Convent of St. Birgitta- Vikingsborg Guest House
I had the wonderful opportunity today to retreat to the Convent of St. Birgitta in Darien, CT. It was a stunning spot from beginning to end!
Here are some of my pictures and related resources.
Friday, August 27, 2021
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
United States District Court
My Day in Court
When my Summons for Jury Service arrived in the mail, I wasn't sure what to think. Part of me was afraid- what if I am selected for a high profile case such as the one in To Kill A Mockingbird? The other part of me what thrilled to experience a new adventure in citizenship. I made my way to the U.S. District Courthouse, and here's what happened:
- I went through security. We were not allowed to bring our cell phones, so I just had my car keys, a summons and a new book.
- I checked in with the clerk and then was taken into a waiting room/courtroom area. It was impressive. We spent a lot of the time waiting, but watched a video on recognizing bias. We were told that, in addition to the 30 people who were waiting in this room, there were another 30 people who came to the jury selection process earlier in the day. We were told that all 30 of us would have to provide 12 pieces of information and answer any follow up questions.
- Next we had a break as the attorneys for both sides hashed out which 30 of the 60 jurors would come back for round 2. The team called jurors up for a sidebar conversation or clarifications. Not me, I just sat in my seat and read my book!
- Finally, after more conferencing with the judge, the attorneys had to come to agreement on which 14 jurors would be selected. One by one the judge called the numbers of the jurors, and then he dismissed the rest of us.
I am sorry to say that I was not accepted for this jury trial, but just going through process was so educational! Check out these resources and pictures (ctd.uscourts.gov) below:
Resources:
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Norwalk Harbor
Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tour
As I have mentioned before, whenever I am going on a boat tour, I hear the theme song from Gilligan's Island in my brain. Despite that foreboding hymn, we had a wonderful sunset cruise, including a double rainbow when we were boarding, on Thursday night.
Here are some pictures and resources.
Lake Champlain
Island Time
I have a confession to make. I am obsessed with the Vermont Islands of Lake Champlain. I thought that I knew them, since I had been to the Sandbar Beach (https://vtstateparks.com/sandbar.html) a time or two. I was wrong. Over the last couple of months, I have driven there both from the New York State side and the Vermont side. It is stunning. Ironically, the Islands of Lake Champlain are more than just a scenic spot, those mysterious waters hold ancient mysteries too! Did you know that there's dinosaurs in them there waters?
When I was in High School, I had the privilege of taking Latin II with Mr. Tremblay, and while I was missing my Mater Chaffee from Latin I beyond words, Magister Tremblay always spiced up our lessons with his colorful "fish" tails. And so it was that one day that he beguiled our class with a story about when he came face to face with Lake Champlain's notorious lake monster, Champ. My secret prayer is that on my next trip, I too might come face to face with that famous cousin to Nessie, the Lock Ness Monster. If not, I will need to substitute my monster quest with a good ol' fashion Lake Monsters baseball game at Centennial Field.
If you get a chance to visit the Vermont Islands of Lake Champlain, I recommend keeping your eyes on the horizon while taking in all of the incredible beauty surrounding you!
Check out these things to see and do:
Vermont Vacation Guide
Check out these Educational Resources:
New Canaan, Connecticut
Tropical Storm Henri- In the Eye of the Storm
Right now, things are pretty calm here in New Canaan, Connecticut. As Tropical Storm Henri bears down on New England and parts of New York, we have prepared our Emergency Kit and have all of the necessities. Who's ready for Henri? 🙋
Click here to build your own emergency kit: Build an Emergency Kit
Here's the update we received from New Canaan Emergency Management:
"As we prepare for Henri in Connecticut, we received this great emergency preparedness information. Great tips fir being prepared! TROPICAL STORM HENRI
The Town of New Canaan has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch in anticipation of T.S. Henri. The storm track was moved West last night by the National Weather Service and we are now on the Western edge of the predicted track.
As this is the first potential storm of the hurricane season, the Office of Emergency Management would like to provide residents with best practices for preparation for these events.
We encourage residents to make their own personal storm plans to be prepared for possible power outages or blocked roads caused by potential high winds and flooding.
A good list of items to gather can be found at https://www.ready.gov/kit and some are listed below.
Remember that power outages due to storms have historically led to potentially long duration power outages, sometimes up to 5 or more days depending on the impact and severity of the storm.
*Water and non-perishable food for several days
*Can opener (if kit contains canned food)
*Extra cell phone battery or charger
*Battery-powered or hand crank radio
*Flashlight and extra batteries
*First aid kit
*Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
*Prescription medications and glasses
*Infant formula and diapers
*Pet food, water and supplies for your pet
*Have a full tank of gas in your car
*Check your propane/gasoline tank level for generators (if applicable)
*Don’t put a generator inside a building, or within 10 feet of the building to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning
*Go to https://www.newcanaan.info/Generator%20Safety%202021.pdf for more Generator safety tips
*Help your neighbors, especially senior citizens, by checking on them after the storm passes
In the event of an emergency during the storm call 911. If the OEM opens an Emergency Operations Center at the Police Department, call 203-594-4100 to report non-emergency trees or wires down.
Do not cross or drive over downed wires in the street. Do not drive through flooded areas.
Stay safe New Canaan,
Russ Kimes
Emergency Management Director"
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Essex Junction, Vermont
Feast of Saint Lawrence
I remember the day that we got the news that Dad was being transferred from the St. Johnsbury telephone office to the Burlington one. It was toward the end of my 7th grade year; I was crushed. St. Johnsbury was all I ever knew, and I was very lucky that we kept the camp at Miles Pond. Somehow having the camp to come home to made every thing less scary. It still does, but on the Feast of Saint Lawrence, the Patron Saint of our Parish in Essex Junction, I was so grateful to be reminded of the story of St. Lawrence (click the link and read all about it) The Life of St. Lawrence. I cannot help but think about all of the cool benefits of my adopted hometown too.
We moved to Essex Junction in the Summer of 1977 as I was going into the 8th Grade. I was sure that my life was over, but Essex Junction and the greater Burlington, Vermont area had lots of exciting opportunities for this 12 year-old girl. If you are in the Burlington area, please check out these exciting places:
Educational Resources:
Monday, August 9, 2021
Groveton, New Hampshire
At the Races
I will travel anywhere in the world to see my cousins, and when it turned out that two of my cousins were racing their cars at the Riverside Speedway in Groveton, NH on Saturday night, my cousin John and I had to join in on the fun. Turns out, it was nerve wracking, loud, but oh so exciting! I spent the first hour or so in the "Pit" catching up with my cousins. They warned me that it can be dangerous in there, and I had to pay attention. I wish I had a diagram of the Pit Pass area because as soon as I stepped inside, I was nearly run over by a car coming off the speedway. I did not even see (or hear) them coming! My cousins warned me to wear ear protection to safeguard my already bad hearing, and I am so glad I did because I had a chance to listen to so many stories about racing through the years and in our family from my cousin John. In the meantime, we made more memories and then sped home through the night!
Saints Christopher and Francesca- Pray for us!
Click the link for more information about Riverside Speedway and all of the activities they have going on there.
Check out these other great resources too:
Article about activities that are dangerous for your hearing
American History of Automobile Racing
Family Fun Things to do in Groveton, NH
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| Ouch! |
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| How exciting! |
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| I love the sportwear! |
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| I want to give it a spin! |
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| Headed back to the shop... |
Isle La Motte
St. Anne's Shrine
When I found myself in the Lake Champlain Islands (see next post) on Friday night, I knew that I was called to visit the St. Anne Shrine. I am so glad that I answered the call!
Here are some resources for you if you are interested in making a pilgrimage to Isle La Motte to visit the St. Anne Shrine. Scared to travel in this time of Covid? Check out the article on Virtual Pilgrimages.
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Adoration Chapel
St. John's Church
(Lifeteen.com)
On the Feast of Mary Magdalene, Thursday, July 22nd, I stumbled into the 5:15 PM Mass at my hometown church of St. John's in St. Johnsbury. It had been an emotional day, and I knew that I needed daily Mass more than ever!
As I walked through those familiar glass doors, I was so surprised to see Father Lance, one of our former priests back at the pulpit setting up for Mass. Father Lance was such a Good Shepherd to my Mom and Dad when he served St. John's before, and as he began Mass, he began to speak about the people from generations past who developed such a strong Eucharistic Adoration program. Immediately, I felt chills because our Mom and Dad were very involved in this from the beginning, and this was a daily devotion for them over many years.
Father Lance said that July 22nd was the day that the Adoration Chapel was going to reopen after many long months of being closed due to Covid. He invited those of us attending Mass that afternoon to form a Eucharistic Procession down to chapel and then, sign up to spend an hour a week adoring our Lord. Whenever I am home, I plan to do just that- devoting time in the Adoration chapel looking at and listening to our Lord. This devotion meant so much to my parents, and I want their legacy of Faith to live on in me and all of the generations who come after.
Here are some resources to help your children understand Eucharistic Adoration:
What is Eucharistic Adoration?
A Beginner's Guide to Adoration
The New York Stock Exchange
Ringing the Bell
Often times when I was teaching away in my classroom and a student provided a great answer, I would call out, "ring, ring, ring" and pantomime ringing a bell. This morning, my sister-in-law Tracey was part of the Weber Grill team ringing THE Bell at the New York Stock Exchange. I could not be any prouder. She, and the entire team, has worked so hard for this moment. Congratulations!
Curious what it all means? Check out these great student resources:
Teachers' Guide to the Stock Exchange
Monday, August 2, 2021
Vermont
Another Trip around the Sun and the Pond
Birthdays are such a blessing. With each additional year that I accrue, I gain aches and pains, but also joy and wisdom too! Much like taking trips around the pond in my kayak, the scenery changes based on where I am.
Here are some of the highlights from my Happy Birthday month. Enjoy!
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