Apr
11
2013
It was a big thing in our town of less than a thousand–a Dollar Store was being built nearby. I had known about it for awhile but now the sign was put on the store. I would note the progress the store was making the last few months. I know they can’t be too far from opening. The parking lot now needs to be paved. I can’t wait for the store to open and then check out their prices and see what is worth buying.
Feb
11
2012
I still come across so many people I have never seen before. I have lived in this small town of 800 going on nine years. And this fact amazes me. Of course, the people who work in the local supermarket, diner and post office know everyone. They have worked in those establishments for years and have come across every resident of our small town between the three of them although that does not help me. The postmaster knows all the local gossip. Almost everyone comes into the post office at one time or another. In fact some people come to the post office just to chat. The two cashiers in the supermarket have been there for years. Quite a few residents come in there to grab some bread or milk or some other item they just ran out of. It is more expensive buying items there but you have to travel sixteen miles to get to the next, nearest supermarket. And gas is expensive. The diner in town has the the old fogies who mill around and share the latest gossip over a cup of coffee every morning. These places don’t even include the local pizzeria or ice cream parlor (which will open up in the spring). Of course, I frequent all these places (except for the diner) but it is still not unusual for me to run into someone I have never seen before. We are all creatures of habit and that includes me so I should not be surprised when this happens. Our circles just did not cross.
Feb
7
2010
We had a big snowstorm last night. The first thing I noticed was there were no suet left on the tree outside. I immediately put some out and sprinkled sunflower seed on the ground for the birds.
It had snowed over a foot last night. We were in good shape for I went food shopping two days ago. I did park closer to the curb so I had less driveway to shovel.
The man from our town was plowing the edge of the road so the local post man could reach into our mail boxes to make his deliveries. He offered to plow the rest of our driveway.
We had shoveled part of it already. My wife offered him money but he said he did not want any. Both of us were thrilled. It only took him a few minutes to complete the job. He was an angel. There is nothing like being in a small town.
Dec
31
2009
This could only happen in a small town: I went to pick up a package I had been expecting at the post office and to my consternation it had closed ten minutes ago.
The postmaster was in the back finishing up. I tapped the window to get her attention. She unlocked the door and handed me my package. This could happen only in a small town.
It makes a difference when someone knows you personally. Then she asked the two people in the lobby whether they had any packages. I wished her a happy new year and went my way.
Dec
23
2009
Our Postmaster, Sonya, lends an ear to everyone in our small town of less than a thousand. Everyone has to get their mail or buy stamps.
She hears every body’s stories. She knows who is ill, most people by their first name and even where they live.
She is the local “psychiatrist” although she does not dispense too much advice or any pills. When someone is dying, she hears about it from the nearby relative.
Sonya lives nearby and given enough time she meets just about every resident unless you are a hermit and never leave your house. Every person need stamps or eventually has to weigh a package.
The post office is the focal point of this town. There is the local diner where all the old fogies congregate every morning and share the latest gossip. The diner (and our supermarket) are only a distant second place to meet locals.
Sonya has the pulse of our small town. There is very little she does not know about its residents. She is usually very discreet about the gossip she hears every day.
The postmaster of our small town knows almost everything about almost every body. She just has to know when to shut up. Sometimes that is hard for her to do but most of the time she does a good job. Everyone knows Sonya.
Nov
29
2009
I want to thank the people who are in my life. I know most people will never read this and I will leave out people and I realize Thanksgiving has passed but it is never too late to do this. All these people take the “extra step” and I do not want to take any of them for granted.
First the medical team
(1) Dr. Hume for your kindness and helpfulness
(2) Dr. Cornelius for your patience
(3) Dr. Blake for her thoroughness
(4) Dr. Mital for your ability to listen
Then, P & R and Bob and his team who takes care of our cars and keeps them running smoothly, I thank you for your honesty and competence and for standing up to your work even when it costs you and most of all for always giving me the time of day when I have a question about my vehicle
For both of my sisters Fran and Marilyn who are always there when I need them
For Tony for your support: you know who you are
For Sara, who I have known for over fifteen years and is one of the reasons I still write for her encouragement never abated
For the audience at the local coffeehouse who laughed at my material encouraging me to continue to find the humorous in everyday situations
For Elizabeth Yon wherever you are and the years you spent moderating our writing group
My two kids who years ago I thought I never would have but they came and have blessed me immeasurably
All the many people who God put in my life including those from my small church who have blessed me with their presence
To Sonya who welcomes everyone at the local post office and gives me one more reason why I want to stay in my small town and Perry county
And most of all for my wife who inspires me and still makes me laugh after all these years and came into my life when I was not looking, who thinks she is better than me at Scrabble (she did lose the first ten games she played against me). As an editor she has no equal. My website and blog would never have come into being if it was not for her (she is the webmaster). I “pop” out my bed each morning because of her. And she bakes a pretty “mean” apple pie. She gives me a reason to cook. And that is no small thing. And after six years she still wants to sleep in our bed. I call her “serendipity” although she can really be stubborn (for that matter so can I); nevertheless, I thank the Lord every day for her. I did nothing to deserve her.
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