January 30, 2026

That is real winter in Vermont.  

I remember my first Marlboro winter so well.

Not a cloud in the sky and miles and miles of snow fields and mountains, just stunning.  Flat snow, undisturbed until a deer trail is plowing through.  I haven't seen this type of landscape around here in many years.  I find it too cold, and gorgeous and I'd take it over hot and humid any  day.

I took EJ's car to the Inspection Center and got it all legal for him.  It's really sweet to have use of it this weekend so I can feel myself.  Thank you, my bestest. 

Drove up to Marlboro this afternoon.  Remembered the first time I drove up to that property was when they were doing the house raising.  Diane, Jason and I went up and socialized or something.  I believe it was about 40 years ago.  Can that really be true?   The sun that spills into that living room is wonderful.  Tom is in the living room where he can watch the sunset.  Also the backyard has birds.  Apparently not so much in this cold, but usually.   

I hung out for a couple of hours.  I was so glad to be there.  I really do have that return to home feeling when I visit.  I don't know why, but it's symbolically such an important place for me and the Toleno family is such an important part of me.  I once asked Tom that if I ever married would he give me away.  It's one of those iconic moments that you're supposed to have your Dad and of course mine was already gone.  And Tom wasn't a father figure as much as a mentor, but it felt right to me somehow.

I made it home at about 10 past 5 and there was still light outdoors.  It was just a gorgeous day.  The light, the shadows and hues were fascinating and ever changing.  I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked, but I got some.   

What I really got was the feeling of freedom.  Thank you EJ!!!!