We're back at White Flower Farm
For many of us Labor Day is the last of summer, back to school and an opportunity for one more day at the beach. But for many it's just another work day. There were many times in my working career that Labor Day and just about every other holiday was a working day. When I was a waitress in college, I was one of the summer replacements, there to work while the regular employees took vacations. I knew that I'd work Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day. That was the job and I knew it wasn't permanent. I'd soon be back at school and I'd have weekends and holidays to enjoy again.
But throughout the forty years of full-time employment that followed I worked just about every holiday. It wasn't every holiday, every year, but it was several (or more) every year. This was especially true when I worked for the agency that runs the buses and subway system in New York. The subways and buses run 24 hours a day, every single day, and people work all of those hours, every day.
Now that I'm retired time has a different meaning and I don't especially think about weekends and three day weekends, though I loved three day weekends when I was working. As Lady Grantham said in Downton Abbey, "What's a weekend?" I haven't become a member of the aristocracy, but I'm fortunate not to have the rigid schedule I had while I was working. Very fortunate.
I deeply appreciate those who labor on holidays and weekends. I'm thinking of the gardener at White Flower Farms who used the garden hose in the photograph. I'm thinking of the bus driver who provided transportation today on my trip to the gym, and the staff at my favorite health food store who directed me to xanthan gum. I might have been wandering hours without their help. Thanks to all, seen and unseen, who labor when many of us are enjoying a perfect end of summer day, or Thanksgiving or Fourth of July.
As ever, thanks for visiting. Here's to a sweet September!
7 comments
Hi Carol ! Great post! Those of us who work (and who have worked) make this great nation what it is! Have a good week.
Yes, since we are both retired, the weekends don't really mean anything anymore. Neither do most holidays. Lovely photo with such a beautiful sky!
I appreciate how thoughtful and grounded this post is. You honor the everyday workers who often go unnoticed, and it really makes me reflect on all the effort behind the scenes in our daily lives.
I've been lucky to work where they gave us this day off. I hate to see summer end, but it does signify the end of summer for many. And many parks and tourist spots close down after this date. I too am thankful for this who work the holidays, especially our military who never get holidays off.
I, too, am so grateful for those who work on holidays for our benefit. So glad to be retired, though. Have a great week, Carol!
More lovely photos.
A sweet September to you as well.
This was a thoughtful post to recognize all those who have worked and continue to work on holidays.
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