Why is everyone in such a rush?

| July 14, 2022

If you are even a casual observer of the human species, you can’t ignore the increased pace at which people are driving. Where are we all going – and why are we in such a rush to get there? Good driving habits seem to be decreasing at about the same level as politeness and courtesy. Despite all our technology – which I dare say is a factor in poor driving habits as people text and drive as if they can pay attention to both the road and the screen. And I can’t sit here and write this honestly without saying, yes, I have been caught up in cruising through an “orange” light or two at times or glancing at my phone.

And of course, I realize that it is not “everyone” that is in a rush – but at times it sure seems like it. We would all benefit by, as I think Dad used to say, “You gotta stop and smell the roses.” Or in our case here in Coshocton, stop and look at the beautiful flowers on Main Street, around town and the Three Rivers Bridge. They are wonderful! Wait! Don’t stop ON the bridge – that would not be safe. You can view them while driving at a reasonable pace across the bridge – that would be 35 mph. Thanks to all those that make these flowers possible and keep them thriving! The Coshocton Is Blooming organization and their volunteers deserve our appreciation once again this year for a job very well done. Thank You!

As this column has stated several times this year, there is a LOT going on in our community. New businesses are opening, other businesses are expanding, and the pace is – well, frantic. The fairgrounds is a flurry of activity this month with the recently concluded fireworks display, next up is the annual Rough Truck on July 16 and then a huge event over the weekend of July 22, 23 and 24 at the Rock Coshocton Motor & Music Festival. You can find out more details at www.coshoctoncountyfair.org.

And for those that follow the schedule, you know we are in the full swing of the “Ice Cream Social” summer blitz. Long a tradition of churches across the land, these typically summertime events are designed as both a fundraiser and a time of social gathering. Attending one of these functions assures a delicious meal of shredded chicken sandwiches (and in the case of one local church – turkey sandwiches!), coney dogs, sloppy joes, homemade noodles, pies, cakes and of course, ice cream. It’s the pie that draws me in. Those that have read my column over the years know that while I have my favorites; custard, pecan, strawberry and others – I have yet to find a slice of pie that can’t be eaten.

To wrap up this week’s column, we all know that inflation is hurting folks where it matters most, food and fuel. Other costs are also rising. Some are an almost silly percentage increase over the past few years. These things tend to cycle around occasionally, and we can play the blame game all we want to – that doesn’t change the reality though. Each of us needs to figure out where we can save a little bit – here and there adds up over the long haul.

Let’s keep our eye on the positives. We have many and I continue to say that we are blessed to live in Coshocton County, the state of Ohio and the good ‘ol U.S.A.!

Category: Mark's Musings

About the Author ()

Mark Fortune, along with his wife Nancy, is the former owner and founder of The Coshocton County Beacon, the highest circulated newspaper in Coshocton County. He has over 40 years in the publishing business with sales, marketing, and journalism experience. After selling The Beacon to the AloNovus Corp., in January 2020, Mark has been a Business Development Strategist with the company. They publish a network of weekly news publications with almost a half million distribution weekly, a quarterly tourism magazine and a digital division. Mark enjoys history, and has a passion for genealogy, currently researching and discovering his Fortune ancestry. He and his wife Nancy live on a small farm outside of Coshocton.

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