“REAL WORLD” VT Style

Eight people, picked to live in a house, off the grid in the Northeast Kingdom of VT. They did not have their lives taped and put on MTV, but they could have, just maybe they should have…

What a time we have had during our first few months living in Vermont. We have seen the rise and fall, the coming and going, the arising and passing of many things. As is the way of life, the changes came and came, but these particular changes felt pretty unique and… interesting. After the late summer’s work exchange experience at “Lettuce Bee” farm, we watched the family prepare to leave in the fall for quite the adventure on their newly refurbished grease powered school bus. We began paying rent for the cabin as we watched the house become filled to the attic with 6 new housemates, most meeting one another for the very first time. And so begins the next chapter of our life in Walden, VT.

She’s Frozen!

So continues our adventures with the mighty Goddess Kali, aka “The Beast…” We were expecting some troubles having a diesel vehicle in the cold, cold Northeast Vermont winter, but having such a mild winter so far she’s been taking the cold very well. After our Christmas visit to Philadelphia we returned to VT, and after a very warm January (temps in the 40’s) February brought the sub zero temps back. After a couple nights of -15 degrees we attempted to start her up on a cold morning to go visit our friend David as he did some filming at a local elementary school.

Winter WVO- O No, O Yes!

It’s been a mild winter so far here in VT- last week (mid January) we had temperatures in the upper 30’s. However, right before we left to visit Philly for Christmas, we had been having subzero temps. The Beast was feeling it especially on the cold mornings at 6 am when we had to start her up to get Amy into Montpelier for her babysitting gigs. For the most part, “Kali” cooperated, but not without putting up a fight, she was angry and hating it. Since the house on the property is solar powered, we are unable to plug the truck’s block heater in overnight; in fact we can’t even plug it into the house at all because it drains the house batteries too quick. So our solution was to wake up 2 hours before we had to leave and plug it directly into the generator and run it until go time. This seemed to get her warmed up, and we were able to get Amy to Montpelier. We didn’t bother trying to run her on the vegetable oil, our ride to the city was a bit too short, and we didn’t want to take chances. So we had to buy some diesel (VT has treated winterized diesel) and some diesel additive to aid the cold starts.

Much Brotherly Love

Back to our wonderful homeland. It was Wintertime 2009 not so long ago. We left Walden and traveled through Montpelier (so Amy could get one more day of babysitting in) and headed southbound with a full car and a full tank of veggie oil. The plan was to make it back in time for Robert’s annual Grinch Party, and we did just that (sans a sleepy Amy). This is also where I begin my unintended journey to gain an upwards of 10 lbs…

Cold Cam

www.robertlyonsphotography.com offers a live webcam at Coles Pond in Walden, VT. Check it out from time to time to see how buried we get this winter.

EXTRA, EXTRA! Sagittarians and Saris!

December not only brought us a lot snow here in the North East Kingdom, but it also brought us two fabulous events that we were fortunate to attend. Our great new friend Chris (Yogi Mukti) invited us to his annual Sagittarius party in Montpelier, and we were happy to accept because “we like to party” and, hey, I (Jon) am part Sag myself! The email invite stated that it would be a tropical themed party and to dress for warm temps which sounded entertainingly ironic for this time of year in VT. So, after picking up Brooke from work, we ventured to the outskirts of Montpelier. When we arrived, as promised, there were subtropical temperatures in Mukti’s home along with people decked out in bathing suits and tropical wears.

Thanks and SNOW!

Though we missed being with family for Thanksgiving, we were lucky enough this year to share delicious meals with some new friends. Our afternoon began with a visit to “community supper” in our neighboring town of Hardwick. We have volunteered at community suppers two times now, and we try to make it out for the meal whenever possible. Local farms and businesses donate much of the food, and many of the smiling faces helping to cook and clean up are people from a wonderful community called Heartbeet Farm. The meal was fantastic. We were thankful for the abundance of many tasty meatless dishes and happy to feel at home in such a positive environment filled with love and goodwill.

Back to the Kingdom

As I sit here typing this, we are in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont in our little cabin. With our newest computer battery, we have the ability to bring some modern life into the woods. Though we are enjoying the “simple life” very much, we really love to be able to cozy up in front of the fire and watch a film! Jon also has worked some magic, and ran a long cord down here so that we can also have phone access! Keeping our fingers crossed that the line stays unharmed through the winter, we are hoping to enjoy some chats with loved ones living elsewhere.

Cha Cha Cha Changes!

Just like the leaves and the seasons here in the Northeast Kingdom are transforming, the farm itself is undergoing a few changes of its own. Our new friends are preparing to leave on a cross-country expedition of their own. Just like us, they have decided to travel powered by grease, and their moving craft is a great big yellow, now also blue and purple, school bus. The bus has just been recently converted and is still undergoing some renovations to make it a comfortable home for all 4 of them (plus a dog). We are excited for them to have many great adventures as we did on our trip.

It’s a Happening

The great thing about where we are living is that, as rural as it seems, there are many fun and interesting events and activities to keep us entertained. Forget TV when you can take a trip over to Glover to catch a Bread and Puppet performance. Glover, VT also hosts an annual type of carnival that includes a handful of hand-built and human powered amusement rides. We decided to check out the carnival this year, so we headed out with a few farm visitors to Glover for the evening. We arrived when the carnival had turned into a wild festival.