For so many wonderful times, whenever the weather allows, the third of July has meant going to Grafton, Vermont.

There, I sit with friends in the lovely open meadow, marveling at the intensity of green in a Vermont summer, admiring the reflection of the setting sun on the quiet blue pond. grounds are open for picnicking.  There are folks with stemmed wine glasses, beautiful place settings, and adorable tables adorned with patriotic linens.  There are others lounging on an old beach blanket, munching on sandwiches wrapped in a plastic baggie and chips eaten straight out of a bag. Kids run freely, frisbees soar from friend to friend on the sidelines, and friends wave to each other from afar.

I feel completely blessed for being able to live in such an extraordinary place. 

As the sun gently sets behind the mountains all around us, the first tentative warmup notes sound from the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s half shell.  The concert never disappoints.  I particularly love the ending:  Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Orchestra” hits the canon part, the sound reverberating off one hill to another—and the fireworks bursting above us all.

It’s magical. It just seems “so Vermont” to me, and so absolutely perfect. 

And, this year, it’s cancelled.

But, all is not lost.  A friend has called a few of us together to watch “Hamilton”.  It’s raining anyway, and the outdoor version would not have happened this year anyway.

I love the silver lining of creativity and flexibility we’re all learning.

(And I’m listening to an online version of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece as I write.  It still gives me goosebumps, in person or not!)