Summer’s End

The best thing about retirement is that schedules are only as strict as you want them to be. Every day can be some sort of holiday. Real holiday’s are often more comfortable spent at home with loved ones while crowded streets rumble on. Such is the case here at Winterpast.

The man burned Saturday night but I didn’t turn on the video to watch. Not exactly sure what significance “the man” holds, but am pretty sure I’m from the group he represents. It’ll be another year until “Strange” returns to our town. The playa be returned to the empty desert space it was always meant to be, while revelers return to their own homes around the world.

Traffic leaving the playa.

The temporary desert airstrip will also be shut down. I find it very curious that those so very worried about our planet arrive to such a festival in private jets and brand-new-Prevost busses. Makes one wonder.

Yesterday, we had a lovely day at church. About 40 of us worship together every Sunday while enjoying songs and thoughtful lessons from the Bible. The lesson focused on words of Prophet Zechariah from an interesting book. Written over 500 years before the birth of Christ, it’s fascinating to read words that still applicable today.

HHH and I have been sharing our garden’s abundance with the congregation, taking the last of our zucchini and summer squash yesterday. The fruit and vegetables are now gone. All that we have left to enjoy are the watermelon and pumpkin. The garden flowers are giving one last show, and then, they’ll be finished, as well. What a year!

After beautiful music and a great lesson, church was over and the most beautiful lesson of all was waiting for us outside. Another church from town decided to donate a work day to our community garden and the Pregnancy Crisis Center on the property. Not only did they clean out bags and bags of refuse from the garden, but decided the tiny center needed paint.

This neighborly church is preparing the building and will be painting it this week. Just because.

Just because we’re all Christians from the same town.

Just because it’s a really nice thing to do.

Just because want to and they can.

Just because this is how life is in a small town.

We visited with the Pastor from the neighboring church, who couldn’t have been nicer. The group asked nothing for their time and efforts. This act of kindness left me wondering who else needs helps in our town. We were blessed to meet these new-found friends.

Whatever you do today, think about your town. Think of little buildings that look a little dingy because of the zephyr winds of the desert. Send a Thank-You to someone that wouldn’t expect it. Think about attending a church service. Say “Hi” to a neighbor you haven’t spoken to in awhile.

It’s Labor Day!!! Lots of people are out and about. Have a fun day getting outside yourself. Keep smiling and remember to spread a little happiness on your way.

More tomorrow.