Has anyone else noticed that spring break is only remotely related to what used to be the Easter holiday break? And does anyone else remember when June, not May, marked the end of the school year, with graduations and weddings?
Now spring break is often weeks, sometimes months, removed from the Easter holiday and June is wholly part of what remains of the rapidly vanishing, almost evaporated, summer vacation — which is now only a shadow of its former self, diminished to a merely longish break in too many school districts.
Speaking of school, and how I spent my spring break, if this were a writing assignment for one of the literature/composition classes in which I serve as a substitute, this year more than most I’d be stymied as to how I’d respond, if asked — just as I am when folks politely inquire. I typically wouldn’t dream of sharing the truth with them, as it’s really only a polite, superficial greeting, and not an actual request for fact. So I reply, “Fine, thanks for asking,” because the truth of the matter is that this spring break was more of a spring broke.
My youngest managed much of his time exploring recreational interests with similarly situated stay-cationing friends, while intermittently working on course projects for school.
My University of Georgia senior made a weekend stopover to work, undisturbed, on a couple of term papers; his spring break was last month and included a camping trip with friends to St. Simons.
For me, there was the occasional company of my sons, several visits with dentists, work and taxes. But I had work and that’s good. Just one job, at home, for pay, which was wonderful, as it required no commute, enabled me to feel like an at-home mom again, accommodated several sessions of unplanned oral surgery and related preparation, and promised some cash income coming in the not-too-distant future. As for the taxes, even the Vicodin from my adventures in dental disaster couldn’t put a dent in the excruciating pain from that.
But there’s a lot locally to lift spirits without breaking the bank or forcing a fill-up. As I spring forward but watch my step, free fits my budget, as do the monthly concerts at Riverside Park in Roswell, which kick off May 7 and continue the first Saturday of every month into October, while Woodstock steps up every second Saturday beginning the 14th at the Woodstock City Park. But historic Roswell’s Alive After Five hosts music and much more every third Thursday, from eateries, to galleries, to the park square, beginning next week.
Mountain Park, Milton, John’s Creek, Alpharetta, the third and fourth Saturdays are still open for free concerts, as are all Fridays ... hint, hint.
But if it’s simply a little spring cleaning you’re craving, and, like me, didn’t get around to it, don’t despair. The Roswell Police Department has us covered, collecting expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction on Saturday, April 30, thus preventing improper disposal, which can pollute and contaminate environment. And that’s something to consider as Earth Day approaches.
Vicki Griffin lives in Roswell. Reach her at vlg1230@hotmail.com
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