By Mary Ellen Shaw For most of us writing began when we learned to print our names. Occasionally, letters of the alphabet got printed backwards in the process but eventually we got it right. School classrooms had alphabet charts on […]
Category: Looking Back
Column, Lifestyle, Looking Back
Candy counters from the 1950s
By Mary Ellen Shaw When neighborhood grocery stores disappeared so did the penny candy counters. Having the opportunity to browse in front of one was a daily occurrence back in the 50s when I was a student at Christ the […]
Column, Looking Back
Early spring yard and garden tasks
By Mary Ellen Shaw By the time April arrives gardeners tend to get a little antsy. The temperature can be toasty warm one day and chilly the next. You want to plant some flowers but it’s just too early. However, […]
Column, Looking Back
Easters of Yesteryear
By Mary Ellen Shaw It’s hard to believe that it’s almost Easter. This holiday can fall any time between March 22 and April 25 (this year it’s April 4). In Vermont the earlier dates mean the possibility of snow on […]
Column, Looking Back
The first flowers of spring
By Mary Ellen Shaw Well, it will soon be spring… at least that is what the calendar says! For me March is the month to change over the pine garlands on our cedar fence to something with a touch of […]
Column, Looking Back
‘Snow days’
By Mary Ellen Shaw Recently there has been talk about the possibility of no more snow days in some schools. What a disappointment that would have been when I was a student! Back in the 50s and 60s remote learning […]
Column, Looking Back
Department stores in downtown Rutland
By Mary Ellen Shaw When I meet someone on the street or in a store they often like to reminisce about the “good old days.” For my age group that pretty much covers the period from the 1950s through the […]
Column, Looking Back
Seed packets…the first sign of spring!
By Mary Ellen Shaw I know the skiers aren’t thinking like I am. Their season has just begun and they don’t want to think about it ending. I, on the other hand, am excited because flower and veggie seeds are […]
Column, Looking Back
Attempts at becoming a skier!
By Mary Ellen Shaw Dating is often a time when you try to be good at something…even when you are not! With ski season just beginning I am reminded of my diehard attempts to strap on skis and get from […]
Column, Looking Back
Spreading Christmas cheer
By Mary Ellen Shaw Christmas will be celebrated differently for many of us this year thanks to the pandemic. While large gatherings are a “no-no” the spirit of Christmas and its true meaning will remain the same. I noticed Christmas […]