Just My Opinion by Mary Kilen
Still Summer or Fall?
It’s that time of year. Meteorological fall started on September 1. That’s what the weathermen keep telling me. The fall equinox, however, doesn’t arrive until September 23 this year.
Daytime temperatures are certainly feeling like summer, but mornings are crisp and remind you that fall is not that far away. It’s officially that time of year when you need a sweater in the morning, but you plan your layers for the heat later in the day.
Signs of fall are everywhere, though. My flowers are bidding a fond farewell as they are starting to show the signs of not only a hot few weeks, but also a lot of dry weather. I’ll admit, I’m not the greatest at taking care of them as we get into August. Mother Nature’s reluctance to provide them with rain has made their lives much more difficult.
The flowers at the Promoter are also starting to look the same way and they have been babied throughout the summer. They get daily waterings and dead heading. Christina spends time out there talking to them as well. For the last week or so, though, you could see that they are about done for the season. I’m not going to lie, I’m going to miss them when we have to take them out for the season. They have been a beautiful sight each morning and have shared joy with more than just us in the office.
Leaves are starting to change in the trees and more of them are dropping as well. Harvest has been underway for a while now and farmers are getting closer to done throughout the area.
All of those things point to fall. I won’t mind if it takes a while longer to settle in. I’m still hopeful the weather will cooperate and I’ll get to go for a Labor Day ride on the motorcycle. We haven’t had the bike out as much this summer. The weather just hasn’t wanted to cooperate on those days when we had time to go for a ride.
Congratulations New Town!
I spent part of Saturday in New Town as the city celebrated its 75th anniversary. It was a beautiful day despite weather reports earlier in the week that said it might rain. It rained the night before, but it was a clear and sunny morning as I headed down the road.
The day started with a parade that featured businesses, organizations, law enforcement and more. The streets were lined with families as they watched the parade. Like any parade, the kids were ready to collect the candy and other goodies that were being thrown from the parade entries. They also had the Rough Riders at the end of the parade. This is the same group of riders that were part of the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Library in Medora.
Main Street was filled with vendors and activities for the family. I enjoyed making my way looking at all of the things they had to offer. I also took a look at the benches that had been painted by various artists. The proceeds from their sale will be used to revitalize the classic train that sits by city hall.
I also had a chance to check out The Venue. This facility is absolutely beautiful. I can imagine all of the events that will fill its spaces. On Saturday, businesses had set up displays of both their and the city’s history.
I was also able to be there for the ribbon cutting for the new city hall. The building is beautiful and will be an amazing space for the city and its employees. They will have to get moved into those new spaces and that’s always a challenge, but it will be wonderful once they do.
I ended up leaving before all of the events wrapped up for the day, but I love watching cities celebrate their past while looking to the future.
Be A Dolly!
The world seemed a little dimmer last week when the sparkle that was Dolly Parton left this earth. I saw so many posts about what she accomplished in her life with her joy and her desire to leave the world a better place. I saw this one and the words seemed just right. This quote was attributed to Dolly.
“Be kind when you could be cruel.
Help when you have the ability to help.
Laugh at yourself sometimes.
Stay humble when life blesses you.
Stand by what you believe while still loving people who believe differently.
And always try to leave people a little better than you found them.”
I know that we all remember the big hair, the bright rhinestones, and that larger than life personality. I think we are better served to remember her as a woman who wanted just that, to make life better for those around her.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. And maybe, just a little bit like Dolly.