Central VT not peak yet, so I'm surprised to hear that. I have family from northern VT visiting and they say maybe peak up there this coming weekend. Could be elevation where you are causing it to be early, or maybe there's more to come for you to enjoy.

Well, most of us, not so much, based on the Presidential elections.

There's a house near me that has a big, nasty banner on his fence. It clearly and concisely says 'Fuck Biden and any one who voted for him'. So I guess those folks like Trump. Not sure why they have to treat their neighbors that way, though. Kinda ugly, you know?

So I don't think they used the right word. Yield means to give up, I think they actually meant wield, which is to use, especially with weapons.