The "slow" days?

It used to amuse me when "summer people" would say things like "What do you do out here in the winter?", as though life began and ended with their arrival and departure. I suppose when you live in the city it does seem quiet out here in the "off-season" but of course when you live here, your life is very busy all the time - and especially, I find, in the winter. Because that's when we're doing all the things that we can't manage to get done in the summer with all those people in the way!

When the kids were young winters were packed full of school activities. There were sporting events, musical concerts, and teacher conferences to attend. There were PTA meetings and class fundraisers and college applications to take care of. Having children guarantees a busy winter around here.

But as the children grew and moved away I found myself becoming more involved in other community organizations and between the Historical Society and Healthcare Foundation boards, church activities and responsibilities, and running calls and attending classes for the ambulance association, I don't have much free time in the winter. Fitting in regular work around all that volunteer stuff makes the days pretty busy as well. East Hampton is a bustling, busy year-round town and to me the winter is the best time for enjoying our friends, visiting restaurants, and checking out museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions that are all around us. I love attending lectures, and entertaining at home - and I find that summers are too crowded and overly scheduled for doing many things.

So - to all you "summer people" out there (who I'm sure don't read this blog anyway!) I have a message for you! Don't bother us right now - we are WAY too busy!