Out Our Way: Missing human contact, and an update on the Vaughn Library Hall
Summer has arrived, but as with the past couple of months, it’s different this year. Masks, gloves and social distancing are still in effect, and so many usual activities are out of the question for now.
We are social bodies, and somehow, email, telephone, Facebook and such don’t quite fill the bill for the contacts we crave.
I’m not complaining about more time to garden and do some personal things, but we’re pleased to have a few places to mingle a bit with friends and family.
Days too short
Lazy summer days? That phrase brings a picture of people sitting around, sipping cool drinks, perhaps by a swimming pool, spending time doing nothing but relaxing and visiting. That’s never been my way of life, regardless of the season. There are so many things I want to take care of or learn about, and it seems the days come to an end before my lists are finished.
With very recent graduation celebrations of some seniors, one hot topic is what’s coming up for the schools? Peninsula schools are planning to offer both in-class and remote learning, with all proper precautions for health safety. Families have been surveyed and the bulk of them want 5-days per week, but many of our local families want other options, so the district will have choices.
Meanwhile, the new Evergreen School here on the lower Key Peninsula has ground cleared and signs of progress. Since it’s next to the main highway, the process will be observed by many, and I expect the students who plan to be in it next year will be especially interested in watching the actual building when it begins.
Meanwhile, the Vaughn Library Hall, being updated by the KP Historical society, is sporting new windows and doors, designed to replicate the 19th-century originals.
Originally built in 1893, with additions in 1910 and 1926, it was the first community hall built on the peninsula and the only one left standing. It is listed on both the Pierce County Historic Register and the Washington State Register of Historic Buildings.
New wonders
By the time this hits print, I will have experienced my first (perhaps my only!) “virtual” medical appointment. After being involved in a Zoom meeting, I’m impressed with the fact that these things are possible, even if they are a challenge to us senior citizens! Guess we’re not yet too old to learn a few new things, but some of it is a hard learning curve for us!
I think back to the first photo I had sent to me on the computer. A grandson was born in Tacoma 23 years ago and I had a cold so couldn’t go see him. Our son sent a photo from the hospital! It became and remained for some time my desk top photo!
Much has changed since then, but that experience and the fact that I could send a note and have a reply back before the day was out convinced me I liked that new technology. Since we have many relatives in other countries and I’ve always been one of the main contact people in the family, it was a delight when some cousins got computers and emails and we could talk back and forth almost as quickly as on the telephone — but much cheaper! Previously it was often two weeks or more before getting a reply.
We just received the primary voter’s pamphlet. I’m amazed at the number of candidates for some positions, and perhaps more amazed at the number who have no real qualifications for the offices they seek. I like the fact that several state they don’t intend to be career politicians, which is what our original founders apparently intended of the people who ran the government. Do your term of office, then return to your usual home and work duties.
I’m more than ready to vote for term limits! In my opinion, politics should not be anyone’s lifelong career.
Stay well and safe.
This story was originally published July 22, 2020 at 12:00 AM.