From the e-mailbag….

Well, it’s time to check in with the people who have been writing to the editorial staff here at the San Juan Update. First of all I want you to know, we read everything that is sent to us. Second, I want you to know we answer some of it. And most importantly, it is way cool that you are there, reading this each day.

Let’s see what is going on:

Q. How often do you update the updates in the Update? Jim G. from Cape San Juan

A. In the footer of the Update till just four years ago, it said “Whenever something happens.” Since then, I’ve discovered that a lot is happening, so now it would be more appropriate to say, “When I feel like it.” What’s cool is that there is so much to tell you about, it makes me feel like it most of the time.

The dark green ones are readers, the black one has the most, and the light green ones read the new York Times instead.

Q. I have been in Europe for 3 years now and love reading your news–electrons (I know it’s not a news paper, because there’s no paper). Are there a lot of ex-pats and ex-islanders who check in with you? Terry P. in Germany

A. Yes, there’s a bunch. According to our Google analytics thing, we have readers all over Europe (although I don’t know what’s going on with Tony’s folks in Finland, or friends I thought I had in Switzerland). So far, I haven’t heard from anyone in Antarctica, but otherwise we have friends in each of the other continents.

Q. The other day I was talking to my friend Sam downtown and he said he had been updated. I asked him what he meant by that, and he said that whenever somebody gets their picture in the Update, the rest of the day people say, “Hey, I saw you in the Update!” That’s what it means to get “updated,” I think.
Gail from the middle of the island

A. That is correct.

Q. This is a serious question. What do you think is the business climate of the island, as we head into the winter? Jenny C from Friday Harbor

A. Needless to say, things are a bit slower than a few years ago, and we’re all working harder to make ends meet. In spite of that, I continue to hear downtown merchants who are optimistic that people, even in hard times, want to get away to the peace of our island. I believe that we will all land on our feet if we keep two things in mind:

The first is that the island has seen economic change throughout the past 140 years. At times, making lime was a major industry; at others, more energy was put into fishing, farming, and cutting trees. Lately, of course, tourism has been a big deal. Part of being an Islander is being able to handle change, and ready to set sail in the best direction provided by the winds that blow us. We are creative, energetic, resourceful people on this rock, and we will tackle the changing times with the determination the times require.

The second thing is simple: Islanders have always worked together. Keeping our lines of communication well-oiled and our spirit of neighborliness fired up, and welcoming our visitors with open hearts, open arms, and a smile, we can get the job done. Caring for each other – it’s the island way. Always have, always will.

Evening sets on town as the days grow shorter.....

Q. Who is that little elderly lady who always nearly hits you in the street, when you’re crossing? She has a blue car. Troy B from just out of town

A. Not sure. I’ll let you know if we ever run into each other.

Q. You told me a story about a mom with a bunch of kids in the car that I can’t remember…do you remember? It was funny, I think. Cara F, now in Seattle

A. Was it this?

There was a mom heading down Spring Street with about seven or eight energetic & playful & noisy kids in the back of her station wagon. She turned to tell them to settle down, then turned and slammed on the brakes because there was someone in the crosswalk. He yelled, “Jeez, lady, don’t you know when to stop?” and she said, icily, “They’re not ALL mine.”

Q. How come no one on the island wears a tie? Stuart T from the southern part of the island somewhere

A. We have a dress code in the courthouse, so generally wearing a tie means you got indicted or something. Not wearing a tie is our way of saying “Wasn’t me!”

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