I have lived in Apalachin all of my life. As a matter of fact I live across the street from the house where I was born. Or should I say brought home to? Over the years I have had a lot of memories both good and bad here but mostly good. I have seen a lot of landmarks disappear due to neglect, fires, or new development. It's kind of sad in a way. I guess I have never been one for big changes but I know that they are inevitable. It's kind of sad in a way. I guess I have never been one for big changes but I know that they are inevitable. Being sentimental and nostalgic is not a bad thing. It takes me back to a more carefree time and place. 

 I tell people who have not lived around here that long what it was like forty years ago. "Downtown" Apalachin reminded me of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show. Everybody knew everyone else. The phone system was still one big party line. You left your doors unlocked and the keys in your car. The only real excitement was an occasional car accident or a fight at the Apalachin Hotel on Saturday night. Life was good! 

 There have been a lot of people who moved on to a different place for financial reasons or to be with other family members who moved away. There were a lot of IBM transfers who went south and stayed. There are a lot of people who moved just to get away from the cold winters. 

 Did the thought ever cross my mind about moving away? Maybe for about one hour and then I came to my senses. I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather be than here. I have visited Florida. I walked on the beach and after that I was ready to come home. I have visited my son in Virginia. He lives outside of Washington, D.C. Too crowded and busy. The houses are packed in like sardines in a can. Six lanes of traffic doing 80 miles an hour on I-95. It's hot and humid. No thank you. 

 I don't want to sound like I do not have an open mind. There are many beautiful places out there. I'm sure there are hundreds of little "Apalachins" out there. If I couldn't live here I would probably move north to New Hampshire or Vermont. There are many little towns like ours there. The climate would be about the same. 

 I get annoyed when I hear people say "there is nothing to do around here" or "this area is boring." Here are my pros and cons about living around here. 

 Pros - No hurricanes hitting us directly, no major earthquakes, rarely a tornado, no large wildfires or mudslides, tolerable winter season, beautiful scenery, a three-hour drive to the city or Niagara Falls and Canada. Low crime rate compared to other areas the same size. Affordable housing. 

 The cons . . . high taxes and high utility rates, need more good jobs and less government. 

 Every small town in the country has its own good and bad qualities and we are no exception. The grass is not always greener on the other side. I have noticed many who have moved away are coming "back home." I know some people who have moved all over the country because they simply to not like to stay in one spot for very long and that's okay. Until I find something better, I will spend the rest of my days here.

 What does this shave to do with cars? Absolutely nothing! I just wanted to be different for a change. Have a great October!