A writer's Random ramblings
Here comes Thanksgiving
So let all things living Pause to reflect Upon whatever they love and respect Either from long ago and far away Or existing in this present day That could the driving to band or ballet Or the director for whom you sing or play, A teacher who has plenty of influence Or the neighbor who gives a good chat over the fence Maybe you appreciate something simpler like a roof over your head, Clothes on your back or the food keeping you fed Or the sport, literature, science, history, math or art That fills a special place in your heart. So, as we sit together to fill our biological tanks, Let us not forget to take a moment to give thanks.
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As winter’s weather grows cold,
Let’s teach humanity to be bold Enough to help impart A sense of warmth to another heart, Turning kindness into an art Form where all are welcome to take part In improving existence for all With inclusivity tearing down the wall Of hatred motivated by fear Stemming from differences people refuse to hear At a time when If people would only listen, The understanding they could find Would bring peace to the world and each mind Causing hearts and souls to cease being blind And every word and action shows how to be kind So in the end, we Earth’s people, become one in our shared humanity. We hustle here and bustle there. Commute, work, clean the house, repeat, all at 90 miles per hour most days. Oh, look! I found a precious few days off! How can I reset my mind in Maryland? I’m done with the typical tourist things and want some small-town style for a bit. Where do I go?
Instead of east to the ocean, go west to Garrett County, young traveler. From Deep Creek Lake to Oakland, the county seat, this area offers something for everyone. Young or young at heart, looking to stay in town or with nature, you’ll find it here. Nature and town even mix together often in this area to show others how to achieve harmony in an increasingly man versus nature world. All year, the weather in the area remains cool compared to other places. Thanks to the elevation of the terrain, travelers here can cool off whether they prefer to dip in the lake or stay high and dry. Summer offers boating, canoeing, and kayaking on Deep Creek Lake as well as swimming for cool water fans. The air temperatures lend themselves well to walking or biking as transportation around town and stopping for a picnic meal. In winter, many head to the resorts of Garrett County to ski or snow tube. Nature photographers and people who relax to natural sights and sounds will enjoy the area. Although human hands originally created Deep Creek Lake, it possesses the beauty of a natural body of water. Trees of many species surround the lake. These provide homes to birds and other wildlife as well as scenery for the artist. Looking out upon the lake and its ripples of water, the clouds in the sky, and all that happens there inspires a great calm and inner peace for the viewer. All seasons showcase the glory of nature here and throughout the city of Oakland. Purple hues in the sky accentuate the setting sun all year. However, autumn, even when celebrated late in the season, boasts impressive colors on the trees. Copper and red abound alongside the evergreens to complete the picture. Although many find the lakeside most glorious, it is worth the drive to Memorial Park in Oakland to watch the creek running under the footbridge next to the main road and follow the path to investigate the many colors of trees in fall. Oakland and Deep Creek Lane function in human time, of course, only a bit slower than most places. Architecture in the county follows traditions, with not too many modern looking structures. Many stores and restaurants, particularly closer to the lake, still resemble homes. The Uno’s Grill and Honi-Honi Bar serve food and drinks from a structure seemingly based upon a Polynesian design, heightened by the poles bearing lanterns in the porch seating to match the theme inside the bar. The Christmas shop in McHenry and all the strip malls in the area also pay homage to simpler times in their construction. All shops and restaurants appear to use native wood or stone in the buildings themselves, adding a layer of charm and artistic appeal. Oakland keeps its historical building colors downtown, and even has a vintage model train town look when viewed from its highest spot. City Hall, the courthouse, and fire station here all serve from buildings resembling the nineteenth-century time in which it was founded. Houses, both single-family style and those above the shops, hearken back to these days of old. They stick with colors such as brown or brownstone, brick red, muted yellow, mint green, and sky blue. Many train tracks also run through downtown Oakland, giving it another layer of historical feel. One can walk right up to or along the tracks and photograph or simply admire them here, if trains are not running. There exist several tunnels, which make for artistic shots. Sports? Check. Artistic and Zen inspiration? Check. Modern amenities among it all? Check. What’s not to love? Next time vacation calls and simpler times are what you crave, check out Garrett County, Maryland. Whether it’s city life on a slower pace in Oakland or McHenry and Deep Creek Lake’s more natural scenery, adventures for all types abound in the area. |
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June 2020
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