WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
I’ve commented in the past about our senses. Sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste, and even common. This past week we had the opportunity to attend the annual St. Joe County Grange Fair in Centreville. What a wonderful chance to experience all of these precious senses.
I was one of the volunteers who shuttled patrons from place to place via one of the golf carts available for FREE transportation. I especially enjoyed driving the 8 AM to noon shift. The weather was fantastic, although a bit brisk for the first hour or two. As I maneuvered my way around the fairgrounds looking for patrons who’d rather ride than walk, I couldn’t help but experience many of those precious senses.
I was made aware of my sense of sight as the sun came up. As it rose in the eastern sky, the early morning fog disappeared and the dewy grass soon became dryer.
As I passed by some of the vendors, my sense of smell made me aware of the fact that someone was brewing fresh coffee and had bacon sizzling in the skillet.
My cold hands reminded me that I still had the sense of touch. After all, it was 8 AM and the temperature was only in the low fifties.
The mooing of cattle from the cattle barn and that neighing sound horses make as they greet the morning and each other, let me know that my hearing was still good, although not as good as it was thirty years ago.
I enjoying eating, so the sense of taste is very important to me. I made sure to test that sense, as I sampled some of the tasty treats that the fair has to offer. It might not be the healthiest food around, but it sure makes the taste buds dance.
This only leaves common sense. I could only hope that everyone attending the fair didn’t forget to bring their common sense along with them. From the experience I had during “Fair Week”, everyone made sure they didn’t leave their common sense at home on the bedroom dresser.
I retired about five years ago and have never regretted my decision to do so. I worked for the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority and really loved driving the “Circle Line” here in Three Rivers. One of the reasons I decided to retire was that I noticed that my patience with other drivers was getting shorter and shorter. Every time I saw another driver using a cell phone while driving, my blood pressure skyrocketed. When I witnessed someone taking longer than five seconds to move after the traffic light changed from red to green, my grip on the steering wheel became tighter. It was time to get out from behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. I loved the job, but my stress level was in the red zone more often than what was normal. I found myself thinking a little like the comedian George Carlin. He once received a round of applause by saying, “Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?”
Always believe something wonderful is going to happen. Even with all the ups and downs, never take a day for granted. Smile, cherish the little things and remember to hug the ones you really love.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
