Hey everybody! Just a quick note today (not our usual screenfuls worth of words) to point you in the direction of a cool news story you should read. . . about us! Kevin O'Connor of the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus and the Rutland Herald wrote an excellent piece about us and our blog, which appeared in today's paper (Sunday, May 11) for Mother's Day. The print version is accompanied by some great photos of us and our chickens, shot by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur.

You can read the story here: http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080511/NEWS04/...

by Jane Dwinell and Dana Dwinell-Yardley

So often people rely on "experts" of every kind — to tell them what to do, what to buy, what to eat, what to worry about, what to fear, and what to do to protect themselves and their families from all of the above. We think that reliance on all these "authorities" certainly does one major thing — suffocates all common sense! Here are ten things we think everyone should know, ten things that can help restore common sense to our society:

1. Know your food

by Dana Dwinell-Yardley

Now, I know this is going to sound like something I would never say in a million years, but it's true. Last week I went shopping — and I came home happier for it.

This sounds like something I'd never say in a million years because it's something I'd never do in million years. I don't like spending money. I don't like owning junk. I don't like wandering around looking at junk that I could spend money on. Shopping is generally a waste of my time. But last week, it was different.

by Jane Dwinell and Dana Dwinell-Yardley

Recently, the California Appellate Court declared that homeschooling is illegal in California unless the “teaching” parent is a certified teacher for the grade the child is in. Here’s a quote from the judge: "A primary purpose of the educational system is to train school children in good citizenship, patriotism and loyalty to the state and the nation as a means of protecting the public welfare." How’s that for chilling?

by Jane Dwinell and Dana Dwinell-Yardley

Worried about a recession? Inflation? The stock market? Your 401(k)? Worry no more: use some good old Vermont common sense! You can prepare yourself and your family to handle the rocky road of current international financial markets by investing yourself in your future in a practical way. Here are some ideas:

Stop spending money, except on necessities

by Jane Dwinell and Dana Dwinell-Yardley

Well, with holiday baking slipping quickly behind us and 2008 approaching in a matter of hours, we decided to hold on to our local recipes for later and start thinking about New Year's resolutions. Forget the dieting and exercise — here are three resolutions for 2008 that will really make a difference for us and Vermont (and may be easier, too!).

One: Stop shopping at corporate/chain stores

by Jane Dwinell and Dana Dwinell-Yardley

The December holiday season is upon us. Shopping, parties, family get-togethers, office bashes, religious services. Too much food, too much debt, too much stress—not enough time and energy to enjoy the true meaning of the season. No matter our faith, December can be tough, instead of miraculous. Here are some Green-Mountain-based things our family does during the holidays to help break the American mold of spend-eat-rush.