Up, Down and Around Our Town

We constantly live in a world of both change and perception. Sometimes even reality creeps into the mix. Springtime is the best time to observe all of the changes and relish in the fact that the winter is not only behind us, but the best time of the year is upon us.

With the recent onset of some truly warm weather, it has energized those who have been cooped up to do those mundane things. Raking the lawn, getting the gutters cleaned and readying some of the outside for a dose of summer paint. It is the cycle of what and where we live and how we live. I say that not to point out the various honey-do lists, but to recognize that we live our lives differently in the warmer weather.

Great article (I am really gonna miss newspapers) on the restoration of Clemens Field in Hannibal. Soon to be the home of the Hannibal Cavemen of the CICL league. Hope you'll get a chance to wander down and see what is happening in the same league that employs the Quincy Gems. Literally raising the field by almost three feet will add some stability and perhaps end the water erosion that has been evident essentially since the WPA put the last stone on the outfield wall. Ah, the sights and sounds of spring.

On the major league front, the Cubs have stumbled a little and the Cardinals are playing perhaps a little above their heads. No Carpenter has hurt the Birds, but their sticks are alive and perhaps we will never know how much appreciation comes from watching #5 play the game on a daily basis. Great enjoyment even with the growth of the ticket prices to enjoy the action.

And speaking of such, the new Yankee Stadium looks likes it is being played in a moat. All of those tickets prices in the $2500/game level have remained vacant except for Opening Day. Even the market won't support that kind of pricing; something tells me it will change.

The Dogwood Festival rolls into Quincy next weekend, complete with the biggest parade of the year. The trees are cooperating and should be in full bloom as those meander down Maine Street towards Washington Park. This wonderful tradition, started by the late Mary Lou Kent in 1970, has become quite a draw for all to enjoy and this year will be no different. Even when the weather doesn't fully cooperate, it still brings out big crowds.

One of the real gems in surrounding yourself with young people is the ability for that audience to reinvent itself without the blink of an eye. Traveling with them has become an even bigger joy as we search the tri-states for those businesses that are expanding, being innovating and have a future to them. Our travels took us to Burlington to see where 4 million satellite dishes are made - on to the casino and indoor Fun City, where smiles are made and later to the joy of a Burlington Bees game. Different things mean different responses, but the joy of being with these young people cannot be measured.

It's the downtime that is so significant. The structure of the day, complete with coat and tie that goes along with the day, is more than offset when the + 21 club simply settles back and allows the gray-haired guy to join in. While they are surrounded by all of the electronic gear of the day, they also thrive on the simplest of interpersonal communication. What my grandfather used to described as the "front porch mentality." It still works.

Thoughts as one more of the generation has left us. Bea Arthur, who burst upon the scene as Archie Bunker's critic, died in her late 80's. She was cynical, funny and certainly fit the bill as Norman Lear spun her character - Maude - into more CBS gold and ultimately as one of the four Golden Girls on NBC. Those are the actors that we both remember and will miss - they entertained us.

On a more personal note, our thoughts go to the Hootman offspring - namely JoAllen and Margie, on the passing of their 100 year old mother, Mae Hootman. The widow of a truly great man in Culver history - Joe Hootman - this gifted and caring lady made a name for herself in the elementary classroom, in her church and in the Canton community. We'll just pause and miss them both for awhile.

Dogwood means that we will soon be celebrating the first birthday of my precious hero - our little Sasha will turn 1 in less than two weeks and what a year it has been. It is amazing that one so small can be such and inspiration, but so it goes. And, as she grows and comes into her own, she'll have some additional on and off ramps to keep her occupied. Can't wait to start constructing those.

And a big shoutout to the ladies of Chi Omega, who invited us to chaperone their formal dinner dance. Chaperone is a big word; we were honored to be there and amazed at the talent, the youth and the energy that permeates that group. Plus, the number of the 4.0 students in that crew makes you proud to be a part of it. The event also bookends my own career, having been responsible for securing leadership from the campus to chaperone our own events. Usually with different results, but nevertheless most enjoyable.

And, a simple plug for those who may have a barbecue deficiency. The newest restaurant in downtown Canton - The Smokehouse - will make you think twice about cooking at home. If ribs and the like are your taste, take the short trip to the home of the Harvard on the Hill and enjoy. For those of us who have seen things change, our beloved Cliff and Norm's has now found new life. Just like it is supposed to.

The best smell of the year - newly mown grass - is in my plans. Beats shoveling snow anyday. Have a great week - I know we will - and let us know if things come your way. Till then, and as always, I remain....