experience. 

When William arrived on Thursday morning (after taking a very early bus from NYC), he began unloading his small backpack -- it was packed with all kind of treats from Trader Joe's!  He'd hardly brought any clothes and was apologizing for not being able to bring more food!  This is the kind of guy William is.

 

It had snowed the day before so we got out on some snowshoes right away ... figuring to exercise before the Turkey coma :)

 

No trip to Forest Echo would be complete without a canoe ride on Tiny Pond ...

... or a hike up to the lookout ...

 

The boys built a BIG snowman!

 

  

A quick fishing trip on Tiny Pond -- the fish live up to the name: Tiny!

 

Putting William to work before he headed home!

 

Friends!

We were lucky enough to have some wonderful friends come for a visit this past weekend.  Can I just say how nice it was to have friends around - even if it was just for a couple days?  It makes me realize how much I miss people.  Oddly enough, living in Vermont has actually left me feeling more isolated than when we lived in Shanghai, so it was great to be able to connect with some good friends.

Megan and I met 15 years ago while at college and I am so thankful that we've been able to continue our friendship.  She and her husband, Michael, made the 10 hour (one-way) drive up to see us and had no qualms about staying in our off-the-grid living situation.  

Michael who has a very nice camera and a gifted eye for photos, took some beautiful photos which he agreed could be shared here.  Any of those photos are marked with a MM in the corner. 

As you will be able to see ... I am still toothless.  Grrr.  After getting my bridge re-bonded, it only stayed in a week before falling right back out again, right before a holiday weekend.  So, I was toothless in Vermont for the weekend.  Fun :)

We had an awesome time hiking, canoeing, talking & talking, playing board games & football (on a field lit by car headlights), making applesauce and eating (of course!)

PS -- we're all wearing bright colors since deer hunting season began this past weekend and we didn't want to get shot! I can't believe that after living in LA & NYC, I'm more afraid of getting shot here in the wilderness of Vermont!