[chaz longue]

Here's a nice piece of Sally Pollak's from today's Burlington Free Press.
My son's goaltender on Noor's team. I'm looking forward to the rest of this proposed series, which will run on an occasional basis in the Free Press.

Burlington Free Press.com | Top Stories

David Beckett

[lukedaddy]

We have been temporarily delayed in our move to New England, but we are still coming. New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine.....look out!

[jessnhow]

The things i love about vermont are the back roads, the smell of freshly cut trees, the variety of wildlife,the ma and pa stores with homemade cookies, cutting your own christmas tree with the FAMILY. I think thats the best thing about VT,the focus we put on family.No amount of money can replace beauty, nature or time.Lifes short so do what you feel is right for you. I have two sons and I can't think of a better place to be.

[chaz longue]

Up - for dwiggin3.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by nhyrnut

Let's show people why People choose to live here and raise a family here. We all know the vast majority of the people here are Great. but tell us how great it is to live here.

I was born in Miami Beach and lived in South Florida until I was old enough to leave. Then I moved to New England. Eleven years ago, I moved to Vermont. I believe I'd like to stay here for the rest of my life.

What do I love?

The pace of life suits me. For example, waiting through one light cycle constitutes heavy traffic. (Needless to say, I don't live around Burlington.)

The people are friendly but not effusive. I like the low-key way we help each other and accept our differences and disagreements. With few exceptions, my experience here is very live-and-let-live.

Companion animals are treated better here than in most parts of the world I've lived or visited. Spay/neuter is much more utilized and pets are generally treated as family members. (Nowhere is perfect, but I've seen far worse than Vermont!)

The scenery is gorgeous. It calms me just to get out and look around.

It's safe. I can walk in town day or night. I don't need to live in a gated neighborhood to feel safe at home.

There are much larger cities where I order something vegan and waitstaff goes, "Huh?!" Even in little Rutland, people generally know what I mean and are willing to accommodate.

Eating local is a gift that I try never to take for granted. We buy most of our food from people we've met, and have visited some of their farms. They care about us and we care about them.

I may always be a "flatlander" but no one has ever tried to run me off or make me feel bad because of it. Hey, I'm from Miami Beach -- I know what it feels like to have your turf overrun by visitors from elsewhere.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by arel

Only big problem is the need to board my diabetic cat when I am away. Expense and guilt!

I hear you! Have you considered hiring a catsitter? When we go away, we have a trusted someone basically move into our house and become mom (or dad) to our four cats until we return. The cats and house stay occupied and safe and we are able to relax (mostly) while we're gone.

Many vet techs and other veterinary office staff earn extra $$ by petsitting. You could call vet offices and ask who they recommend for petsitters who actually stay overnight.

We pay petsitters $35 - $50 per day, depending on their experience and the level of service they provide. (One of them is so good that if I win the lottery I will pay her to live near us always and be ready to care for our cats if anything happens to us.)

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by chaz longue

Now I eat "Vermont Morning" hot breakfast cereal...

Mmmmmmmm! I love that stuff.

[chaz longue]

After yesterday's delightful day at Mad River Glen, I'll happily put this unique ski area on the list of things that are great about Vermont. Even though yesterday's day ticket price of $3.50 is rare - and even though (perplexingly) the skiers there voted not to allow snowboards...

David Beckett

[casualobserver]

Originally Posted by chaz longue

the skiers there voted not to allow snowboards...

David Beckett

David, when snowboarders (1) stop all that incessant sideslipping (and icing out the run); (2) stop sitting around in gangs in the middle of runs; (3) stop smoking and cursing in the liftlines to name a few bad habits, we, the skiers, will be more receptive.

[chaz longue]

On this we'll have to disagree:

I'm a skier too (and I saw plenty of ice yesterday, although there were no snowboards allowed).

I decided to enthusiastically share the road with motorcyclists, and the slopes with snowboarders a while ago. Bad behavior doesn't seem to me to have much to do with what tool is used to make turns...

DB