Monday, December 24, 2012

Winter in Shushan

It is exactly a year since we first visited Shushan & I said to Michael, " If I am going to have a house here in upstate NY I want it in this village". On my other blog, I mentioned our visit on Christmas Eve. So here we are. Who could have predicted it?
All good so far, even the 21 hours without power were tolerable as it was a mild 3 C that day. But we worked out the action plan for future power outs, in addition to torches, and wood for the stove, we need water , as the pump for the water tank also stops. Some locals seem to have a back up generator.

We have only had a little snow so far, in the photo above you may just see the flag at half mast , in remembrance of the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre. This event has had a shocking impact on everyone, as you can imagine. If they can just change some of the gun laws it might help to prevent this happening again. Only a few commentators mention the need for greater support for those suffering a mental illness and their families. Unfortunately, the gun lobby has a lot of influence here. And as we know too well in Sydney, gun laws don’t stop people killing others when they have a mind to.
People we meet express sorrow that we have witnessed this event during our visit. 

We have been relaxing with family & friends , and as other members join us, look forward to a Christmas Day of feasting and celebration.
We have also taken a few drives , to Vermont as well as in the local area. I am still amazed at the beauty of this region.

Not the best photo, taken with the phone . 
Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.