What brought you to Norwich?
My Norwich in-law’s lured me with many servings of coffee-in-bed. That, and the fact that Norwich’s beauty and quiet felt like finally coming home.

What’s your favorite hang out in Norwich?
Sitting in the dirt of my garden.

What’s your favorite food on the Thanksgiving table?
Brussels sprouts!

Favorite way to spend a snowy day in Norwich?
If it is a weekday, I spend a snowy day grumbling about it. If it is a weekend, I’m still grumbling, but with a little cheer peppered in. But mostly grumbling.

What are you most looking forward to this winter?
April.

What fictional place would you like to visit?
The Temple of Doom.

What skill would you like to master?
Not screwing up idioms.

What is your ideal way to spend a weekend in Norwich?
Digging in the dirt on a warm day while my daughter builds a fairy house next to me. Just spending the day together without anywhere to go, except for a trip to Dan & Whit’s for soft serve and a Dr. Pepper.

What is the best way to start the day?
Waking up with the sun and drinking a black coffee on the steps of my porch.

What charity do you donate to regularly?
I wish I could say I did this more often, but my daughter and I have volunteered with Aging in Place a number of times. I have had conversations with the most interesting people, all of whom have lived through a time that is so radically different from our lifestyles today.

What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?
Soy nuts and wheat germ mixed together, sprinkled with kosher salt, and olive oil drizzled over it. Hands down favorite snack in the Shepherd household.

What’s the last book you read? Did you like it, love it, or were you just happy to be done with it?
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen. I loved it because I finished it. Honestly, it’s hard to find time to read, not to mention I always fall asleep one page in. If I actually finish a book, I am overly proud of myself.

What’s your most energizing dream/vision of your future?
I only look at the future through my daughter’s eyes, so I see fairies, schnoodles, and chickens abound.