On Set
“Would you like to see the inside?” the woman asked as she unloaded her Subaru in front of a church in the center of Peru, a tiny, tiny town in Vermont. She pulled up as I was taking pictures of the outside of the church.
I had spent the day feeling very much like I was on a movie set – driving through quaint Vermont villages, hiking around an idyllic lake, chatting with the baker of delicious breads at the farmer’s market, learning about the general store clerk’s upcoming heart surgery (“I’m hoping to get 10-15 more years out of this”) – all under sunny skies on a perfect autumn day.
And now, standing in the center of Peru, I suddenly felt like I was on the set of one of those British dramas set in small villages – where everyone knows everyone and everything is beautiful and perfect (despite the weekly murders that need to be solved).
“I’m the pastor. Can you help me carry some food in?” Pastor Melissa grabbed the key from the not-so-hidden spot (“everyone knows where it is”) and welcomed me to the Peru Church.
We had a lovely conversation that included topics such as community, retirement, growing up Catholic, and activism. When I spoke of my involvement with Westerly ARC, Pastor Melissa said something to the effect of wanting to preach herself out of a job because the “real work of churches” should be activism. I couldn’t agree more (except for the putting herself out of a job part).
The sanctuary was so peaceful. I listened to the pastor explain a bit of the church’s history, viewed the serene mural that draws you in as you enter, and sensed the beloved community that they have created here.
Life on the Farm
I came to Vermont thanks to a job offer I found on House Sitters America. My responsibilities include caring for two elderly dogs, seven chickens, one rooster, four geese, and a rabbit named Unicorn. There’s a garden with plenty of vegetables ready for picking and the apples in the small orchard are just about ripe.
I spend most of my time with the two dogs, Arrow and Roo. During one of our walks around the Stratton Snow Making Pond, on yet another perfect day, I started to realize how well I’ve gotten to know these two, and how their personalities seem somehow familiar to me.
Roo, 11, is the one who is always in my business. She paws at me constantly, and although I can’t always tell what she wants it usually involves food. It seems she is never satisfied. When she’s inside, she wants to go outside, and vice versa. When we go for our walks, she is the first one to get in the car, and the first one ready to leave, often waiting patiently in the car while Arrow continues to explore at his leisurely pace. And although she doesn’t hesitate to steal Arrow’s food, she is also fiercely protective and warns us if she hears any strange noises, insisting on going out to check the premises just to be sure.
Arrow is an old man at 15. He moves at a very slow pace and is unconcerned that I may be standing at the door for five minutes waiting for him to decide if he’s going to come inside or not. He lives in the moment, to a fault. He will never sleep alone and takes up most of the bed. And although he’s a pit bull, he defies their stereotype by being one of the kindest and gentlest dogs you’ve ever met.
I won’t say, but those of you who know me well can probably guess who these two remind me of!
I’m halfway through my housesitting job and here are a few more observations:
- I now know how to get a pit bull to take anti-vomiting pills (Arrow was sick for a few days).
- Some chickens are friendly, others love to peck the rubber boots I always wear when I’m in their pen.
- Geese are loud, messy, but pretty consistent in their habits.
- I can’t eat all the eggs the chickens have been laying.
- I might need to buy an espresso machine. It has become part of my daily routine here.
- I can walk to the local library and even have a library card here.
- People in Vermont are really nice!
- I can’t believe I was teaching over 100 middle school kids just a few years ago, and now I’m taking walks in the Green Mountains of Vermont, meeting cool people, and enjoying the perfect September weather.
Most of all, I’ve been reminded of how building community is important no matter where you are, and that family is always present, whether in the messages received through modern technology or the personalities of two quirky and lovable dogs.
September 10, 2024 @ 21:06
You go to the best places and know how to take it all in!!!
September 12, 2024 @ 17:15
Thanks, Emily!
September 11, 2024 @ 18:26
I loved reading about your Mexico experience BUTthis is amazing and I’m making Larry take me to a mountain for a few days. This will cost me money!!!!!
September 12, 2024 @ 17:15
Not if you sign up for Home Exchange! (or do a pet sitting job)
September 11, 2024 @ 18:30
Oh, Tim!! You never cease to amaze me! What a terrific blog post and stunning pictures. You’ll have to come visit us upon your return at the “old, new” middle school. This is my last year….I will need a lot of retirement support and tips!!
Have a lovely adventure!
September 12, 2024 @ 17:17
Congratulations on your final year! Enjoy every moment. And how fitting to finish up in Pawcatuck. I’m here for any of your retirement questions – I have been enjoying it immensely!
September 11, 2024 @ 20:52
Such a lovely post! Most of your adventures seem to daunting for me to consider, but this one seems within my realm – even with the livestock!
September 11, 2024 @ 20:55
(no edit feature – of course I meant “too” daunting!)
September 12, 2024 @ 17:18
😀
September 12, 2024 @ 17:18
Yes, you can do it! It almost feels like I’m in another country – but I’m just a few hours away.
September 11, 2024 @ 22:00
Love everything about this! Glad to see you’re enjoying yourself and the pictures are beautiful 🙂
September 12, 2024 @ 17:19
Thanks, Betsy. I’ll be heading to Nantucket when I get back!
September 12, 2024 @ 14:49
I love Vermont! House/pet sitting is an awesome way to get to spend time in a place! Was this arrangement through an app? If so, which one? Your new dog 🐕 friends sound entertaining!
September 12, 2024 @ 17:21
Hi Julie! Yes, it’s House Sitters America, https://www.housesittersamerica.com/. There are many others as well. You can find house sits that don’t pay (other than having a nice place to stay) and others that pay you AND you get a nice place to stay!
September 15, 2024 @ 07:19
Thanks for sharing your adventures and your ever-positive outlook on wherever you are and whatever you do! Enjoy!
September 15, 2024 @ 15:43
Thanks, Pam!
Vermont Times | The Alternate Route
September 23, 2024 @ 21:23
[…] A few thoughts and lots of photos from my time house sitting in Vermont. […]