Vraiment dans Vermont

But here you have a picture from Stanstead, Québec, taken at the dedication of a new plaza within easy sight of the border crossing into Derby Line, Vermont. Ellen Mass, who told me about the event, is in the foreground in the blue shirt.

It was lovely to be back in Québec even so briefly, on this sunshiny September day when the good folks of Stanstead -- once the Granite Capital of Québec, I learned -- explained their vision for this Eastern Township (once the largest after Sherbrooke). Speeches by the mayor, the new director of the new Granite Museum, the sculptor, all were in French, though some summarized in English.

The U.S. has changed the whole atmosphere at the Derby Line-Rock Island (part of the Stanstead township now). Even so, or because of it, there is a real effort underway in Stanstead to greet whoever crosses with sculpture and fountain, interesting shops, good restaurants, a new granite museum, and beautification of the Tomofobia River.

It is sad to be gone from Québec, but there is the consolation of knowing that even within 25 miles, a French-speaking population welcomes visitors.

The sculpture, of Québec granite, is named Les Larmes Terrestials (did I spell that right?) -- Earth Tears.

I work to make my house in Barton a place where visitors will feel welcome.