It started out a hunt for a Christmas tree and ended up a litany of farewells. With Christmas trees costing what they do, I decided it would be a good idea to stop at The ATM. I’ve written previously of my fondness for walking Marcos through Depew Park, and his reciprocating fondness for leading me out of Depew Park and all over Peekskill. Well, the bank is smack dab in the middle of downtown Peekskill and as I parked the car, I thought of last Christmas and how we faced the cold and wind but yet we trudged on. Marcos was always a dog with a mission A sad wave of nostalgia passed through me as I resigned myself to the fact that those days are gone forever.
Don’t worry Marcos is still here, but late last summer he let it be known that he prefers to spend his days differently .
With my money safe in pocket, I headed toward the highway and happened to pass Miller’s Motors to whom I entrusted both Truckito and my motorcycle for regular maintenance. But last spring, Truckito (perhaps in cahoots with Marcos?) gave warning that long trips would not be a good idea. So May saw me bade farewell to Truckito.
And in case you’re surprised at my mention of a motorcycle at my age, be unsurprised. Gone, too. I sold the bike in August. All my riding friends have either moved away or given up riding. I decided to tempt fate no more. The selling experience was phenomenal. I posted an ad on Craigs’List on a Saturday night, accepted an offer Sunday evening, and had the cash in hand Monday evening.
Farewell Ninja. May you and Donovan B. enjoy many idyllic rides.
All this nostalgia and I still hadn’t left Peekskill. In a pensive mood I continued on to the Tree quest. When I got to the farm in Hartsdale, there were fewer trees than in past years, and those they did have were huge. Wide huge. Fine for my living room if I planned to move the love seat and recliner into the dining room – but I didn’t. Also, prices started at $85. Change of plans. I’d run a few errands and head back to my local Home Depot. I was pretty sure they still had some trees.
Well, somewhere along the way. My Monkey Mind made the decision. t had something to do with the fact that it had grown dark and I had no energy left to deal with the tree stand that seems to prefer presenting trees that lean. So into Home Depot I walked and out I came with a tree that cost just as much as the ones at the farm … but it’s the last time I’ll have to buy a tree. Goodby lifelong tradition of live Christmas trees. Artificial isn’t so bad.
Now here we are in a New Year and far be it from me to start it with sad farewells. Similar to the saying that whenever God shuts a door, he opens a window, let me say that each farewell makes way for a corresponding hello.
It may be farewell, brisk walks in Depew Park….
……….but hello, recliner and giant coffee mug.
Farewell, Truckito but hello buying ten gallons of gasoline once a week instead of 14 every five days.
Farewell, bike but hello,more room in my shed……..
Well, there was more room for ……..about a week.
May 2013 be filled with happy hellos for us all. Change is good.
Goodbye Mushu and short walks. Hello Jasper and loooong brisk walks.
You two have a lot of years of walking ahead, or should I say many miles! Enjoy them while you can.
Good post! I like the way you put a positive spin on change. I have a hard time doing that. I’m a fan of “real” trees, but haven’t had one in thirty-something years–for some of the same reasons you mentioned.