Adieu? Adios? Auf Wiedersehn? Or, maybe, just goodbye, at least for now.
It was sometime in 1999 that long-time Monitor editor Mike Pride dubbed me an official Monitor columnist. And subsequent editors let me hang around.
Thanks, guys, gal. It’s been a great honor and privilege to be given a voice in the community.
It’s been a great ride, and now I’m getting off. I’m old and tired. It’s time for someone younger with fresher eyes to grab a piece of paper and a pen or fire up her — or his — computer. I’m outta here!
But first, just a few lessons learned as an official columnist.
The fabled New Hampshire Primary is overrated, or, if you’d prefer, past its prime. (Heh, heh.) It has lost its luster, its primacy so to speak, as darned near every other state has buffed up its own presidential luster with a gimmick or claim to fame or scenic wonder. And fewer and fewer voters even know, much less care, who won our little primary.
What is underrated, though, is everything the Granite State has going for itself other than its overly proclaimed presidential primary.
We have a great four-season climate (yes, even mud season is bearable as long as you stay on paved roads!) Our springs and falls are both beautiful, with our autumns among the loveliest in the world. And our summers are great, showing signs of global warming, but still bearable. And the winters, despite the disappointment of this year, still crisper and colder than the slushy freeze-and-thaw messes that I grew with in Cleveland.
With our four seasons, we have a wealth of recreational activities. And with our small size, and that of the rest of New England, just about every opportunity is accessible within a half-day or less, from some pretty cool mountains to the seaside. If our own coast is short, Maine’s is looooong, especially if you try to explore every nook and cranny.
We have fine educational opportunities on darned near every street corner, everything from tiny, tony finishing schools to world-renowned universities. We have great job opportunities in small businesses and manufacturers, and we have great housing opportunities in charming small towns and thriving small cities.
And we have very, very nice people sharing our streets and sidewalks. Granite Staters, like other New Englanders, to be honest, are for the most part courteous, curious, confident and well-spoken, interested in their fellow citizens and in the world that surrounds and nurtures them. It’s a great place to live, to bring up a family and, finally, to retire and to enjoy the good life!
Goodbye for now. Thank you all, and see you at Gibson’s!
(Monitor columnist Katy Burns lives in Bow.)