It’s great to be able to write once again from the comfort of my deck in the shade of a wispy birch, entertained by squirrels flitting from tree to tree and chipmunks playing tag below. Dozens of people pass by on their way to the West Cove beaches or paddle by in the cove. Canines lead their humans in a ritual perambulation. The conversations are light, the laughter lilting. I remind myself that this is what many, if not most, Eastmanites expect of our community life, why they are here in this unspoiled place—summer days free of stresses, full of warm sunshine and cool waters, and time for long walks in the refreshing woodlands.
With gorgeous photos sent to me for use in this issue of fun summer scenes literally playing out in front of my eyes, my mind wanders back a few years (er, decades) to afternoons when I would pack up a beach towel, Coppertone, a paperback book, and a transistor radio, and head for the beach in my hometown. Music from those lazy summer days kept popping into my head—songs that some of EL’s readers may recall. If I’ve done my job with this issue, you will be singing, or at least humming along as you turn the pages. And if the Editorial Board has done its job selecting topics that appeal to a diverse readership, some readers may be asking, “What is a transistor radio?”
Any longing for or budding envy of a carefree lifestyle dissipates as I remember that I am doing what I love doing and doing it with a team of volunteers with whom I enjoy working. The EL “staff” (i.e., group of dedicated volunteers) is always at the ready to chip in and do what it takes to produce this publication, and they make me laugh (a lot) while doing it. We are always looking to add new voices to ours, so give me a shout on my deck when you’re passing by, or email eastmanliving@eastmannh.org if you’d like to contribute your ideas, thoughts, or time.
Pandora (quite an upgrade from a transistor) and Youtube have been my research tools for this issue, taking me back to my pre-cellulite, beach-going days with such favorites as See You in September by the Happenings—my cue to sign off. But, before I do, I should add that the EL Editorial Board is innocent of any questionable musical selections for the Lazy, hazy, crazy days in Eastman. That, I’m afraid, is all on me.
Wishing you a happy, carefree summer,
Judi Platt, Editor
Kayakers under the covered bridge in West Cove / Cathy Lacombe
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