Random thoughts

I read an interesting article in the latest National Geographic about the famous “five second rule” being defunct germs are everywhere and they say you shouldn’t share a cup or a straw or anything. Although interesting that was no fun as a topic. I think I’ll take my chances with my five seconds, at least at home. It hasn’t killed me yet.

It also occurred to me to write about some of the service flaws we have seen lately (our weekend away for our anniversary saw us out at various restaurants, from “greasy spoons” to white-linen places). That was depressing too – so many little things that were missed, the only good thing was it made us laugh for the silliness. Let’s face it, at a simple breakfast place on Sunday, the server should have the coffee pot in their hand pretty much the whole time, don’t you think? And at a place that has enough bling to blind you, shouldn’t the hostess pull out your chair when she seats you? The good news was that we enjoyed ourselves despite the shortcomings, and it was a great reminder that sharing our company was the most important part of the experience.

I wanted to write about the drive-in… we have been trying to get there for three summers now, and last Sunday we packed lawn chairs and a picnic and even some pillows for the car only to discover that the highway was closed due to the fire at Tolko. What are the odds?? So, we just went for ice cream – nice, but not much to write about.

So, I will keep it short and sweet this week. I had a simple thought last night, arriving home late from work. It was late, but I still managed to enjoy a beautiful sunset while the dogs played in the grass and the birds chirped in the garden. I sipped my wine and read the National Geographic and thought, what a charmed life I lead, having leisure time and living in a place where such peace and beauty abounds.

Take it from someone who has run at mach speed for many a year: it’s worth its weight in gold, that moment you take to just sit back and watch the world turn. Grant yourself the pleasure of taking it all in, and then enjoy feeling grateful that you live in a place where that is relatively easy to do.

And, if you need to feel like you are doing something more to make up for the “lost time” you enjoyed, take part in the Food Bank’s Season to Share campaign. Drop something in the bin the next time you shop and share the bounty.

We’re off to Wauconda – see you next week!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.