A front row seat and I couldn't get a good photo....he wouldn't stand still!
Prince Edward County like a lot of near rural areas across North America have become the haven of the newly retired who have had enough of their city life and want to return to the land. I am in that age category (60) but I have always known the country is what gives me peace and grounding. I realized a long time ago that we don't really own our land and our chattles own us, so I have always walked on the earth with a small foot print. When large numbers of boomers move to these small towns, they bring their multiple skills, money(if they still have any these days) and desire to have their city amenities in the country.
Picton was settled by United Empire Loyalists, early settlers loyal to the British Crown after the war of 1812. These early settlers were hard working farmers, shipwrights and skilled trades people who built a good and prosperous life on rich and fertile land here in the county. Their ancestors are still here.
I went to a concert tonight and before the concert I went out for dinner in one of many fine dining restaurants in Picton. This particular restaurant was full so I ate in their lounge along with about 20 others. There was much chatter and laughter shared with friends over good food and drink. I sat at the bar and talked with some locals. I left with most of the other patrons to walk the block on a beautiful spring evening to the "Monarch of Main Street", The Regent Theatre to see Murray McLauchlan in concert. The Regent is an old theatre that is maintained by a dedicated Foundation of Boomers who keep it busy with fine entertainment. It is a small intimate venue with only 348 seats. I was fortunate to get a seat in the front row just right of centre.
Murray McLauchlan is a great Canadian singer/songwriter who has written songs for many great singers. He is a great story teller and at over 60 he still has a beautiful voice and wonderful stage presence. We laughed, we cried and we brought him back on stage twice. When the concert ended I looked around the theatre and realized everyone, all evening looked just like me! At dinner laughter was over children and grandchildren and what is happening to investments....but the laughter was hardy. At the Theatre there were maybe a dozen people of the full house that were under the age of 55, we were all in our 50's, 60's, and up with varying shades of gray hair.
As Reya from The Gold Puppy posted in her blog the other day....this is a confusing time. We may be 50, 60, 70 something chronologically but in our hearts and minds we are still 20ish. It was such an unusual environment to be in and to experience....a town size mature retirement community! I'm not sure I'm ready for that......nevertheless I had a wonderful evening and enjoyed fine food, drink & conversation and songs I could understand and music that did not stress my ear drums!
