editor From the
dining room where Thanksgiving dinners were jovially celebrated and views of the river—all the way down toward the bridges—could take your breath away. I miss and often reflect upon those times—especially at this time of year. And I’m thankful for those memories. Again, I’m reminded of what makes this region so special for so many of us. In some way, I’m constantly trying to replicate those types of experiences for my own children. It isn’t always easy.
hen October winds blow into November, autumn’s chill settles in for winter residency, sunrises glisten on Chesapeake whitecaps, and sunsets heighten the bronze, amber, and crimson treetops, I know there’s no place I’d rather be than right here in Maryland’s middle. Living just outside of Annapolis proper, toward the upper reaches of the Severn River, my family and I feel lucky to enjoy just enough of the natural riches that are so abundant in our region. Weekend nature walks, with leaves playfully dancing toward the ground, offer a most reflective experience. So too, do short jaunts on the jon boat for the last rush of striper fishing before keeper-season ends in approaching December. Even a day without a bite feels like a win…if your head is in the right place. If you’re a waterfowl hunter, then your season is heating up this month. Usually, around 5 o’clock in the evening, I stroll to the mailbox for the day’s take and can smell the chimney delights from fireplaces of neighbors near and far—always a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, when families and friends would gather around the fireplace to share each other’s company. It reminds me of my grandfather’s welcoming home along the South River—a comforting, warm, and inviting space where holidays were annually spent in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s with extended family. A central fireplace was the de-facto gathering spot, just across from the expansive
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What’s Up? West County | November/December 2020 | whatsupmag.com
As we know all too well, there’s an exorbitant amount of noise and distractions these days. Just glance at the phone in your hand, turn on the television, open the laptop, or ask Siri/Alexa for the day’s news. Chances are, you may be disappointed in what you see and hear. Or distracted enough to miss the story your spouse or child is trying to share with you (I know I’m guilty as charged). Even if all of us can’t agree on, oh say, recent politics (by the time you read this, we may or may not have a new president), we probably can agree that this year has been exhausting in new and profound ways. So, how can we break free from the grip of everyday routine, COVID calamity, multi-media bombardment, and digital addiction? Take cue from author Bill Bryson and have a walk in the woods. Find a trail, create an adventure. Get back to nature for a morning or afternoon. Build a campfire in the backyard. Build some heat in the fireplace. Call an old friend or family member over for Thanksgiving supper. Talk, and talk some more. Slow down and bask in good company. Reminisce, while creating new memories. And thank the heavens for the good things in life—there’s a lot, if you take the time to look. And…if you’ve done all that, maybe give this magazine a read. I promise, it’s a good one.
James Houck, Editorial Director
