By Vern Holmquist
Well, it looks like I have missed writing a column for an issue or two. I apologize. One reason for this is my frustrating battle with high technology. At this time, I have again cut off my Internet service along with my TV and my telephone. I do have a working cell phone, only if I can remember where I last placed it. I have tried wearing it around my neck but it gets heavy after awhile.
I sold one of my scooters to Mary Grant’s grandson, but I heard he has not allowed his grandmother to ride it yet. Well, when the newness wears off. I still have the 750-watt scooter and have plans for my friend Gregg to follow me with his pick-up to see if it will take me all the way from Silverton to Mount Angel. If it my plan works, I plan to ride my scooter in the Fourth of July parade in Mount Angel. I hope that new memory form saddle rides as soft as they claim.
This reminds me of my much younger days when I was not the cowboy I dressed up to be. I helped my father-in-law drive 20 Arabian horses 22 miles to another part of the JE Ranch’s 27 townships. Those high-spirited horses did not want to stay in the direction we were heading them. By the time we reached our destination, my saddle had turned my knees into freshly grounded raw meat. Some of us never learn.
I have seen a lot of people, mostly women, wearing sun hats and planting flowers in their gardens. I sometimes stop and talk to them about how Spring Fever only lasts a couple weeks. It sure has been nice to see all those spring blooms and I enjoyed the sunny days we had in late April.
It has been interesting watching downtown Silverton’s business “merry-go-round.” What was there is now here and what was here is now there and what was is no more. Like spring flowers, new businesses start up and some, though loved, fade away. I hope by the time you read this that big empty building – the Wolf Building – on the corner will be occupied and booming. Anyway, walk a few blocks, take a few lefts and you’ll be reorientated. Silverton has interesting shops in all directions.
