Cookie Cravings

Last night at our neighborhood happy hour, I met a couple who owns a neat place called Cookie Cravings not far from our neighborhood. Their cookies are simple classics with a twist, careful experiments on recipes that have proven the test of time. Blueberry with goat cheese or white chocolate pistachio with sea salt are among their more unique confections. Their light-filled shop isn't limited to cookies, though. You can get a cup of dark French-press coffee, as well as a savory crepe any time of day. If the warm, welcoming environment makes you want to stay, you can pull up a stool at the bar and enjoy your treat.

Vermont Four



The weather in Ohio today was much like Vermont was two weeks ago. Perfect. These are a few random shots I took in Vermont. The top two are from my perch inside a cafe in Montpelier. I like how the guy taking his lunch break from cooking has a fork inside the small pocket on his arm. And I'd love to learn the story behind the heart in the window.

 

I hope you're savoring these last lingering days of summer.

Vermont Three

On a fine day, you'll find many cars parked along the dirt road that takes you to trails leading to the top of Wheeler Mountain. Given a specific point of entry, you have two options; the White Trail and the Red Trail. As their colors might indicate, the White Trail is easier than the Red Trail. This little chromatic system is handy if, say, you have a dog or two with you. Dogs tend to be less skilled at climbing up rock walls. And while the whole trail is beautiful, with interesting mushrooms and tree roots to draw your attention, when you get to the part where suddenly there are fewer trees and you can see a bald rock, you wonder, "How exactly am I going to do this?" But you figure it out and the payoff is so worth it. And looking around, you believe impossible things.

Chinese Proverb

Vermont Two

 One of the finest things you can do in Vermont is eat. The food is fresh and flavorful and uncomplicated. With my sister Carol around, one never knows when a picnic will break out, and one manages to work up an appetite when she produces a blanket, a variety of fruits, cheeses and bread. And maybe a chilled bottle of wine. And with views like this? I think of the Henry James quote, "Summer afternoon ... the two most beautiful words in the English language."

Vermont One

If you have not visited Vermont, I would like suggest you go now. And by that I mean right now. The weather is perfect with 40 degree mornings and warm, sunny days. If you do go, make sure to wake up before anyone else stirs and walk among the foggy fields covered in dew. Listen for migrating song birds. Giggle uncontrollably with your sister as you make coffee, and then drink it on the porch as the sun rises. Eat tomato cheddar soup with a slice of caramelized onion flat bread at a popular bistro in town. Take a walk around a pond that is deceptively larger than you had imagined. Eat apples right from the tree and breathe in the sweet pine trees all around. I have many more suggestions, but we'll start there.

Sean Hayes - Powerful Stuff

I had a short visit from my nephew William this week. He's neat, and he likes neat music. This is one of the musicians he shared with me. Thanks for sharing, Will.

First Aid Kit - King of the World

I went to see First Aid Kit recently and didn't get to hear this song live, but I've been enjoying it an awful lot in my car. I dare you to listen to it and not move. Go ahead.

National Ignore The Olympics Night: Clintonville

In case you didn't know it, tonight is National Ignore The Olympics Night. It is a night for neighborhoods and communities to turn off yet another beach volleyball match and reclaim their lives, to avoid watching Michael Phelps accepting more gold medals than some of the small countries competing. It's a night to ignore the scandalous twitter posts of athletes who have worked for years for this moment only to destroy it with 140 characters or less. It is a night to put aside national pride in favor of hot dogs, mac-n-cheese and frisbees.

Okay. Not really. It's National Night Out. It's when neighborhoods come outside to play and eat and listen to live music and fight crime by being outside. Or maybe it's both.