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Us and them
Well, Sunday was officially the first day of summer! Ain’t it a treat? Right now it’s not too hot and it’s not too cold. Just about as lovely as it could be out there. LOML and I decided to head over to the Picton Market and see “what’s what”. He and I aren’t really social butterflies, but the market was busy and all the vendors were delightful. We even took a moment or two to speak with neighbours and friends. He and I may have purchased a few things to eat and drink. It has been a glorious first day of summer/Father’s Day. When we lived in Toronto, in our younger days, open air markets were rare. Oh, there was the St. Lawrence Market downtown, but it was a bit of a drive to get there and a nightmare to find parking and most of the market was inside the south or north market building. By the time we got back to our apartment we were worn out and needed an afternoon nap. And here we are, living the dream in the County. Enjoying a First Day of Summer/Father’s Day with a bit of energy after a lovely walk and some shopping at the market! Aren’t we fortunate to live in such a community? Summer in the County is a pretty special time. Lots of tourists bustling here and there. The shops are busy. The patios are overflowing and the restaurants are booked. Now, let me see how I can make this a little less “nice” because y’all know I’m going to find a fault or two. Right? So, here I go.
If you happen to be visiting the County, remember you are a visitor. People actually live here year round. Please don’t block our driveways with your Rolls-Can-Hardly. Nope, not even for “just a few minutes”. Which is what we heard today, “It’s just for a few minutes”. Believe it or not, there’s oodles of parking available in municipal lots off of the main drag. And, believe it or not, there are oodles of legitimate parking spaces on the side streets. If you know how to park your vehicle when you’re “at home” then you know how it works here. Parking in a retailer’s lot (but not patronizing the retailer) because you’re only going to be “a little while” means that someone who is going to patronize the retailer might not have a space to park. You know who you are and you know which lots I’m talking about. And what about your pets? Well, when LOML and I went on vacation we boarded our pet. I know, it’s not cheap to board your pet while you’re away but we built that cost into our travel budget. However, I understand some folks can’t, or won’t, board their pets. But speaking for myself, I don’t really believe your dog needs to be with you as you grocery stop or while you’re enjoying a meal at an indoor restaurant. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. And don’t go grumbling about how your dog’s mouth is cleaner than most people’s. Most of the people I know don’t lick themselves clean or eat their own turds. So let’s not use that as an excuse to make other diners and shoppers uncomfortable. I’m genuinely concerned about people who believe their “pet” should be welcomed as if they were human. Now let me say a word or two about the sweet folks who rent or bring their bicycles and think it’s okay to cycle on a sidewalk. I am thrilled you’ve decided to see the County on a bicycle. Believe it or not, bikes are vehicles. Bicycling is a road thing, not a sidewalk thing. SideWALKS are for pedestrians, or else they would be referred to as roads/streets/cycle paths. Am I being too cranky? Yeah, I suppose I am. I certainly do love to see the County abuzz with tourists. Tourism is one of the key pillars of industry in this beautiful area. Honestly, the County probably couldn’t survive without visitors. (Enough whining about visitors, old girl. Say something nice.)
So, welcome to the Summer of 2026 and welcome to the Tourists of 2026. Please, enjoy the beaches. Shop until you need a pick-me-up drink at one of the local patios. Buy lots of groceries, bundles of firewood, and pillows of marshmallows. Rent that bike and explore those trails. Enjoy musical evenings in the local parks. And, if you’re a County Person, all of the above applies to each of us. Enjoy the summer, be respectful, wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, pickup your doggie’s poops, be patient with farmers on the roads and don’t forget your burn permits!
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