Part of my visit included returning to Shelburne starting with a reunion of colleagues at the Shelburne Community School, where I met many wonderful educators whom I once worked with.
I am also fortunate to stay with great friends Nick and Cindy Cowles at the Shelburne Orchards where creation occurs at every turn. Friday morning began at the Village Wine and Coffee Shop with owner and musician Kevin Clayton
Kevin Clayton and Greg
The VW&C Shop is a favorite spot for locals, writers, artists and LTR’s (LapTop Refugees).
Afterward, Nick shared the Orchard’s “Dead Bird” Brandy facility, the stills
(two handmade Portuguese copper stills with a rocking chair for the one who “watches” the distillation process) and the aging casks made of European and American oak aged 7 years
Brandy CasksCalvados (Brandy cut with Cider) BarrelsGreg with Nick sans flash
I ran into Moriah Cowles who helps steward the Orchard
and creates knives at her forge nearby
Moria’s Knife Studio (very edgy)Moriah’s collection
More great friends include the painter Katra Kindar
Katra Kindar and Greg
and her husband Tom Tintle, Tom is a master wood maker who shared his wood bowls with me
Tom Tintle’s wood shop with bowl creationsTom’s cool logo
As the day progresses, I return to the wonderful space Nick and Cindy are allowing me to stay at. You may have heard of a “studio apartment”, this is a “stable apartment”
built over Cindy’s horse stables. I am a guest of Maven and Lily who reside below.
Lilly
This is a magical place with the trees just beginning their bloom
Orchard Bloom
The Orchard, Nick as a musician, Cindy as an artist, and all these amazingly talented friends above have influenced my creative process in so many ways. I am grateful to be here!
Moses and Maggie CowlesTom in a serious discussion with a young Brown SwissUs and our shadows (left to right): Katra, Greg and TomSunset at Shelburne OrchardNick and Cindy by Lake Champlain
Over the weekend there was time to visit with friends
With Tara Pacy at Burlington Farmers and Art Market (I’m still selfie challenged)With Fr Pat Foreman
… then with relatives
Dad enjoying a good laughBrothers Mike and Brian with parents Chuck and AnneMike with Brian and HollyAllie and Jenna with Sophie
Allie and Jenna will marry this July and are recent graduates from St. Michael’s (Allie) and UVM (Jenna).
After six days my trip ended with a morning departure from Burlington, returning to Southern Oregon.
Elephant sculpture at Burlington International Airport)
While on a delay in San Francisco I met Tuffy who helped pass the time.
