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Janet Day: Barter the new currency in Grand County

Janet Day
Talk of the Valley
Fraser, Colorado

New Economy. What have you got to trade? Seems plenty of people around this area are joining the new “Barter Society,” trading goods or services they have for goods or services they need. I’ve always been willing to trade my textile art for other artists’ products, but have taken it further lately to trade pillows or quilts and writing or editing services for hair cuts, bottles of wine and other “necessities” in my life.

I’ve found recently that a lot of other people are doing it too. Not formally through the barter page on Craigslist, but just by word of mouth among friends. People are keeping their cash in their wallets and trading for what they can: snow plowing or shoveling, child care, car repair or house cleaning.

I’ve grown to love doing business in a cash-free way. It never hurts to ask if someone wants to trade.



Library to Libations and Back Again. Congratulations to Linda Cumming, who becomes the new head librarian at the Granby library. Linda, who spent a career as the head librarian in Denver before moving to the Fraser Valley, also runs her Verso Cellars wine tasting room in Cooper Creek Square.



Being head librarian is a busy full-time job, but the wine shop will continue with manager Bryan Miller taking on duties that Linda often oversaw, mainly pouring wine, talking about wine and making people feel comfortable.

Linda has always thought books and wine a perfect combination — curl up with one of each and spend an enjoyable quiet evening. Her winery’s name — Verso — refers to the left hand page of an open book or manuscript.

Food Finds. I’m hearing great things about the Star of India, the new restaurant in Cooper Creek Square. My old neighborhood in midtown Manhattan — Murray Hill — was home to so many Indian or Pakistani restaurants that it was known as “Curry Hill.” I loved walking home from work through the aroma of strong spices in the air and learning about new dishes and cooking methods. So I’m looking forward to trying Star of India’s naan, biryani, dal and, my favorite, paneer cooked with spinach.

One of the area’s best-kept food secrets is the Tabernash Tavern outlet at the Iron Horse Resort. Same great food as the original but easier to get into. It’s nice every once in a while to enjoy a meal in a restaurant that does not have Highway 40 right outside the front door. Sure, it’s our Main Street, but I get tired of looking at it out restaurant windows.

The End is Near. Just about eight weeks left in the snow sports season. Wow. And as usual, I haven’t gotten out on the slopes nearly as much as I’d like. A dicey hamstring has caused problems anew, but there’s still March and most of April to enjoy.

Keep in Touch: What’s got your attention around the area? Let me know. I’ll try to find the answer or spread the news. Send it all to JDayQuilts@msn.com.


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