Halloween drifted in and out of our town like a shrouded ghost. Usually during this time of the year, the authenticity of our old home leads to a very realistic Halloween display. The crooked beams and uneven floors welcomes ghost real and pretend. The juxtaposition of both of the kid’s birthdays, Halloween, a foot of snow followed by no power was enough to scare even the most menacing ghost away this year. With the kid’s parties on hold, the decorations would now entertain only the cat that has stayed home to brave the blackout. Like many others, we were thankful to the communities that welcomed our costumed chocolate-consuming children as they trick or treated. We be like so many in CT, seeking solace in other towns after the storms wrath. Our eviction from our home served us well. We have fared better than most living at grandmas, sleeping in Egyptian cotton sheets with warm food at our fingertips. We would trick or treat on the very same route that my husband did as a child. Looking around the charmed streets of Guilford reminded one of a Rockwell scene. Goblins and witches crisscrossed the roads with no other reason than to get to the next candy display. Martha Stewart would have approved of the scene laid out in front of her. People sat on their porches and stoops, waiting to deliver the goods as children eagerly received their treats. Chris wore a smile of nostalgia as he walked the steps to his childhood home transporting him to a place he once loved more than thirty years ago. Kate and Peter met up with another displaced friend before their conquer of the streets of Guildford. They would come home for the annual candy dump. It’s a good thing that this tradition dies hard, as I love watching the kids’ sort through their Snickers and Milky Way booty. I would sit like a hungry vulture waiting to swoop down and take their discarded Baby Ruth’s and Almond Joys. How can anyone not love Halloween, when even adults get to revel in sugary nougat and caramels? It’s a tradition that no wicked storm can deter and spirits will not be broken. Lance Armstrong, Flo and OscarSomeone was running their meter in overdrive on Halloween...
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A most colorful group of ladies.At 40 years of age, Woodstock the parrot, has seen his share of storms.Differing generations ...While we have become accustomed to hauling water, seeking out gas, and twisting the can opener, do we see this opportunity? More often than not, we send our kids off to school expecting an education. When the kids come home from school, parents can’t help but ask the perennial question, “How was school today… did you learn anything?” Beyond the blank stare and rolled eyeballs, we hope there has been some comprehension or attention to what is being taught. But what happens when survival becomes the main lesson of the day and the classroom is life itself? Somehow life becomes a very effective teacher. Over the past week, children throughout the district have come to realize there is much to be learned beyond the walls of the classroom. When the great outdoors has found its way inside, the learning possibilities are endless. For a few short days, our kids have been unplugged. What first comes to mind is how much time we now have on our hands. Time that is usually spent glued to Facebook or an Xbox, is time that has been reclaimed by reality. Some small doses of reality that I have seen around town include a boy helping his dad chop wood and move fallen branches. Other children have helped haul water and fill toilets. Boy scouts can finally put their skills into action and make some dinner with the outdoorsman skills they have learned. Learning happens as a child regulates a water pitcher to a trickle as he helps his mother wash the dishes. In this classroom of sorts, kids find their worth in their own toil. While some may be learning simple skills like turning a can-opener, I can bet that this situation may spur children to think of future solutions for our antiquated system of energy delivery. Today at the shelter, I saw young and old mingle around each other. They would witness one another’s ways, learning how the other generation copes and comprehends a stressful situation. Upon leaving the shelter, I couldn't help but think that we're always learning despite our age. You can teach an old dog new tricks especially when you have no choice. My kids have been fortunate to have been shipped off to Grandma’s, but not before we spent enough time at home to play Swiss Family Robinson. In reality, living in our antique home is like living in Colonial times, even on a good day. While at Grandma’s the kids have spent days on the rocks by the seashore simulating life with less. With sticks, rocks, string, a bucket and some sea critters, they would find the necessary tools to simulate simple living. It may prove to be a more effective classroom than a more structured environment like a schoolhouse. Tomorrow, my son will ride his bicycle two towns over with his grandmother, yet another learning opportunity. This week has allowed our kids to learn on their own terms with all the comforts of those that love them nearby. Perhaps, all isn’t so horrible in the end. While my kids may often forget their math lesson before they even get off the bus, the lessons learned this week would not soon be forgotten. I think this may be true for young and old alike. Nature's classroomSilly boy |
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