Cold Down Here

I'm down here in the frozen wasteland of the basement again -- I thought the upstairs computer was finally fixed yesterday so that the blog tools were once again showing up -- but nope.  This morning we're back to square one.

Thinking about life in a small town, I gave some attention to what I was seeing as I went to get Lauren from school yesterday.  The library has a spectacular curb appeal and is a lovely structure.  In front of the city hall the ice scuptures from the December 7th events in town were still in great condition.  Some of the students learning to do the sculptures at The University of Akron have been coming to town for the past couple of years to show their stuff.

The old potato chip factory, now Matt and Troy's Barber Shop, still sits like a little cottage at the edge of a parking lot.  The blue church (Old Salem) with its squared off tower makes High Street look very quaint.  The former Church of Christ is now a business.  Behind them is the place where everyone goes for wheel alignments.  Business, residential, all mixed together in a nice little harmonious way.

At the side entrance to the school (now called Holy Name Academy, SS Philip & James Campus) is always fun to watch beause right around 3:00 p.m. a few kids always emerge to clean the erasers.  Like kids have been doing for literally centuries!!  I love it.  One day I was treated to something a little different.  A blond boy came out with erasers and then with energy to spare started doing perfect cartwheels and round-offs in the parking lot.  Must be a gymnast I figured.

There was a huge school at the corner of Locust and Rt. 93 back in the day with a belfry and a huge bell.  It was constructed of brick but had lots of wood in it.  At some point it was torn down and the bricks went to form the bottom of the lake at Clay's Park Resort.  Where the school building stood is a playground with little more than a basketball court and some swings.  And yet as soon as there is a small break in the weather scores of kids from all over come to play pick-up basketball games. 

The Lions creche scene is at the old Exchange Bank building.  The Christmas tree is right across the street in a niche by Karen's Sewing and the Thai restaurant. 

The angers, resentments and hatreds seem to avoid the little town and there are no controversies about this group or that.  It's refreshing. 

And so as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus with our families and communities, let us not take for granted the wonders all around us. 

Say a little prayer that I can figure out what's wrong with the upstairs computer!!

Thanks, everyone.