As a kid summer was the most awesome time of the year,
followed very closely by fall and Christmas. As school got close to ending and
freedom began looming closer any idea of classes or studying went flying out
the window. Which, in reality that was always pretty close to happening.
I had a
blue, Schwinn Stingray, 5 speed, monkey bars, banana seat. It was my Easy Rider
ride to freedom. “Honkey Tonk Women, (I finally saw the Stones last year,
incredible!), Crimson and Clover, Grazing in the Grass, Come Together,” were
blasting from the radio. DJ’s were stars, the sun set late, the grass was green
and time seemed limitless.
This
summer, the summer of 2020 I have a few more years on me and a few more
concerns. While it certainly isn’t as carefree as the summers of my youth, it’s
still a good summer.
This
pandemic thing has us all twisted up and turned around in so many ways. Not much seems normal, there are a lot of new
phrases out there that I never care to hear again. Social distancing, the new normal, shelter in
place, flatten the curve and the dreaded, “We’re all in this together”. Right. I have yet to have one company get in touch
with me and tell me that due to the pandemic I don’t have to pay my bills. I’m
hopeful though.
Here’s
what’s good, really good. We’re both working, me in another field. My wife and
I have more time together. We used to get up, have coffee and watch TV news.
Now we get up, have coffee and sit out back, watch the sunrise, jump in the
pool, play with the dog. A refreshing start to the day instead of a boring
routine.
Here
are other changes we’ve made. Reading more, listening to more music, (vinyl and
cd), learning some great new recipes, BBQing more, doing our own 4th
of July fireworks, driving less, sleeping better, listening to old broadcasts
of Prairie Home Companion, helping around the house more, turning off TV and
radio news, turning off the TV, working
around the the yard more, renewing some old friendships, playing the guitar
more – not necessarily better but more, and spending less money. There has been
a general slowing down of life while increasing the quality of life.
It’
ain’t all bad. Different, even trying at times. In the words of Groucho Marx,
“Each morning I open my eyes and say to myself; I, not events, have the power
to make me happy or unhappy today.”
Have a
great day!
