We barely get last year’s white slacks out and de-wrinkled…if we care about such…when suddenly it’s time to return them to the back of the closet and bring out the long sleeves, sweaters and shoes with actual toes.
Labor Day brings us all up short. We’re never ready for it. Even the daylight cuts out sooner each day. Like we didn’t pay the bill. Just when we’ve finally decided to start that summer project we’ve been putting off (because it was too hot!) it’s back to school or the office and the indoor routines…and the project becomes doing something about those cobwebs, dust bunnies and checking the fireplace flue and radiators.
Then suddenly you begin to notice things that you’ve missed…like a cool breeze; and some things you realize you won’t miss…like the constant drone of the AC, and lawn mowers.
Although happy for the three-day weekend, we need sometimes to stop and consider what Labor Day really is. So this week’s article may be a bit of a departure from my usual sass.
I was raised in a union home…the IBEW. It shocked me (more than once!) that I could learn how to replace a light switch, or rewire a lamp. And surprised me when I realized that this skill was part of what was responsible for our nice middle-class home, Christmas presents and plenty of food on the table.
And speaking of food, look around you here at the LFM… For almost half the year we have been the beneficiaries of farm labor…hard labor. So easy for us to take for granted what goes into each bite. How many days of mud and rain and bugs, bitter cold, brutal sun and finally, prayer to bring you that peach? Sweat equity. A labor of love.
Look further…what do you see? Brewers, bakers, even an occasional candlestick maker…whether organized or un- they’re all here performing their own labors that make your life more than just another day.
Raise your hand if you know a teacher…or an electrician, plumber, skilled tradesman or service worker. They were and are what keeps the minds expanding, the lights on, the toilets flushing and every other aspect of the comfortable life most of us take pretty much for granted, except for this one weekend each year. They fought for it; they never stop fighting to keep it. Thank them. Maybe buy them an apple.
As usual, you can find more about what’s going on around town by reading ALL of this LFM/LEDC newsletter; and by visiting our FB page for updates on our vendor schedules.
Enjoy the extra day, stop stressing about what you didn’t get done this summer (there’ll be another one in 2022)…and wear white whenever you please.
Happy Labor Day.
Terry Baraldi