Up here in the north country cabin fever sets in this time of year real bad. Since late November you have endured a month of waning daylight until winter solstice, then over a month of still short days and long, cold nights. At this point on the calendar people begin to notice it getting light by 6:30 am and staying light until 5:30 pm! I know this sounds like a small victory for anyone living south of the Mason-Dixon line, but for us, more light opens the door to the possibility that we MIGHT be able to enjoy long days in the warm sun soon. How do we keep hope alive?

One of the surest ways is to head out to brunch at a place like The Village Cup in Jericho and have a heart-warming feast. Even though the car thermometer says 5 it's warm inside next to the pellet stove and at least it's not -5. They have remodeled the old building to minimize environmental impact and save energy and 2.5 million gallons of water a year!

Next, we are off to downtownBurlington to check out August Firstan outstanding bakery and deli and buy a loaf of their artisan 7 grain bread. Hmmmmmmm. Very friendly and happy people here. Next stop?

The Architectural Salvage building antique shop almost next door on Main Street. These folks are the ultimate recyclers with all kinds of distinctive 'formerly owned' furnishings at very reasonable prices. I will return when I am ready to stock my vacation home (heh heh).

No trip to Burlington is complete for me without my pilgrimmage to the waterfront to absorb the raw beauty of wind, waves and mountains. This place is a spectacular, year-round, and today is no exception. It has warmed up to 19 with a stiff breeze off the lake but my heart is warm and the sun brightens my soul.

All photos glennfay49, flickr