Sandy Supposes....

A+ Sundridge

May 18th HOME SWEET HOME Prompt: What is the biggest plus for living in your area?

         

         

         

         

         

                   Sundridge is not a bustling, noisy city. It's a rural village. I'm not claiming it's perfect, or a paradise. I will claim that it's as close to perfect as a municipality can be.

         Public transportation does not exist. The waiting crowds do not exist. No one is jostled, or accosted by grumpy throngs intent on one thing only, getting from point A to point B. No one is packed aboard subway cars, buses, street cars, tight like sardines.

         We are devoid of box stores, malls and fastfood diners. Again, we are not forced to swim with the tide/sea of humanity. Sure, if we wish to browse/stroll/shop in a mall we have the option of driving forty-five minutes in either of three directions to find a bigger town. With smaller populations even there we are free to get in and get out. The lines in stores are manageable. We do not spend hours wading through over-crowding. We do not spend valuable time waiting and idling in intense traffic.

         Light pollution doesn't exist here. Star-gazing is possible and mesmerizing. Locals indulge in campfires.

         We walk our limited streets at night worry-free. Gangs and their violence do not call this area home.

         Vehicle traffic exists, but snarls/delays are rare. I enjoy the minimal noise pollution. The blaring horns, screeching brakes, rumbling trucks and buses, and non-stop racket of a city are not missed in Sundridge. As my Mom used to marvel, you can hear yourself think.

         The locals are for the most part open and friendly. Sponataneous conversations occur outside the one and only post office, or on the street in passing. Greetings are pretty well guaranteed.Neighbours know neighbours.

         Of course living next to a freshwater lake is a definite plus. It is mere steps from my home. Swimming at any time feels fantastic. For small children, the sand bars create a shallow shoreline and thus a safer area to explore. They are free to splash, paddle or run. Sandy beaches enthrall them, too.

         Nature is unspoiled here. Building projects consist of the occasional new, single-family dwelling, or lakeside cottage. There are no high rises, or factories. Trees are abundant. They thrive in multiple forests. Wildlife co-exists with the small population. Deer, moose, raccoons, squirrels, fox, groundhogs, porcupine,skunks, many species of birds and more are frequent visitors. Sometimes, bears wander into sight.

         I haven't always referred to Sundridge as home. I've lived elsewhere in towns and cities alike. They all had their appeal, but they do not compare to the quality of life here. I chose to live in Sundridge because it's quieter. The pace of everyday living is more sedate. There's no hurry. In comparison, I refer to Toronto as Toronto the Teeming. Like New York it never sleeps. It's go-go-go 24/7. Lights and their inherent glare obscure the night sky. The noise is constant and often jarring.

         I'm content at this stage of my life enjoying the lifestyle in Sundridge. I don't feel I am missing anything. I'm not cut out to be a city girl.

( 521 words minus the 16 prompt words)