This is the first year in a long time that we simply couldn’t get our holidays cards in the mail–so, to our family, friends and colleagues, please accept this last- minute attempt to reach out and connect with you all. Merry Everything, everyone!
December, 2008:
Socks for Kids
I covered a press conference this week for the “Blue Socks for Kids” project, a joint initiative by Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cabot Hosiery Mills, Inc. to donate ten thousand pairs of merino wool socks to Vermont kids in need. After the press conference, where Gov. Jim Douglas joined representatives of both companies, I shot the delivery of the socks by BCBSVT reps to community action agencies around Vermont.
Though these arent the most dynamic photos I’ve shot this month, they speak volumes about two of the state’s many great companies who are working together to help Vermont families in difficult economic times. When reading so much in the news these days about corporate greed and corruption, it’s nice to see Vermont companies doing the right thing!
Happy Hanukkah
Like so many other families around the world, we gather with friends on Hanukkah each year to light the menorah, eat latkes and play dreidel. And each year I hear “Sunrise, Sunset” playing in my head as I look into the faces of my children, wondering how the last 365 days could have passed so quickly. I love the ritual of reciting the prayers, covering our heads and lighting the Shamash ( the “helper” candle, as we taught our children when they were toddlers). And for eight days in a row, I can rejoice that all of my family will take a few moments out of our crazy busy schedules to be together and celebrate the light.. Amen!
And it keeps coming down…
The snow continues to fall and the opportunity to get out take some fun photos was just too powerful a draw. Here are a few favorite images from today, including a couple I shot this afternoon at Shelburne Farms, one of the prettiest places in Vermont.
Dont you just want to put raindeer antlers on him?
Nothing like a walk in the snow with your dog.
It makes the cold all seem worth it when you do this!
A “hung over” Frosty The Snowman. You don’t see that every day!
My attempt at an Ansel Adams landscape scene.
I guess he really needed to get to the grocery store!
Let It Snow
The snow started Friday morning and by the time I awoke Saturday, Vermont was a winter wonderland. Gillian and I put on our snowshoes and went straight out to break trail at Burlington Country Club. It was paradise. Kids were sledding down the big hill, cross country skiiers glided along the pristine new snow (with their dogs running alongside), and we even got to see a Ruby Redbreast (I think) and witness Woody The Woodpecker (or maybe his grandson) in action in a tree near where we parked. I’d never seen a woodpecker that close and it was certainly one of the highlights of the day!
Here’s a photo recap from the morning’s activity:
There’s Woody!
Santa Shops at the Christmas Tree Store
I saw it with my own eyes: Kriss Kringle, aka Santa Claus, left The North Pole to stop by Christmas Tree Shop for some last minute supplies Saturday. I guess even Claus can’t pass up bargain wrapping paper!
Here comes the snow!
Whew! The storm has definitely begun. Here’s a couple of shots from the neighborhood that shows just how hard the snow was coming down Friday afternoon. It was difficult to see outside, let alone try and get around in the snow.
Scout, our Bernese Mountain Dog/Newfoundland, is in her glory when it snows. We can’t get her to come inside.
Neighborhood kids brave the wind and snow (whether they wanted to or not) to get from the schoolbus to their home.
Pike’s Pick of the Week: Laura’s Brant
photo by Greg Martin (from www.Laurazigman.com)
I just read the newest blog posting of my friend, Laura Zigman. She is the brilliant and funny author of many books, including Animal Husbandry (which was made into a cute movie, Someone Like You, starring Ashley Judd, Hugh Jackman and Greg Kinnear).
Anyway, her blog, called Laura’s Brant, is one of the best blogs going, so check it out! Her new book, Get Over Yourself!: How to Get Real, Get Serious, and Get Ready to Find True Love, is due out on Decemeber 30 and I can’t wait!
CVU girls win against SBHS
Girls hoops team undefeated after three games :
I shoot a lot of high school sports for a couple a local paper, The Williston Observer, and this is basketball season. The CVU girls team is taking no prisoners and after 3 games they are undefeated! If interested in reading about the game, click on either link above to the sports section of the Observer.
