Category Archives: Best of FPF

Best of FPF: Hello, Aloe

Aloe (aka Paul) posted this from their new, albeit shady, spot in Monkton. We thought it was well worth a share:

“My name is Aloe. I’m a 5-year-old aloe plant, propagated from my mother, Big Mama Aloe. I’ve been living happily in Burlington for several years, but recently my owners moved to Monkton, and they don’t have good lighting in their new home. So I need to move out and find someone to take me in and feel a tender place in your heart for me. Someone with good lighting and a kind heart would be nice. I am very quiet, a good listener, and don’t take up too much space. I even come with my own pot and have a bag of succulent soil. I look forward to meeting you, my new best friend!
Sincerely,
Aloe T. Plant, Esq.”

Well, it didn’t take long before Janet welcomed Aloe (and Paul) to Monkton with this response:

“I saw on Front Porch Forum that you are seeking sunnier digs. I’d be honored to have you join our humble abode and promise to care for you as we do for all our flora family. You’d be joining spider plants, a sansevereia, a monstera, a phalaenopsis orchid, succulents, herbs, a rex begonia, and a dracaena. You’d be our first aloe plant, but with lots of other adopted greenery to hang-out with.”

Best of FPF: An Ode to Renegade Emus

It’s always fun to watch a story unfold on Front Porch Forum. Here’s one about a pair of emus and their adventures in Charlotte, as told by some locals.

First, Karen alerted neighbors on the Forum, “A pair of emus were wandering in our backyard at 6 pm tonight, we are on Greenbush near Ferry Rd. Any word on where they came from?”

Emily quickly chimed in to say, “We are dying in our house for photos of the Renegade Emus!”

This caught the attention of readers in surrounding forums, so David, from Shelburne (while on his way to Mt. Philo for a hike) was successful in taking a photo of these feathered friends “As requested…from Sunday a few miles south…”

Amused, and feeling creative, Dianne, penned a poem in honor of the emus. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Emu wandering to and fro
Where are you going to go?
Down Lake Road to the beach?
To the cove of Meach?
To the Old Brick Store?
To knock on a neighbor’s door?
To the Old Lantern?
Which way will you turn?

Whether it is left or right
Be sure to check the light
Green means go, red is stop
Check the fields for fresh crops
If you need a snack
You did not pack a lunch sack

The sun is setting
You had a good roam
It is time to go home
Perhaps you need better fencing”

Best of FPF: Have You Heard the Buzz?

Laura recently posted in her Grand Isle Forum that her band is looking for some backup singers. We loved that they are seeking local talent and thought it was worth a share:

“My band is working on a new album and some of the songwriting delves into the mythology of honey bees. Because of this, some of our transitions between songs would benefit from the textural sound of bees buzzing, so I am looking to make some audio field recordings and possibly also take a couple quick informal videos for Spotify canvases/content. Do you know of any local bees that might be willing to participate? Thanks in advance for any leads!”

Best of FPF: “My Cat is Stealing Your Stuff”

Steph posted a “Crime Report” in their Burlington Forum last week. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Hi, has anyone been letting a black cat into their house lately? His name is Indy, he is very friendly and loves people. However, if you let him inside he will likely steal your stuff.

He is particularly fond of toys (either for pets or children) and food. For context, he once stole an entire baguette. I don’t know why he steals, I didn’t teach him to do it, I’m not that smart. If you don’t let him inside, he won’t break in, he’s not that smart.

And if you’re currently missing a stuffed animal hedgehog and/or a small pillow, please let me know and I can return it.”

Best of FPF: “Little Free Garden Produce Shelf”

As folks take stock of their gardens this August, Susan shared a great idea in the Craftsbury Forum for how to share extras and fill in garden gaps with the help of neighbors. We thought it was well worth a share:
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“Wow, my summer squash is producing like crazy! But, my cucumber plants died so I have no cucumbers. Do you have similar imbalances in your garden produce? We pulled out the little free library from the early Covid days, and have turned it into a Garden Produce Sharing Shelf. Drop off your extra green beans, chard, tomatoes, cucumbers (please, cucumbers!), or what have you, and pick up some of my summer squash and whatever else your neighbors have dropped off that your garden is lacking. It is a fun way to share our gardening extras (and make up for our garden fails).”

Best of FPF: Best of FPF: To the Child Who “Sheds Cars As She Goes”

While out on a walk, Lesli came upon a beloved toy – so shared this cute message, and photo, in her Burlington Forum. We thought it was sweet and well worth the share:
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“This vehicle was seen abandoned at the corner of Richardson and Ferguson. I left it in case the owner found and claimed it.”

Not too surprisingly, Lesli received a message back and its owner is now happily reunited with her toy.

Best of FPF: Y’all Really Like to Camp

Camping newbie, David, recently asked for campsite recommendations in his Shelburne Forum. He returned the favor by sharing out all the advice he received. We thought it was well worth a share:
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“A few days ago I posted on FPF asking for camping recommendations for where this camping novice dad should take his newly camping-curious daughter. I have so far received THIRTY-NINE responses.

And not just responses, but a bounty of suggestions, information, and offers to field follow-up questions, and on and on and on. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and share your love of this beautiful land we are so lucky to live in.

And, in case you are curious, below is a list of the places people recommended, multiple times, in alphabetical order.

The clear winner: Little River State Park, followed in close succession by Branbury, Button Bay, Grand Isle, and Emerald Lake.

Branbury, Brighton, Burton Island, Button Bay, DAR, Emerald Lake, Grand Isle State Park, Half Moon Pond, Indian Brook, Kilkare State Park, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Carmi, Lake Elmore, Little River State Park, Maidstone, Mt. Philo, New Discovery, Quechee State Park, Ricker Pond, Sand Bar Beach, Silver Lake State Park, Stillwater

Now I just have to clear my calendar and find a tent!”

Best of FPF: A Final Commute!

Last week, Ann invited neighbors in the Underhill Forum to help cheer on her husband on his final bike ride home after 29 years of commuting. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Whether you know his name or not, you’ve probably seen my husband riding through your town at some point — looking intent, pedaling hard. He’s the guy with the fanny pack and when it’s cold, a pink and yellow helmet cover!

Now it’s time to celebrate with him! At the end of the school day, Todd and I will be leaving the high school on our bikes for his final commute. There are a few ways to celebrate his career:

1) Offer a friendly toot or good word if you see us on the roadway.

2) Ride with us for the last three miles by meeting us at the Deborah Rawson Library. We will travel to the Town Pond together.

3) Meet us at the Town Pond for a quick celebratory hip hip hooray!”

Best of FPF: This Fire Chief’s Journey Could be Yours

Adam, the Fire Chief in Grand Isle, posted this recruiting message in his Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“It is hard for me to believe that twelve years ago today I stepped into the Grand Isle Fire Station for the first time. I told Assistant Chief Wade Lawrence that I thought I might be interested in joining. He showed me around the station, showed me the trucks and the equipment, told me about the other members, and spewed a lot of acronyms, like SCBA, TIC, NFPA, PASS, ICS, LDH, IDLH, SAR. That evening was a scheduled training reviewing marine responses.

From the sidelines, I watched twelve islanders I had never met before. The experience was a bit intimidating, but I came back the next week and kept showing up.

Those acronyms soon became familiar as did the islanders. I attended the Vermont Fire Academy to learn more and get certified; I attended weekly trainings and went on calls. Today, I serve as Chief of Grand Isle Vol. Fire Department. Twelve years ago, that role was unimaginable.

I am writing this note in hopes that you will take the same jump I did and join the Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department. You will learn new skills, help your community, and meet fellow islanders. Plus, you get to wear a cool hat, ride in a fire truck, and get paid to attend trainings and respond to calls.

To learn more or to join our department, stop by the station or reach out to me with questions. I’ll be happy to give you a tour of the station and our equipment and introduce you to a bunch of islanders who may soon become familiar faces and friends.”

Best of FPF: Welcome, Baby, to the Neighborhood!

Jo posted this generous message in her Randolph Forum and we thought it was well worth a share:

“On my way home tonight I saw posters and balloons welcoming a new baby to the neighborhood. If you happen to know this family, please send them this message:

‘Congratulations on welcoming your baby! While these first few weeks are some of the hardest, they are also some of the best and go by so quickly! We celebrate our baby girl’s first birthday next week and I miss those newborn scrunches!’

‘Unsure if this is your first baby, and perhaps you have more support than you know what to do with, but I wanted to say, please reach out anytime for help or just someone to talk to! I am currently still home with my daughter and I am happy to be of any assistance or just a person to let you cry to if needed. I won’t offer any unsolicited advice, but I would happily share tips or things that worked for me should you ask.’

‘Congratulations again!'”