Gobble, Gobble
© Can Stock Photo / Nelosa
I packed the car—stuffing bags and gear into the rooftop box trying to make room for six people to sit comfortably for a long drive in our Toyota Highlander. We were headed west to San Rafael, Calif., for our annual Thanksgiving holiday with family. Spirits were high as college kids and high schoolers and me and their mom were getting to spend time together on a road trip.
We took our time, stopping often for snack refills or to take in the sights. Two days later, we rolled into San Rafael.
The next few days were pure bliss. Coffee and breakfast for all 10 of us on the patio followed by a morning hike or mountain bike ride around the hills of Marin County. The afternoon usually found us window shopping in small towns or heading into the big city (San Francisco). Dinner was again on the patio or on occasion at a local restaurant.
And then, of course, Thanksgiving—a day of cooking, hiking, and relaxing.
Before we knew it, we were back in the car, headed home to finals and work and “real” life.
This issue is dedicated to just that cycle. November in the parks and rec world is busy. Patrons are pounding the fitness equipment, swim lessons are going full speed ahead, winter sports have already started, and the sports normally contained to summer or fall are starting up their “off-season” training—renting your facilities to do so. All of this rush, rush, rush, comes to a head at Thanksgiving—breaking to a blessed halt for a few short days and hopefully giving you a breather. It also seems to mark a stark divide between general business and the holiday schedule that hits in December. It seems your patrons get a little bit distracted preparing for Christmas, but your schedule is just heating up—preparing all of the visits-with-Santa events, holiday light displays, and festive programs that communities have come to rely on—all brought to them by their local parks and rec department. Thank you for all that you do to make the season bright.
I hope you enjoy this month’s effort. We took a few chances—hopefully they worked. Let us know if you think they did.
Till next month…
Rodney J. Auth
Publisher
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