Jessie Raymond: Warm weather ruins my bad attitude

I love winter in Vermont. At least, I love it for a few weeks.

Jessie Raymond: Grandkids make life ‘fun’ again

Our kids were just as entertaining when they were that age. But it’s been 20 years or so since I had a preschooler, and sometimes I forget how constant and unrelenting the fun was back then.

Jessie Raymond: Not enough stress? Make candy!

Are you looking at the few remaining hours before Christmas thinking, “What else can I squeeze into this already frenetic week to add even more chaos to the holidays?”

Jessie Raymond: Art project preempts holiday prep

Have you ever had an artistic idea that consumes your thoughts until you just have to pursue it, even at the expense of, say, getting ready for Christmas?

Jessie Raymond: A simple Thanksgiving? No thanks

Despite the likelihood of meltdowns, however, riding that line between culinary success and disaster makes me feel alive.

Jessie Raymond: Paranormal podcasts get to me

A couple of weeks ago on my way to bed, I was walking past the bedroom closet that serves as our laundry room when the dog, two steps behind me, stopped so fast his brakes squealed.

Jessie Raymond: I solemnly swear I had jury duty

When I got notice this summer that I was being summoned for my first-ever jury draw, I cheered, as anyone would. 

Jessie Raymond: Toaster purchase causes burnout

This fall, our household suffered a series of appliance failures. Among the casualties: our toaster.

Jessie Raymond: Autumn chores fall by the wayside

“What I must do first, above all else,” I said, speaking slowly to emphasize the enormity of what I was about to tell her, “is weave a fall table runner.”

Jessie Raymond: Broken fridge prompts new lifestyle

Lately, I’ve been embracing my European side.

Jessie Raymond: Road trip ends stay-at-home streak

Monday morning, I texted a coworker: “Did it rain this weekend? I wouldn’t know, because we were away.”

Jessie Raymond: Stacking wood signals summer’s end

Maybe it was when nighttime temps got down into the low 50s, but I suddenly felt compelled to stack the six cords of wood.

Jessie Raymond: Non-gardener has a change of heart

Summer’s not over yet, but I’ve conducted a preliminary assessment of my 2022 No-Garden Plan, and here are my findings: I’m an idiot.

Jessie Raymond: The kind of fun we need more of

I did something a little crazy last week: I had fun.

Jessie Raymond: Website reboot almost broke me

In late June, I decided to revamp my very old, very basic website, on which I kept a selection of past columns.

38