"I have been but little in," said Ninian hastily...

Not much to report here. I did hear one or two unfamiliar birds at the camp, but since they were unfamiliar, and I didn't see them, I don't know who they were. :-)

There were some gulls (herring or ring-billed, I'm not sure), crows, morning doves (heard but not seen), and the usual plucky sparrow population. There were some ducks (mallards, I'm pretty sure) in Burlington harbour. I did see a handsome hawk sitting on a roadside wire (a red-tailed, I'm 90% sure) and I saw some cormorants out over the lake when I took the ferry to New York.

from an email I received from VPIRG:

VPIRG released a report today that confirms what many of us have suspected for some time: Vermont storms are getting worse as a result of global warming.  Historical data, compiled by Environment America Research & Policy Center, shows an 84 percent increase in the frequency of extreme storms from 1948 to 2011, meaning that heavy downpours or snowstorms that happened once every 12 months on average in 1948 now happen every 6.5 months, on average.

The report (available for download here) also confirms that when big storms hit, they pack an even bigger punch than they used to.  In fact, the intensity of extreme storms has increased 35 percent in Vermont since 1948.  

Coming less than a year after Vermont suffered three major floods, including the devastation of Tropical Storm Irene, this report may not surprise, but it is important evidence that we're already experiencing the effects of global warming.  Click here to download the full report.

I don't imagine this just applies to Vermont, either...

I got this appeal from VPIRG today, and I'm passing it on because it seems like the very least I can do.( Supporting Irene recovery efforts in VT )( Supporting Irene recovery efforts in VT )

Where's my Vermont icon? I could have sworn I made one. Anyway... ( Read more... )

I've not been on LJ much lately, but I'm trying to catch up with the big stuff people have posted about.

Finished plans for my trip to Scotland next month. Seeing a couple of the Blas gigs with the Antiquarian, then having a (very) whirlwind tour of Orkney, spending parts of a couple of days in Dundee (to try to get a sense whether I would enjoy living there or not), and then back home having used (I think) all known forms of public transport short of post van.

A friend has opened a new game store in Virginia. It looks very nice, and he has good stock and a very entrepreneurial spirit. I hope it goes well. I was out there Saturday doing some gaming with chums. Sunday I drove up (through a torrential downpour) to Glen Burnie and ran a game there based on the skirmish at Clifton.

Still gearing up to do that recap of the VT trip. Trying to resist packing the cats and my clothes in the car and moving up there tomorrow. :-) Or to Portland ME, which also looks nice.

been enjoying my Roku player (which may be related to the delayed trip report...)

There's more, but it's time to do a few errands and head home...

So, I'm finally getting my summer vacation, not quite a week in beautiful Vermont (a reprise of last summer). Sadly, I'll miss game night at Quarterstaff, but I have my eye on doing a couple of the historic sites I missed last time, like the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (if it's still there--its website seems to be down). I'm also hoping to catch the end of the Mozart festival and to do some hiking, sailing or kayaking, and generally relax and take it easy!

Anyone have suggestions for place to go or things to see? I did the Ben & Jerry tour last time, so I think I can pass on that :-) but I do have my eye on The Alchemist in Waterbury...

Wow, one day of vacation (not even a whole one yet) and I'm already feeling 100% relaxed. It's beautiful up here, and even being a bit warm it's still so much nicer than in DC. Starting with the immense lake a short distance away, and the mountains (Adirondacks to the west and Green Mountains to the east). ( Read more... )