By VERNA BROCK
Even though summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21st, we are obviously in the throes of our children’s favorite season.
Unrelenting heat and humidity have settled in, warming us in a (cozy?) wet blanket. Don’t get me wrong! I am grateful for the rain appearing at regular intervals. I am experienced enough to know it won’t last, and we’ll be baking for days at a time. Daily dragging of hoses to keep flowers and shrubs on life support will come soon enough.
Now is the time for excursions to paradise, aka Wakulla Springs. The dark waters stay a refreshing 68 degrees, enticing overheated sunbathers to launch themselves in over their heads, all at once. I learned a long time ago it is better to bite the bullet and get it over with.
Gingerly stepping in, slowly, as the water rises along with waves of chillbumps, is almost painful. By the way, I remain among the dwindling ranks of those who took the plunge off of the old, three story, wooden diving platform so many years ago! Now, bravely running and diving in gets the shock over with, and the body can begin to acclimate quickly. It is absolutely the next best thing to a sauna and polar bear plunge you can find outside of Scandinavia!
I never lose sight of the fact that the Lodge is a national treasure, albeit one we all feel particularly protective of. It can be easy to take it for granted when you grow up with it right around the corner. Afterall, it has been here, in some form, for millennia.
In its current iteration, we are approaching nearly a hundred years of refined beauty. Our extraordinary favorite place has weathered many threats and changes over the years.
But dedicated fans work continuously to protect the Springs. Consider joining the Friends of Wakulla Springs if you want to help this great cause. I recently told someone I want to haunt the Lodge when I die. It really is the next best thing to Heaven!
If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit, you should make tracks now. You won’t regret it.
This coming Saturday, June 14th, there will be a garage and crafts sale at the Wakulla United Methodist Church, 1584 Old Woodville Road (the log cabin church on the bike trail). It will begin at 8 a.m., and the proceeds go to support the church food pantry. You can find all kinds of bargains on clothes, kitchen items, decorations, kids’ toys, and much more.
We all know grocery costs never seem to move down, only higher and higher. For many folks, the food pantry helps to get them through the month. Jesus, in scripture, tells us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Right now, our dedicated pantry volunteers are having to really stretch their nickels and dimes in order to purchase food to provide to the most needy among us.
They are extremely creative and diligent in making every penny count. They scour every ad, and every store, for the best bargains. They pour their energy and hearts into being able to offer blessings to those less fortunate than us. Your support of this event will make their jobs so much easier, all while you score a bargain or two!
I’m happy to report that Cindy Blackstock is recovering well from her recent surgery; please continue to lift her in your prayers. Also in need of prayer are the families of Tom McClure, Mary Jane Thornton, and Thelma Watts at this time of loss. Thank you for your prayerful support of our neighbors.