If you live in New England, you know winter doesn’t ease in quietly - it shows up in full force. This recent snowstorm blanketed Franklin County and the surrounding areas with heavy snow, strong winds, and those familiar hushed roads that come after a long night of plowing. While storms like this can be challenging, they also shine a light on what makes our communities so special.
First and foremost, a big shout-out to our local town officials, highway departments, and plow crews across Franklin County. These folks work long, cold hours - often overnight - to keep our roads passable and our communities moving. Thanks to their dedication, many of us were able to safely get where we needed to go once the storm passed. Their work truly doesn’t go unnoticed, and we’re lucky to have such committed teams looking out for our towns!
Big snowstorms have a way of pressing pause on our usual routines. Schedules loosen, emails wait, and suddenly the focus shifts to what’s right outside our front doors. Neighbors check in on one another, kids bundle up to play, and the landscape turns quiet and bright all at once. This is your reminder to actually enjoy it - get outside, go for a snowy walk, take the sleds out, play with the kids or just admire how beautiful our slice of the world looks under a fresh blanket of snow.
After time spent outside in the cold, there’s nothing better than heading back home, kicking off your boots, and warming up with a hot cup of cocoa and some soup. Times like these are what make winter in New England feel cozy instead of harsh - and they remind us why having a home that feels safe, warm, and comfortable matters so much.
Living here means embracing all four seasons, snowstorms included. It’s about resilient homes, reliable infrastructure, and communities that truly show up when it matters. Whether you’re already rooted here or dreaming of making a move, these winter moments are part of what makes life in Franklin County so special.
A Snow-Day Favorite: Hearty Chicken & Rice Soup 🍲
When the snow is falling and the house finally goes quiet, a pot of chicken and rice soup is hard to beat. It’s comforting, filling, and simple enough to throw together after a long winter day.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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½ cup white or brown rice
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for serving
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 - 6 minutes.
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Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
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Add chicken broth, rice, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
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Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer another 5 minutes to heat through.
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Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley or a splash of lemon if desired.
This is one of those soups that feels even better the next day - and pairs perfectly with snowy views out the window and a hot cup of cocoa afterward.
Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the snow - then reward yourself with that cocoa and delicious soup. ☕❄️
A picture of our Honey girl enjoying her first real snowstorm ❤️
