It turns out that my hometown is no longer a sweet little enclave where leaving your doors open and your cars unlocked tempted no one. Truth be told, that ended before I left, but the social structure has deteriorated even more since then. Nothing stays the same. I accept that, while I lament the exodus of young families from the community.
Nothing stays the same. Since 9/11, flying lost it’s excitement for me, becoming tedious and stressful. Nevertheless, I had to visit my Mom, who turns 89 in August. She who has never set foot on an airplane, insists that I do so from time to time. So I go.
As I prepared for my flight, I read the caveats concerning electronics, flammable liquids, and explosives. I didn’t read anything about knitting needles, but I understand that can be an issue if you knit, which I don’t. I avoid the size limitations on toiletries by packing them in my luggage.
[Side Bar]
Keeping in compliance with the guidelines, I left my scuba tanks, inflatable raft, dry ice, and nuclear reactor at home. Figured I’d make do without them for a week. I suppose SOMEBODY attempted to carry that stuff aboard, but it still makes me chuckle. Jet Blue doesn’t charge for your first suitcase, so most everything I need went inside. I carried my laptop, along with slippers, snacks, headphones, and books, usually two--a novel and one on writing.
Remember when airlines provided meals, gratis? That was "in the before time." (ST TOS, "Miri" Oct., 1966, http://www.chakoteya.net/StarTrek/12.htm)
Of course, the food generally wasn’t that good anyway, but now passengers have to pay for it.
Overall, I’d say the Jet Blue experience was good. Roomy seats, lavatories you could actually turn around in, entertainment at your fingertips, friendly, accommodating crew, and excellent take offs and landings. I wanted to applaud. And the TSA agents at Burbank (Bob Hope) Airport smiled and chatted while they patted me down and x-rayed me for concealed weapons in my . . . er. Where exactly were they looking? Good news is: my lungs are clear, and I have no dental carries.
The drive from JFK Airport to my Mom’s wasn’t as hair raising as a jaunt down the Hollywood Fwy., but it had it’s share of tail gaters, belching trucks, and potholes. (With unemployment hovering around 9%, why aren’t we repairing those roads?)
My hometown, Freeport, is full of big, old character-rich houses, many dating back to the 20's. They’re often three stories, with actual basements and attics, and immense porches that wrap around three sides. They boast large, green yards, huge trees, and few fences. Very different from California. The price of homes has soared since my parents purchased their first house in 1958 for $15,000. That 1468 sq. ft. home once sold for over $400,000. Alas, not when my Mom owned it.
According to Deptofnumbers.com, there are over 44,000 homes on the Long Island market, with a median price of $399,000. And most of these aren’t very large homes. I found this link for all sorts of facts about Freeport, including this: cost of living index is 153, compared to a U.S. average of 100.
http://www.city-data.com/city/Freeport-New-York.html.
I point all of this out because, despite the uptick in renovations, the natural beauty of the town, its proximity to the water, and rich diversity of cultures, young families are moving away. Perhaps because although the crime index is below the National average, it has risen. I am chagrined to report that seven shootings took place while I was there. And the general opinion of the public schools was terrible. This saddens me, too, because I received a terrific education in those schools. Years ago.
Times are changing and communities are changing. If we are to save the richness of our heritage, whether in towns, villages, or big cities, it seems the people must have a will to do so. I can’t upbraid people for running away, but I’d rather see them stand shoulder to shoulder against the tide of destruction. I want to shout, "Don’t give up." Some cannot move. Some, like my Mom, would not. Even to go live in California with her daughter. It’s the natural tendency to look to our government agencies to change things, but those agencies are made up of individuals who live and work in the community. I believe that people coming together, striving together can turn things around. I pray that it happens in my hometown.
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