Letter from Vermont

More time has passed since my last letter than I intended … chalk it up to getting the inn ready for the season.  We’ve had a busy April: having a chimney taken down and a new one built in its place, as well as installing the last section remaining to complete the new roof, were two of the more visible projects.  April gave us exceptionally wonderful weather this year, very mild and dry, and good for that outdoors kind of work.  May has been cool and damp thus far, but a large bed of tulips that Olya planted last fall has come up, and the flowers should open when the sun returns to us for a bit.

The gift that Olya was given at her citizenship interview was a very lovely book called “The Citizen’s Almanac.”  It is just such a thoughtful collection of anthems, poetry, symbols, speeches, and landmark documents, enhanced with some beautiful artwork, historical photos, and very straightforward and traditional editorial comments.  This gift to my wife was so compelling to me because it is so fundamental.  You hear so much about America in decline, America divided, America disintegrating; this little book which our government gives to those who have earned citizenship, is a heartfelt testimony to America triumphant, America united, and America coming together around the shared values of her people.

We had our first guests of the season on May 1st, a young couple from New Jersey starting their inn to inn bike trip.  While the weather has not been the most dazzling, the scenery is still lush and picturesque, and the pace is still relaxing and carefree as they cycle their way from one country inn to the next.  Klara, our two-year old, and I spent some enjoyable time in the car together, singing her favorite songs as we transferred our guests’ luggage to the next inn on their itinerary while they were out riding.  Olya and I joke that it will be so nice to have our children help us at the inn when they are old enough, and this was a little practice for that day, still so far in the future.  At any rate, it gives Olya a little time alone with Agatha.

The first guests of the season on May 1st means the first breakfast of the season on May 2nd.  So how did we kick off the season?  Some other time, perhaps.