Well, I tell you what, young fella, there ain't nothing quite like a Christmas in North Montpelier. Why, every year, people come from miles to see the Singing Bridge twinkle with the brightest lights. Some folks say it's all powered by a dozen or so neighbors and those Cornell students who did a bang-up job on the District Energy, but I reckon old Robby's dam might still have something to do with it.
Now, speaking of the store, they done gone and started selling Danish beer! Can you believe it? I remember when all they had was the Vermont brews, and the taste of the Northeast Kingdom, but I suppose times are a-changin' now that its become the hub of the Circular Economy and all those nordics moved into town. I’m still pinching myself that the old seniors and their Repair Cafe went viral on TikTok and caught the attention of those old Norwegians. “Most Resilient Village” one of them said. Ha, old Sam Rich must be laughing in his grave — resilient! Try living in a dug-out in 40 below temperatures —I’ll give you resilient! And you best believe, them nordics, they like old Maud’s pizzas. If you want to try one of them Friday night pizza specials, you better get there early. Them things go like hotcakes!
Say, you heading over to the rink by the launch site? I heard they got some fancy lights set up over there. I think DL may be playing music and old Anna Larson may be leading the ice dance. And if you happen to swing by, could you chuck these letters in the new mailbox for me after you're done skating? I'm headed over to Jake's new apartment in the old gray monster. Really easy on the heat, I’m told. So nice Al and them folks got the money together to buy all that key real estate for the town 2023. Sure did make life worth living again, I tell ya.
Now, if you're looking for a fun family activity this weekend, why not try painting your own portrait over at the old Grange? I hear the artist in residence really knows how to engage those kids! Oh and Mildred and Ethel are leading story hour this Saturday. I hear her brother just found some old photos of Ethel and her famous fastball. Can you believe she was drafted for the boy’s team at age 8? Now that girl had an arm, I’ll tell you. You’d never see them comin!
See ‘ya tonight! We’re coming too!”
Inspired by a Birthday Toast from Erik Esselstyn
Your trio of boundless talent is most impressive and soothing to the soul. Keep drawing from that mythical well down by Singing Bridge.
As the Dartmouth alma mater song goes:
They have the Still north in their hearts.
The hill-winds in their veins
And the Granite of New Hampshire.
In their muscles and their brains
They have the still north in their soul.
The hill-winds their breath.
And the Granite of New Hampshire.
Is made part of them till death.”