A Senior View: Time for sun and fun again

CRESCENT BAR -  My first day back to Crescent Bar this spring was March 28. It was dead, just as residents told me last year it would be.

However, my second day back, April 26, things were starting to pop. I started to catch that festive feel I experienced every time I came last year. There were a few familiar faces.

On May 2 and May 7 I started to see more familiar faces. People were smiling and giving those country-folksy waves again.

Yes. It's time for the new Crescent Bar season. We'll use this weekend to prepare for the always-big, always-packed Memorial Day weekend, which is just one week away.

One person who is well aware is Elke, of the espresso and ice cream shop. I stopped by to get some ice cream late on the 7th and to see how she's doing. 

"Busy," she said. "Memorial Day is just about here."

Elke brings her seasonal help on board two weeks before Memorial Day so that everybody is in the right frame of mind. At the same time, she stocks up her place. Then she skips town for the big weekend.

"I can't handle it. It's too much work for me anymore," she said. "I let the young ones take care of it."

While we chatted, Elke wondered aloud about 2012. Will she be here? Will you be here?

So did others as I went about Crescent Bar, especially the island. People are nervous. 

All we can say about that for now is that it's in the hands of the courts. Let's hope it's in God's hands too and He is inclined to influence the PUD in a different direction from last year.

For now, the PUD is insisting on shutting down the island. It has even asked for space in the administration building for an office "to help expedite" the departure of leaseholders.

The common refrain from all who have commented on this "helpful" office has been: "Yeah, sure. We're going to ask them to kick us out faster."

The matter is in a federal court in Spokane for now. It may end up in another federal court later. 

The folks who filed the lawsuit plan to pursue legal action until there is no action to take. For now, there is no good news - or bad.

Meanwhile, some island folks are saying this not going to be a fun year. They will be antsy. But the fun will depend on them, not someone or something else.

As tough as it may be, the gloomy ones need pick their spirits up. They need to get involved in the special weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Be alive this year. Let next year take care of itself.

As for the Crescent Bar Chronicle, we're here to help in any way we can. Use us as your bulletin board. Send us your news, especially the social stuff like weddings, reunions, barbecues and parties. 

You may send information and pictures to tedescobar@aol.com. Separate pictures in jpg format are best, and please send attached documents as pdf files.