You've probably gathered by now that my cats and family live in a small town. I wouldn't change small town life for anything. In fact, though I love to travel, it only takes about four minutes in a city before I start feeling claustrophobic. Life here does have its quirks, even for those without cats, so now and then I think I'll throw in some commentary about it.
It’s
said that in a small town, good news travels fast and bad news travels faster. Considering how fast good news spread this
week, bad news must move close to the speed of light.
On Friday I found myself on the cutting edge of a BIG news item. Since June, the bridge that the east end folks use to leave town has been under construction, requiring us to drive across town to the west side and take a different road out. This detour was the source of much bemoaning and frustration, mostly due to wasting time driving the old route before remembering it was closed. It took half of year, but we’ve all managed to adapt and head the right direction on the first try.
On Friday I found myself on the cutting edge of a BIG news item. Since June, the bridge that the east end folks use to leave town has been under construction, requiring us to drive across town to the west side and take a different road out. This detour was the source of much bemoaning and frustration, mostly due to wasting time driving the old route before remembering it was closed. It took half of year, but we’ve all managed to adapt and head the right direction on the first try.
 | |
| The new bridge is finally open! |
I
knew construction was getting close to wrapping up. The cement blankets were removed, unveiling a
beautiful new bridge that replicated the style of its 85-year-old predecessor.
I was in the park walking dogs with a friend when the ROAD CLOSED signs came down. YES! I
was so excited--not only do I finally have my convenient route back, but I saw it
was open before the rest of the town did!
When I tell you that I’m usually the last person to know what’s up around here,
there is no exaggeration in that statement.
Please take it literally.
In no time I was being dropped off at the thrift store five blocks away. Staffed by dear older ladies who’ve lived
here all their lives, this is a local information hotspot. I walked in and excitedly announced that the
bridge was open. The matter-of-fact reply
instantly burst my bubble. “Yeah,
someone was here just a bit ago and mentioned it.” Really?
My big story was scooped in the five minutes since it happened?
I
give up. I just can’t beat the small
town word-of-mouth news network. That’s
probably a good thing—it helps keep me from gossiping.
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