The first half of August has been a whirlwind of adventure, work, and simple pleasures for us. We kicked off the month with a work trip to Vermont, where each stop added a unique flavor to the trip.
Exploring Vermont: A Blend of Work and Leisure
After a scenic drive through Woodstock, our work began with a visit to a firewood processing business in Addison. It was interesting to watch the process of filling crates with firewood which were then dumped into trucks for delivery getting homes ready for the cold months ahead. The work is gritty and tedious. It gave us a fresh appreciation for the effort involved in something we often take for granted when our four cords of firewood is dumped in our yard.
After work, the next stop is at Smuggler’s Notch Distillery. The tasting session was varied, with an array of spirits and bourbon. Whiskey was impressed by their award-winning bourbon because the mash bill is mainly corn, not wheat, which is his preference. The tasting room offers vodka, gin, bourbons, maple syrup, and Vermont cheeses; a little something for everyone.
After our distillery visit, we spent the night at Country Boy Classics, a charming Harvest Host spot in Enosburg. Nestled near a babbling brook, the tranquil setting provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation. The gentle sounds of the water and the serene environment made it easy to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
An added bonus was the visit from our old friend "The Chef" who lives nearby. We had a wonderful evening catching up and enjoying a simple dinner in our tiny house. The warmth of friendship made our stay even more special.
Whiskey and The Chef got a personal one-on-one tour of the collection at Country Boy Classics. Bell, Willy, and I stayed "home" and enjoyed the quiet of the evening.
From there, we made our way to a dairy farm in Enosburg. Bell watched the calves as they eagerly awaited fresh bedding and food being delivered by a young boy working on the farm. Farm work is hard and never-ending. We are grateful that farmers are still farming.
Back Home: Gardens, Projects, and Culinary Delights
Returning home, we dove back into our daily routines. Our gardens are flourishing, thanks to the recent rains. We’ve also been busy with ongoing work on the old house, tackling one project at a time with the goal of staying on top of the never-ending maintenance.
In the kitchen, I have been on a roll; I made beer-battered sage leaves which were a surprisingly delightful treat, crispy and fragrant. I learned about this from Pasquale Sciarappa, an elderly Italian man with a cooking show. I never even considered frying sage leaves! Beer Battered Fried Sage Leaves by Pasquale Sciarappa (youtube.com)
I fried my version in lard (of course) and drizzled with maple syrup (of course).
Eggplant parmesan followed, a hearty and comforting dish perfect for the season. And of course, I continue to perfect sourdough bread, with each loaf being a testament to my dedication to keep baking and sharing. I save the small ends of the sourdough, dry them out and turn into breadcrumbs, as seen here in the fried eggplant.
The sage is from my herb garden and the large perfect eggplant is from Bly Farm in Wolfeboro.
Doggie Play Dates and Persistent Pests
Bell’s favorite summer pastime has been playdates with our neighbor dogs Moses and Jesse. Their boundless energy and playful antics bring so much joy and laughter to our days. She is going to miss her buddies when they head to Florida for the six months.
However, not everything has been smooth sailing. Our motorhome had a surprise invasion by mice, which turned into a bit of a battle. 😡We did our best to avoid using snap traps, but the relentless little critters left us with no choice. It’s been a process of cleaning and fortifying to keep our travel home mouse-free.
After research we learned that a mouse could jump 14". We also learned that they don't like foil. So, we got to thinking and combined foil, metal flashing, deer repellant around the tires and so far, no mice. Fingers crossed that we can keep the critters out of the motorhome. Willy can't be in there all the time to deter them. I'm sure the critters will figure a new way to get back inside.
Wrapping Up the First Half of the Month
August so far has been a month of contrasts—busy work, tranquil escapes, and culinary experiments, all mixed with the everyday joys and challenges of home life. As we move forward, we’re excited for more adventures and eager to see what the rest of the year has in store. Here’s to more travels, projects, and the simple pleasures that make life so rewarding.
Side note:
Check out this professional video highlighting our wooden boat group run using drone footage. The video captures the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee.
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