Holiday weekend

It was still dark this morning when I began to hear one swoosh after another.

And so it begins, the influx of outsiders. Tourists. Driving through our little town in their big Sport Utility Vehicles, hauling flatbeds of motorcycles and dirt bikes; Recreational Vehicles and vans full of laughing rambunctious and impatient children headed to the beaches and the lakes; large boats, small boats trailing behind Trucks full of camping gear, water skis, and red ‘kerchiefed dogs; large trailers, small trailers........keep on headin’ out my friend. Stop here only long enough to fill ‘er up, grab a bite then run. Run to the Marina before there are no boat slips left; run to the beaches and the lakes before all the camping spots are taken; run to the Dunes and rev’ up those three wheelers.

That’s right, run through this otherwise quiet, peaceful little town without noticing the tree lined streets and the quaint rows of colorful pre-war Bungalows.

Ride your Harleys across the Bridge without stopping to enjoy the flow of the River below or see the Herd of Elk grazing in the meadow beyond.

You came to see beauty. To get away from all your hectic, crowded and noisy lives. You came to get some peace and quiet, to find tranquility and be at one with nature. I understand. Scurry right on by just as you scurry in your big city life.

Too bad you’ll miss Don’s homemade pies. Tasty enough to close your eyes as your mouth salivates the exploding flavors. And the Garden Lady has some fragrant roses you can smell clear across the street. Too bad you don’t have time to stroll down near the base of the mountain. There’s an Arbor covered with Honeysuckle there where you could sit, if you’ve a mind to, and listen to the trickle of spring water nearby; or you could stroll along one of our quiet wooded roads where you would see and hear yellow Finch come to feed in someone’s yard, or catch a glimpse of a Deer peering at you from behind the Pine trees.

Too bad you’re in such a hurry. Martha has a tall glass of iced Sun Tea, waiting for you, with Spearmint leaves she picked fresh from her very garden; but be careful not to tread too long as George will talk your ear off.

But I understand. You are in a hurry to rev' up your engines and speed along the Dunes. You are in a hurry to part the water with your speedboat. Hurry up now or the noisy, crowded campgrounds and RV Parks will be too full for you and yours.

I understand. By all means hurry-up and enjoy your holiday weekend!

We’ll still be here when you’re ready to take a breath.
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