A Shore Thing

Every year, around this time, there seems to be a county wide epidemic of mania that occurs.  OK, maybe it's really just a shore thing within the county.  Either way, after a seemingly depressing winter, where the unemployment rate soared to 17%, temperatures plummeted below 20 degrees, and the population dropped over 80%, things suddenly began to come alive.  I'm no doctor but it sure does sound like community manic-depression to me.  

 But unlike the mental illness, where it's hard to predict when the highs and lows will manifest, the county's mood shift is pretty reliable.  Yep, it's a sure thing.  This high energy, that's so abundant before the start of the summer, will inevitable cycle down to a slow sigh before the first snow fall. 

 For now, we're just revving up.  Everyone is preparing for the arrival of tourists and seasonal vacationers and the overall mood is high.  Money is coming back and so is the spending.

 My wife and I joined in on the frenzy too.  We spent much of last weekend engaged in our annual Spring cleaning - hosing down the window screens, preparing to open the pool, and cleaning out the garage (we now have more room for the new stuff she'll inevitably purchase).  Our first weekend guests will soon arrive.  Hmmm, I can't remember the last time any of our out-of-town friends wanted to visit during the winter. 

 I digress........anyway, although I'm glad for the good feelings, I just hope folks don't spin out-of-control.  Yes, things are picking up, but before you go and spend all that new found income just remember that Winter will inevitably arrive.  So if you haven't stored some of those nuts aside, but instead spent them before they've even arrived, maybe a little tempering of mood might come in handy.  Yes, enjoy the season, but don't go manic.  Adding some good old common sense to your seasonal enthusiasm will go a long way in getting you comfortably through even the longest of winters.