Long Live the Queen!

Before one of my recent trips to Vermont, I decided to do some research on the area I was visiting, looking for anything interesting to visit in my travels. Imagine my surprise when I came across a listing for a gigantic gorilla holding a VW Bug over its head!

So, when I was driving through Brandon, VT on my way back, I took a spin past this impressive statue, looming over Pioneer Auto Sales. I have to say that it wasn't the easiest thing to get a good photo of, as this picture shows. I did a high-speed drive-by to avoid any traffic altercations, but think it does a nice job of showing off what I saw.

While getting ready to post this photo, I discovered that my primate friend had a name: Queen Connie of Concrete!

Oh, the things you'll find in the Green Mountain State!

No Vermonters In Heaven?

In an effort to keep the content coming on here, I've decided to share a poem that I came across when I was a kid. My grandmother had it framed in her kitchen, and my father now has in his. Even though I've read it over and over, it still touches me today (shh... sometimes it even brings a tear to my eye). It's called No Vermonters in Heaven, and I've since learned that it was written by Dr. Ernest Fenwick Johnstone. I'm not sure how old it is, but it does a great job of summing up the spirit of Vermonters.

Rather than quote the entire poem here, use this link to see what I mean.

(Oh, and in case you're wondering, this photo was taken from the front lawn of the house I grew up in. Lucky me, eh?)