off the grid-ish.

Two tabs I currently have open on my computer: beeswax pillar candles and cozy winter socks. The title of my next book is Homeschool Hygge and it’ll be out soon. Jokes aside, there are so many things I’m enjoying about our pace right now, the rhythm of our day, the energy and the habits we’re forming–intentionally or unintentionally. Slow mornings with cuddles in bed, frequent trips to our library, and moving in a sort of beautiful dance with one another. One at the desk, one snuggled up with the pillows, reading, penciling, cuddling, just being together.No, it’s not all dreamy, all the time. I just consoled a boy this morning because his brother made him very sad. (Interruption: it’s several hours later now, as I write this, and I’ve just consoled said child again. Don’t let me or my sneaky Instagram ever tell you my children get along all the time.) House is messy, things left undone everywhere I look. But I do wonder if we’ll look back on this time through a foggy lens of we were together. Most days, all day, and we loved it. I’m already feeling like that now and I’m currently in it. How often I need to move beyond things to appreciate them the way I wish I had when I was in them. But here, I’m loving it, now, in the present. These pictures are from a recent trip to Woodstock, Vermont where we had the delightful opportunity to cat-sit. It’s a thing, and Hunts are available. We can promise a lot of cat cuddles, if your cat so desires. Kitty litter, we got that too. If they’re more the want-to-be-left-alone type, we can respect that. The cat we were sitting, my friend Rachael’s, was very much of the “let’s cuddle” mentality. So cuddle we did.And, we got plenty of fresh air, and witnessed fall just beginning to show itself in the state of Vermont.Steve read Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain boys to Parker that week. A perfect setting to read such a book. If you’re a New Englander (or, simply, an American), Ethan Allen’s is a great Revolutionary War story to read. This is one of our Landmark books (most often found at used book stores, or on Ebay, or other small children’s book sellers!). We brought school with us! When Steve was teaching his classes online, we’d knock off some lessons.And then we would venture into Woodstock when we wanted to be less off-the-grid-ish (and when Mom wanted a break from cooking). Woodstock Inn–well, the total of Woodstock and, as I think of it, the whole of Vermont–is so incredibly lovely.One of Mom and Dad! And a teeny photo bomber.We went inside the inn and got fondue and dessert. Here’s Anders polishing off the rest of the chocolate chip cookie dessert.Also, the farms behind the Woodstock Inn–they’re a must visit. The luffa gourd tunnel alone is out of a strange science fiction movie. Parker was calling me over, “You GOTTA see this, Mom!” And you know how kids want you to look at everything and sometimes it’s just… not that remarkable? I was across the farm when he was calling me and was doubting how much I really HAD TO go and see the tunnel. He was right, I was wrong. The below is a screenshot from my stories — I don’t have any good pictures of it!Mornings were cool but by afternoon we were shedding layers.A visit to the Simon Pearce headquarters… unfortunately with COVID, you weren’t able to go down to see the glass blowing. The boys and I have been, but Steve hadn’t. I guess we’ll have to go back! Their craft is truly amazing.We also went to VINS which the boys were super pumped about. Especially my animal-loving Parker. And got to see this bald eagle UP CLOSE. Whenever we are at the lake, we are on lookout for bald eagles all week long and we’re lucky if we catch the slightest glimpse of a fly over. Seeing one like this was pretty remarkable. Different than seeing one in the wild, of course, but incredible nevertheless. All the birds at VINS have been injured and wouldn’t survive in the wild. They have this amazing space and new treehouse walk with loads of educational opportunities. It would be impossible to capture the tree canopy walk but it’s worth a visit. And then go to Worthy Kitchen for some Heady Topper and a chicken sandwich. Ending on a high note with this saucy sandwich…