A rather large bird took off in front of me while driving (we scared the shit out of each other) and for about 30 seconds it pumped its wings to clear my truck while I slammed on the breaks. I got a really good look at it - wing span covered the width of my vehicle (easily) and its markings and colorations were not Bald Eagle (mature or immature) and the only bird that it could have been was a Golden Eagle. Since those are so rare, I doubt myself...but I am convinced that 2 mph faster or the bird slightly less masterful at flying, I would have seriously maimed it.

This was in Monkton, off of Tyler Bridge Road and it had been eating near the fire pond.

To survive in Vermont you need to be flexible, as in not rigid. You need to be compassionate for others and know that your neighbor with polar opposite political views as you will be the first one to call when the power is out and ask if you are ok. And you will do the same for them. It means being flexible and adapting to the weather, the driving conditions, change in employment, and anything else that throws obstacles in your path.

If you are of a general optimistic frame of mind, who generally cares about the quality of, not only your life but others, you will do well here.

You just can’t ask Vermont to be all. And you can’t come here with buckets of money and expect Vermont to care. It won’t.

If you want to belong, you will. But that may take being flexible.

Chicken Kiev. Cutlets pounded thin, wrap around butter. Coat with breadcrumbs (by alternating egg, flour, egg, breadcrumbs for extra crust). Wrap in foil. Submerge in some coals. Add baked potatoes and green beans by wrapping separately in foil. Basically anything that you can roast can be done in the coals.