We are down at the Manzanita, OR this week with my wife's family for their annual beach trip. It is beautiful down here and a great way to beat the heat from Portland.

Part of my routine is to wake up early and go down the the local store and get the paper. I am always amazed at the size of the paper (and for only $1.25 - what a deal!) I walked into the store to see a retired gentleman who introduced himself as Carl "the Candy Man". They call him that becauses he always hands out salt water taffy to all the patrons. Carl said, "Can I buy you a cup of coffee?" I was the only one in there and said, "Sure, that sounds great!"

He gave me a synopsis of his life story in the matter of 15 minutes. Carl was born in Vermont, a World War Two vet and made another two tours of action in SE Asia (his primary job was as weatherman for the armed services). He settled down and raised a family in Hermiston, OR (home of the watermelon in Eastern OR) where he retired in 1972. They moved to Manzanita where they purchased the only grocery store in town. He now just works on the weekend and putters around the rest of the week.

Sometimes, it is great to just slow down and take in what the situation offers you. I have always appreciated hearing stories from the aged wisdom in my community. And can you imagine walking into a Safeway or Albertson's store and having the manager offer you a cup of coffee and reminisce stories of your past?