Ames is a lot bigger than I always thought. I love the size of Hailey. When I go to the coffee shop the person at the check out already knows my name and face. I see people I recognize everywhere. I run into neighbors at the market. Strangers wave and say "Hi" all the time. Everyone is smiling. Last night we had trouble finding a place to park our bikes outside of the Wicked Spud (the beer and burger joint), because thirty-forty people rode. There is a huge bike community. Locals call themselves 5B'ers because all the Hailey license plates are 5B XXXX. Boise is A1XXXX, etc. 5B'ers pride themselves in being super pedestrian friendly. If you're standing on the sidewalk even thinking about crossing the road, all five lanes of State Highway 75 (which is Main St. through Hailey) come to a stop so that you can start crossing. So cool.
They are environmentally friendly too. Atkinson's (the market) encourages you to bring your own bag. Milk costs 5.00, and comes in a glass container, they give you 2.50 back when you return the container. Everyone has recycling bins they put out on garbage days. We recycle at the pool. There are even recycling bins at the post office, and everyone goes to the post office almost daily because mail is delivered to the PO Box instead of to the houses.
They are extremely dog friendly too. There are more dogs in Blaine County then there are children. Everyone is extremely conscientious of dogs being in the roads and paths. People pick up after their dogs. Dogs are everywhere and they are so well mannered and mellow.
Everyone loves the outdoors and are into being fit and active. They are not as much into dieting... but they run, hike, bike, swim, kayak, raft, on and on. The frame of mind people have is awesome. They travel and have lived many places. They are care free and enjoy the simplicity of life. They love other people and don't hold a lot of value on job titles or salary's. They are happy with their old pick up truck and mountain bike and just being. Towns in Idaho are like Summit County Colorado towns only less touristy. It is exhilarating and inspiring.
I'm not sure I want to hitch hike the country and back pack for months in Europe like some of the people we have met out here have. But I do want to be more of a traveler, to be adventurous, a little more spontanioius. I would like our kids to grow up in this kind of environment, with these kind of ideals, a little less tied to stuff, and willing to accept change.
Holly with Eric's help
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8 comments:
"When I go to the coffee shop the person at the check out already knows my name and face."
If you weren't so movie-star handsome, you wouldn't have that problem. Or that's what Holly says all the time, I'm sure.
Nice try, Paul... This was Holly's post. She might be movie star gorgeous, but we all know Tom's the only one giving me a run for my money in the "Uglier than Shrek" contest. :)
Hailey sounds so much like Boulder County! This town is super pedestrian-friendly too, and it seems that everybody has a dog and brings it everywhere with them. My editor brings his dog in to work every day ... I love it! And it seems like half the population are capital B Bikers -- these people are hardcore. I thought I was cool riding my bike to work 15 miles one way, but man ... these people do centuries like it's nothing! So awesome. I love it here! And it sounds like you love your area, too. Hooray for escaping the midwest!
HEY, NOW...I have it on good authority (my niece) that Shrek is kinda cute.
And compared to your wives, of COURSE you're going to look bad by comparison. That's why I only date ugly women.
Look, compared to your wives, of COURSE you're going to look like Frankenstein's monster by comparison. Cut yourself some slack (Well, OK, maybe you're right about Tom...)
Haley sounds awesome. But I have one question, what does "We recycle at the pool" mean? That kinda sounds unsanitary. hehe
"We recycle at the pool" means that they have blue recycling bins at the swimming pool, rather than just a big trash can that all goes to the landfill. City Hall works the same way. People here are just right... They take environmental stewardship seriously, without being enviro-whacko-hippies.
I think you should copyright the phrase "enviro-wacko-hippies." You seem to like it.
And I agree: I see no reason why environmental stewardship should make you allergic to soap, water, and regular grooming.
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