A Little Time to Reflect and Ponder

Well, the taillights of our seasonal visitors and friends are clearing the Judge Jolley Bridge as they make the annual pilgrimage to their northern homes for the next 5-7 months or so. The vast majority of people who live on Marco Island have moved here from those same northern locations. Some have chosen to stay year-round, while others (in an attempt to beat the summer heat) head to the Midwest or New England part-time.

Many people have discovered the wonderful mountain areas of Georgia and the Carolinas, which are exploding with growth like we are in Florida. Recently, my old college roommate moved from the Orlando area to the South Carolina beach area. He and his wife have found the winters there to be mild and the area more fitting to their lifestyle.

I’ll be taking a short drive up to the Chicago area with my longtime friend so she can help her daughter with the major renovation of an old Illinois farmhouse. I’ll then turn around and come back to have stitches removed from a little dermatology issue and then prepare for a second such procedure later this month.

My coffee gang has all but disappeared from our favorite haunt outside the local coffee shop. I’m sad to see George, Tommy, Donnie, Craig and Alan leave with their wives. Some would prefer to stay, but the allure of grandkids and great grandkids is too strong.

Even my good friend Frank has loaded the Black Pearl Pirate Ship for its northern trip up to Beach Haven, New Jersey for the summer. One of these days I’ll take him up on his invite to join him for the approximately 10-day trip north, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was low on my bucket list.

Today, I was reminded by my list of memories from seven year ago that my trip with three great friends to the Grand Canyon would pop up. We did over 550 miles the first day riding to Chipley, Florida on I-10 west of Tallahassee. That first day reminded me that I wasn’t getting any younger.

While one season would be ending, another would begin as we Floridians start to think about the onset of Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June until November and our emergency responders have already begun to prepare for that season. Training and planning is ongoing, and they would ask if you were going away for any length of time that you prepare your homes, condos and marine craft to be ready for inclement weather. In future editions, we’ll be working with those professionals to keep you informed regarding what to do. 

I had mentioned the Carolinas a little earlier, as it appears many of our Floridian friends have found that as an attractive alternative to the warmer temperatures in Florida. I’ve ridden on my motorcycle throughout North and South Carolina and find it to be very attractive. 

A few years ago, a number of Marco residents discovered the area around the Blueridge, Georgia area, as well as Lake Oconee. Other great friends have escaped to the area outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains.

Still, I have yet to find anywhere as nice as Marco Island and the community we have, but I like the warmer temperatures and enjoy the wonderful folks living here. 

I do dread the period just prior to season and this time of year when we see the exodus. I dread it because of the internet trolls that choose to bite the hand that feeds them through the social media sites. If you think those that are rude are relegated only to those that visit, you are wrong, for we unfortunately see that behavior extend throughout all age groups. In fact, the other day I saw a post which blamed teachers for the bad manners and the lack of respect their children exhibited at home. I had to sit back and ponder what world they grew up in, but I can tell you it wasn’t one which many of us can remember.

We need to all take a step back and recall some of the lessons we learned at home before computers, tablets and cellphones dominated our culture. A time when we would all pull together to help each other rather than becoming glued to those electronic leashes we have become so attached to. 

I read something in one of the publications the other day that simply said, “Be the reason someone smiles today and doesn’t wear a frown.” Pretty simple but good advice.