We recently discovered Everdell and love it (and the expansions)

Gee, I wonder why the entire state has a staffing shortage.. it's almost as if the influx of people with remote jobs drove up housing prices, making it unaffordable for Vermonters to stay here, so now every business is left without staff and unable to keep up with necessary pay increases to retain people because... remote workers don't need jobs within our communities.

Saying the staffing shortage is ironic is about as ironic as Alanis Morissette's song.

It's not just the weather that's subpar in April, but the scenery too. Just a bunch of bare sticks and lots (and lots) of mud, if there isn't snow. The mud can get pretty bad, so much that cars can get stuck on dirt roads, so I can't imagine what that'd be like on a bike. There are also guidelines in place regarding hiking during mud season to protect the trails and vegetation.

The trip you're planning sounds lovely, really, but as others have said, if Vermont is the goal, it's better suited for a different month.

idk, part of what I love about Vermont is the ability to go to the other end of it to explore and make it back home the same day. Plus, it's usually a beautiful drive to wherever you're going. I've learned a lot about the state by venturing beyond the borders of my county for hikes or paddles!

The hotel voucher program is absolutely a contributing factor.

The last thing Vermont needs is more people moving here with their remote jobs. Everywhere is understaffed, yet folks moving here will undoubtedly utilize resources, further impacting the staffing shortages.

I recently heard from my local Post Office that there are 3 open jobs for every 1 Vermonter. I can't find anything online that supports that stat, but I did find a Burlington Free Press article from March 2022 that states, "Vermont had 46,411 job postings per 100,000 people, the highest rate in the nation." Based on my experiences at work and in the community, I feel pretty confident numbers have not improved since then.

It's January, folks. Just plain old winter. Let's wait until March for this, maybe, when it's actually will-it-or-won't-it-be-spring-yet

Generally the tactic in negotiations (politics or otherwise) is to ask for way more than you'd be happy with, knowing things will get cut back. Then in the end, you end up closer to where you actually want to be.

I've had a Civic since 2015, bought used, and it's still going strong. Snow tires are definitely quite helpful. Did it a couple years without snow tires (finances) and was okay, but overall I wouldn't recommend it.

Thanks, yeah. A neighbor saw the dog, too (I thought it was theirs), and said they were doing that.

I think it's more likely that it's not actually high beams and instead just very bright LED bulbs.

Sorry you've had this experience. I don't have anyone specific to recommend, but offering maybe something helpful that I've tried? I have noticed that when I start a doctor's visit by letting them know I'm pretty anxious, it tends to go more smoothly. They seem to adjust their approach accordingly. Medical practitioners are unfortunately pretty rushed these days due to the staffing shortages and for-profit healthcare structure. Best of luck to you finding someone that you feel comfortable with!

I disagree that the majority of people who ask about chains are just trying to avoid other options. I think people who don't deal with snow just genuinely think chains are what you do because that's what they've heard about, and OP is curious where they got that information.

I grew up without snow and never had to think about different tires for different seasons until I went to college in New York. I've lived where it snows for so long at this point I don't remember what I "knew" before I knew, but I think it's just what people assume is done - winter tires haven't been around forever!

I was looking out the window while on the phone with a friend earlier and watched it get progressively foggier while the shallow puddles in the driveway turned to ice

I feel like it's pretty unlikely that it's going to do so much damage that you have to evacuate, but it's hard to say without seeing the tree. It also depends on the structure of your house, too. I grew up with hurricanes and watched a pine tree fall on our house during one. It damaged the roof but not so disastrously that we had to leave.

You can find some articles online about what to do if it happens - who to call, what documents you need on hand, and other safety tips if it falls on a power line.

I'd just be prepared to keep everyone (especially your gecko!) warm. Having stuff set aside where it's easily accessible if there is extensive damage is not a bad move, either.

Uncommon Coffee in Essex!

Seconding this. They helped me so much with my TMJ disorder and tension headaches, and I'm still able to use the skills I learned to keep things at bay when I'm feeling particularly stressed

There's a big chain of restaurants called Aladdin's Eatery, and another locally owned Aladdin's Natural Eatery in Rochester, NY. It's a common name for Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurants.

OP may need to reside within Chittenden County due to where the client(s)/residents receive services (if they do).

I don't have any leads but commenting in hopes it helps your post's visibility. Just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do. I hope you find a place!

Not to mention the vacancies and understaffing issues everywhere just... keep... growing...

Except for the fact that I know some ultra-religious types who are vehemently against abortion but have done multiple rounds of IVF themselves. Make it make sense.