Nine things I like….
Posted March 26, 2010 at 10:12 am by Ian Byington
Bald eagle on the west side...photo by Kevin Holmes
People always say how cool it is to live here on the island, and yep, they’re right. Here are nine little & big things I’ve noticed in the last week or so that I think make it just a little nicer:
• I like the way that, when you’re waiting at Friday Harbor Espresso (you know, that used to be Uptown Espresso), Mark & the folks who work there will come out to the cars in line & get their orders. Nice touch, and nice way to treat people.
Getting to you fast, with compassion....
• Just last night someone was telling me their story of how they had a medical emergency, and the island EMTs came to the scene, dealt with things intelligently & professionally & swiftly & compassionately, and how we’re so lucky to have ways to get people quickly to the care they need (he liked it that the helicopter got him to the mainland so fast.) Our EMTs rock, big time.
• Check it every morning – I like the way Sharon at the San Juan Islander posts islanders’ birthdays at the top of her page. It’s fun to tell people “Happy Birthday!” for the rest of the day when you see them.
• I like how people driving along in the street stop to let you pull out backwards when you’re backing out from in front of King’s Market on Spring Street, whether they want your spot or not.
Nancy at the Toy Box
• Isn’t it cool how Nancy & Dave & Charlotte are always so welcoming at The Toy Box, and how when kids (and their parents) are playing with the toys, they show ’em how? Love that.
• When you go to a ball game, it’s cool to see most all of the parents there, whether their kid is playing or not. The sports offered on the island far outstrip what a place this size oughta offer – and it’s a great way to come together with friends.
• Most towns have a town square, but we have another place to meet – the ferries. It’s cool to see people hooking up & catching up on the boats with each other, moving table to table like it’s a potluck where you try to touch base with your friends.
• The wildlife is amazing… Where else could you live where, most days, you can see deer, foxes, rabbits, birds, marine mammals, and bald eagles (click here for larger, cooler version of the picture above by Kevin Holmes)?
• This is a pretty kid-friendly island, with a lot of parents choosing to live here because they prefer beaches to malls, teachers who care, and plenty of chances to get to know other parents so we can do the parenting together.
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Categories: Around Here
6 comments:
6 comments...
Sunsets are beautiful, any time of year.
No squirrels. My favorite part.
One of the things that I feel is a small sign of civilization is when cars stop in town as pedestrians cross the street. And the people who stop are usually waving “hello” at the walkers. I like that. (I don’t really miss Chicago where I’m from.)
Let’s make that “10 things I like…” and add you to the mix: “Don’t you just love taking a break from the exigencies of daily life by checking into San Juan Update and being reminded of all the good and glorious things about life on this marvelous island?”
Yup, I do.
Susan
How about #10 being what a great place this is for dogs??? I just love seeing so many wonderful pooches enjoying their strolls around town with their people, chasing each other (or tennis balls) at the dog park, or watching them having a glorious time at places like Jacksons Beach. Someone once told me we should re-name ourselves “Dog Island”! -Lori
P.S. Check out the quote below — I love it!!! You are welcome to use it at some point if you want to.
The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don’t know what you are doing, someone else does.
— unknown
Jake T. aside from the friendly “hello”, no horns or loud music from the cars(I am still in Chicago).
Also seeing the beautiful mountains in the distance at sunrise.
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