Day 1659: Exit 59

This evening we joined the crowd downtown in the park to listen to Exit 59, the band composed of our young friends Ben, Ryan, Daniel and a couple others.  They are a terrific band with strong vocals, great instrumentals and lots of energy.  They entertained for two hours and we gabbed with a dozen friends through much of it.  It was a reunion of musical staff!  So nice to spend an evening socializing instead of in a swim coma.

The new college grads were there in a bunch, all adult and excited for their futures.  Ethan is off to tour Vietnam next month and then has a job as a data specialist in NYC.  Deanna will student teach in the spring.  Mark departs soon to become a veterinarian.  Amanda earned a slot with Disney cruises where she will direct youth activities.  Alex is looking for work, and being hounded by his folks on a daily basis.  "Did you find a job yet?'"

Then we ran into Nicole, a 2008 graduate, who is a math teacher in Houston.  She can't wait to come home, get a teaching position, and raise a family here.  She recounted that as a HS grad, she couldn't wait to get out of Fredonia.  When she graduated from college, she moved far away.  But time and experience changes people.   After Thanksgiving this year, she cried all the way to the airport at the end of vacation.  She didn't want to go back.  It's a common phenomenon.  They have to go away to appreciate what they've got.

Big Bird's Friend

Flasher

Jane Trimmer

Pale-faced Geisha