Now this is more like it! Temperatures in the 70s are just what the doctor ordered.
There’s something about the rebirth of earth that I love in the spring. It’s the renewing feeling of the cycle of life. Just walking around town to see the trees starting to bud, the flowerbeds gaining color and the grass getting greener feels great.
Well, to be honest, I’m not sure the grass ever deadened this winter.
The sound of birds chirping is so welcomed on a bright, sunny morning. Having a deep blue sky above is something I really enjoy.
Even though it wasn’t exactly top-down temperatures this past week, I saw many convertibles and sunroofs open. I even popped the top off of my car.
Advice for graduates
Every year I say I’m not going to do it, but I do — I read Parade magazine’s “What People Earn” edition. Sometimes it just gets me downright depressed. This year’s vocation that got me was a woman who was an esthetician and waxing specialist. She earned nearly $59,000 last year.
High school graduation is coming soon and honestly, if I were in students’ shoes, I’d rethink college and maybe go to a trade school — especially when I read colleges cost $50,000 to $60,000 per year for school and boarding.
I’m not denouncing college. But (most) everyone has hair and needs it cut or removed. If someone can earn a living making close to $60,000, especially in this area, then why not?
Also noted was a woman from Boston who earned an estimated $3 million as a YouTube personality. Holy smokes! I’m doing something wrong.
The article also said the median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics is $31,700. If you ask me, they are the ones that should be earning a great deal more for what they do.
When growing up, my grandfather always told me if I wanted a steady job with decent earning potential, look into the medical profession. “You will always have work,” he’d say. Looking at this area with fairly large-size hospitals, satellite medical offices, rehab centers and doctors’ offices, I’d say my grandfather was correct.
Happy retirement
Speaking of work, West Pittston Department of Public Works employee Terry Strubeck decided to hang up his fluorescent vest after 45 years on the job. That’s most of my life, or at least a good percentage of it.
I can remember Terry driving a backhoe, truck or street sweeper on any given day. One doesn’t find dedication like that anymore. From what I hear, even though his retirement is well-deserved, Terry was and still is very emotional about leaving the job. Now there’s a man who not only loves his job, but also loves the town where he grew up.
Terry started working for the borough back in the early 1970s. He was only supposed to be on the job a short time when West Pittston was flooded in 1972.
Talk about baptism by fire.
During his time with the borough, Terry has seen a lot of natural disasters when it came to the mighty Susquehanna River.
The borough, less than 1 square mile in size, has gone through many transformations and I’ll bet Terry has a lot of stories about good ol’ West Pittston. I’m sure next to historian and resident Bill Hastie, nobody knows more than Terry.
Terry, I think I can speak for all of my fellow West Pittstonians when I say we will miss seeing you on the job. Thank you for all of your years of service, and stay healthy and well.
Quote of the week
“I feel that this is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” – Vincent Van Gogh, artist.
Thought of the week
“The past should be left in the past or it can steal your future. Live life for what tomorrow can bring and not what yesterday has taken away. Every day is a gift.” – Author unknown.
Bumper sticker
“Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.” – Sebastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort, French playwright.
