Living life in a small town.

I just noticed that I have had 411 posts! How did that happen and I missed it! Guess I'll have to have a give away for a belated celebration. I'll give that some thought and let you know.

I noticed that I had a post all written in the draft section that I never posted so I think I will post it today as I don't have anything exciting going on around here. Well rain, rain and more rain but we are down 3 inches of rain for this year so I guess I'll take it. I wrote this post last year when T had her art show so don't be confused. :o)



Hubby and I went to Miss T's art show/ice cream social tonight. The gymnasium at the junior high was filled with pictures and art work that the Kindergarten kids have been working on for some time. We got there early as we knew it would be mobbed once everyone got out of work and headed over. We got to see everything, take pictures and enjoy the festive atmosphere before it got too crowded which was nice.

We were commenting on the way home how nice it is to live so close to our kids that we can be involved in all of the activities that they are in. It was a warm spring night, everyone was out strolling their little ones, walking their dogs, people were sitting on their porches chatting and the little ice cream shop was having a lively night of customers sitting at the picnic tables enjoying their treats.

I love small town living. I think I have said that before in this blog but I just have to say it again. I like going into the grocery store and knowing the cashiers by name asking them how their kids are doing or is their mother feeling better from a bout of the flu. I like running into people I know and chatting for a few minutes, getting caught up on the latest news in their life. Of course I always run into someone I haven't seen in ages when I dash to the store in my gardening clothes with no make up on and hair standing on end. It never fails.

But you know what, it doesn't matter. People are just glad for a warm greeting and a friendly smile knowing that you sincerely are concerned about them and not asking just to make polite conversation. You know how we quickly say 'how are you doing?" and then just go onto something else like the price of gas or who's cat laid eggs under who's porch? (just where did that old saying come from?!) In small town living people really seem to care and have the time to listen when someone needs a shoulder.

I love how the fire department has put up the flags along the road going into town. I tried to get some pictures on the way home but they just didn't do it justice, guess I need a wide angle lens for that. It makes me feel good every time I come into town and see all of those flags flying in the wind.

I love the sayings on some of the businesses and churches. I go by St. Joseph's each day and their sign says 'Catholics Can Aways Come Home'. I go by the Baptist Church and theirs says 'Our Lord Reigns'. The little motel on the way out of town says 'Sleepy People Wanted. Isn't that cute? I always use that motel as a landmark for delivery people trying to find my street, I'll say, you know that motel that says Sleepy People Wanted and they always know which one I am talking about. Now the sign also says WIFI too. Does that mean Internet service?

Our Hometown Band has concerts every week in the summer. People sit on the grass or bring their lawn chairs and listen to the music. Little kids are running around chasing each other and having a ball. The older folks enjoy the music of the 40's or the patriotic songs and sing along some with their hand over their heart. It's free. Just show up and have a good time, that all they require.

I always loved Friday night football games when Son was in high school. He was number 58, I can't remember what I did 5 minutes ago but I still remember his football number. Go figure. The air was always nippy so you had to wear plenty of warm clothes and bring a blanket to sit on as the metal bleachers were cold. You could always smell the hot dogs and onions cooking in the concession stand and it made my mouth water. You knew practically everyone there. The leaves on the trees had begun to change color. The high school band was pounding out Louie Louie. The orange and black uniforms with their white pants showed up well under the lights. We didn't always win but we had a great time cheering our team on. Winning is more fun though, I always felt bad for the losing team whether it was ours or the opponents.

Anyhow back to the present. I keep going back and forth like Lost. I still don't know what's up on that show. I think I am going to give up on it. T's Field Day is today and we will be there loaded down with cameras, lawn chairs and bottled water ready to cheer on the cute little ankle-biters as they run their races and all the other competitions of the day. To be able to do that is a real blessing for Hubby and me. We mention it often.