On an early morning walk this week, the Betster, observant as always, noticed a couple of things:
1. In the wee hours of the morning, when some fishermen may be stirring but most of the rest of Homer is still slumbering, it’s light. The sun may not officially have risen, but it’s light outside. That early-morning soft summer light that makes you glad you’re in Alaska.
2. Even very early, it’s light enough to see the fireweed is in full bloom, which almost better than anything, says “Hurry, hurry, hurry. The light is fading — three, four, five minutes a day — and summer is almost gone.”
Or, maybe, the Betster has been hearing it all wrong for all these years. Maybe, what those fireweed blooms really say better than anything is: “Slow down, slow down, slow down. It’s still summer. Plenty of time to do what needs to be done and enjoy life.”
Sure we’re halfway through the 15 weeks most Alaskans count as “summer,” but looking on the bright side — like the glass is half full — we still have half the summer to go.
While there may not be a moment to waste, there’s still time to enjoy this majestic place we’re lucky enough to call home — perhaps with these Best Bets.
Best Don’t-Let-Visitors-Have-All-The-Fun Bet: Want to see Homer and other parts of the southern Kenai Peninsula with fresh eyes? Catch Johnny B.’s Rhythm of the North show at Pier One Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Only three more performances remain: July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5. A portion of the show’s proceeds go to a Homer nonprofit.
Best It’s-The-Simple-Things Bet: Every week we’re amazed at how many free or inexpensive ways there are to connect with this place we call home. Just look at our calendar on page 12 or see even more listings at www.homernews.com. Here’s a sampling: guided walks with U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff, the Thursday night fun run, all kinds of Discovery labs and ranger talks at Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, the Pratt Museum’s Historic Harbor Walking Tour — and there’s even more stuff geared specifically for the younger crowd. Like the Betster said, summer is speeding by, but there’s still time to enjoy. Pull out the calendar and resolve to do at least one fun thing every week. You don’t want to forget why you live here, do you?
