Welcome summer! 

I know that the official start of summer isn't for a couple of weeks yet (that is, June 21), but thanks to the weather and the Memorial Day weekend, I feel like summer has finally arrived. And I'm loving it! 

I hardly remember last summer at all. I know my store was closed for a couple of months while we were trying to figure out this new pandemic thing, and when we reopened, everything was different. And we were not alone. Many other businesses shut down for a few weeks, some never reopened. My store did reopen with reduced days and hours, and we still have not fully recovered. I'm hoping this summer is better for us at my store, and for all the other businesses in Tehachapi that have been affected. 

Trips were planned but not taken last summer, get-togethers were canceled and not rescheduled for what turned out to be over a year. Pools were closed, activities on the rivers and lakes were curtailed. All sorts of local, state and national parks were either closed altogether or opened to reduced numbers of visitors. Campgrounds were closed. 

Typically in the summer I like to go to Las Vegas or Laughlin a time or two with my friend Willie, but we were not able to make that trip last summer, or last fall (or last winter, or even this last spring). We are talking about taking that trip again this summer now that things are finally opening up and I'm hoping for a trip to Laughlin to once again enjoy the river. 

I also like to visit the ocean, particularly the Central Coast, and while I've not got a plan for that yet, I know many other people have been able to venture out to Morro Bay and Cambria and Pismo – lucky them! Motels and restaurants are opening up again and summer beach activities are resuming, too. 

I've been watching a lot of college softball the last few weeks on TV (College World Series) and am happy to see real people in the stands cheering on their respective teams. All sorts of sports venues are opening back up and I can't wait to attend a baseball game or two in person. 

Around town here things are opening up as well. I'm one of the many who are really excited to see the Hitching Post Theaters open again for the big-screen theater experience. Watching a movie at home by myself on the TV is not the same as sitting in a theater with other movie lovers; too many distractions at home. Seeing a movie on the big screen, as it was meant to be seen, allows me to really get into the story being told and I've always enjoyed that type of escape. 

And while the curtain won't open until fall, the BeeKay Theater is being readied and the Tehachapi Community Theater is gearing up for another full season of live plays. I can't wait for that either!

It almost seems like there is more going on this summer than even a couple of years ago – Farmers Market is going on now, more concerts and music events  have been scheduled for the town, more wineries are open and presenting  not only their very own fine wines but entertainments, as well. A happy group of down-home musicians meets occasionally on the corner of Tehachapi Blvd. and Green Street and just plays for the sheer enjoyment of playing together once again, much to the delight of downtown shoppers. 

I even feel like I'm seeing more flowers around town than I usually do – and the trees seem fuller and greener and the sky seems bluer – but that may be because I'm feeling more optimistic and everything seems new and exciting as the world opens back up slowly but surely. 

I still wear a mask most of the time, especially when I'm in a store or other indoor setting, in spite of the fact that I am now fully vaccinated, but I'm out and about much more than I have been lately and it sure feels good. More places to go safely feels good. Seeing more friends and acquaintances feels good. The warm weather feels good.  

The promise of a real summer and all that that implies feels good.  

Happy summer to you all! 

© Marilda Mel White. Mel White, local photographer/writer and owner of the Treasure Trove, has always loved summer and has been looking on the bright side for various publications since 1996. She welcomes your comments at [email protected].