An interesting account of what one state is doing to meet the energy crisis was in Laurie’s weekly mail package this week. The state, of course, is Vermont, where Laurie lives and where we spent part of each year for over 30 years. Vermonters are very practical and they don’t wait for others to solve problems – they get right into meeting the need when one arises.

Vermont is the only state in the country that has taken an approach to energy saving and is seeing some results. Technical and informational help is one way they are reducing energy needs. Because of this effort, more than 17,000 people have been aided in ways to reduce energy needs. Things as simple as changing lightbulbs from what they were using to energy-saving bulbs. Households are being encouraged to buy only the energy-efficient appliances, and to try and reduce the use of appliances and business machines using electricity.

A couple years ago I remember the efforts being made in Vermont to allow clotheslines in some places where they were prohibited. Imagine the savings it would produce if even half the state’s families were to stop drying clothes electrically! A group, Efficiency Vermont, is offering to help anyone in their state wishing information on how to save our resources. Sounds like a sincere desire on the part of the Green Mountains to solve some of the energy problems.

I have been feeding birds in an organized kind of way since 1945. There have been several surprising happenings in that time but none as surprising as this past week when the pair of resident cardinals have decided to feast on the suet feeder. It took them about three days to learn to fly from the spruce tree to the wire suet holder and hang on in a position that allowed them to pick away at the suet block.

Now they come regularly to the wire basket many times a day, sharing space with two chickadees that are regular diners and at least three small woodpeckers. The adult male brought two young birds to the feeder two weeks ago, and one by one introduced them to this different food supply. They were quick learners, and in three days were coming on their own.

Activity in the yard has been brisk since the suet became popular. I had taken down the other winter feeders except the thistle feeder — a small one, which only the goldfinches use. The hummingbird syrup feeder I bought last week is very popular and at least two come regularly. Nice to have them outside the glass doors again.

A large patch of small white clover has appeared in the lawn. A small cottontail bunny has discovered it and comes every day. It is very scared, and when a vehicle or people go by in the nearby road, it moves to the patch of mint to take cover.

The story about Scudder Smith in last week’s Bee brought back a clear memory of the first time I ever saw him. I was in his father’s (Paul Smith) office to leave my weekly column, and a young man paused in the doorway. Editor Paul Smith smiled and said, “Here is the next Smith to become part of our staff. Meet my son, Scudder – today is his first day as a regular.” I was a bit startled when I read the story to know that was 40 years ago!

I also recall another time when someone was talking about a staff member and in order to identify him said, “You know, the bowtie one.” I wonder if Scudder ever wears a regular tie!

The closing words of last week’s column were from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

Who said “Nature teaches more than she preaches. There are no sermons in stones. It is easier to get a spark out of a stone than a moral.”?