Panic attack!

Posted 8/21/12

Ever have one? I do, from time to time, being the delicate little flower that I am. Sometimes I have bad dreams that cause me to break out in a cold sweat in the wee hours before dawn. Often it’s …

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Panic attack!

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Ever have one? I do, from time to time, being the delicate little flower that I am. Sometimes I have bad dreams that cause me to break out in a cold sweat in the wee hours before dawn. Often it’s worrying about getting the bills paid on time, or how I’m going to juggle my schedule and find a way to make everyone happy (including myself) as I careen throughout the Upper Delaware River region in search of entertainment, education and the intellectual (who, me?) stimulation that awaits ‘round every corner. As the weather warms, the trees bud and the bears leave their dens in search of low-hanging bird feeders, all hell seems to break loose, and every once in a while (like today) I just lose it.

There were plenty of opportunities over the last few days to get outside, although Mother Nature was a bit schizophrenic, and it was difficult to predict how she would preside over events like the 2016 Allyson Whitney 5k walk/run held last Saturday in Kauneonga Lake, NY. The organization’s mission, “To award young adults with rare cancers ‘life interrupted grants,’” is a noble one, and the event, which raises much-needed funds and awareness, has become a Mother’s Day weekend staple. It draws hundreds of participants who run (or walk) the course in conjunction with raffles, merchandise booths, a picnic and awards ceremony. It’s all “in love and memory of Allyson Whitney Strong,” who “dreamed of a day where she could help others in [her] situation.” A foundation (www.allysonwhitney.org) was formed in her honor, and the aforementioned grants provide young adults battling rare cancers with financial assistance. Although it was raining when the race began, by the time first-place winner Tim Billias crossed the finish line (clocking in at 18:03), the clouds had parted and the sun was shining down on the hundreds streaming in behind him. Wiping the camera’s lens, I managed to capture some of the day for posterity. You can view the photos at www.facebook.com/theriverreporter and share them with your friends and family.

Yet another Sullivan County tradition was gearing up across town (www.monticellocasinoandraceway.com) as ThunderBash 11 was about to take the Delaware County Fair stage by storm, whether it was raining or not. Prior to the bash itself, I had a momentary panic attack, realizing that by the time I had arrived, The Shots & The Bergen County Firefighters Pipe Band had already begun to light up the place. Appropriately, it has a unique brand of red-hot music featuring bagpipers and smoking musical numbers unlike any other. As hundreds filtered in after dropping off their Sullivan County Food Pantry donations, the grandstands filled and Tony Jackson opened the show. He was followed by Nashville’s crazy-attractive couple of the year (www.daveandwhitney.com), who sounded fantastic and sing together seamlessly, causing my poor heart to flutter a little, attack not included.

Following the singing heartthrobs, local boys-make-good Somerville hit the stage, and judging by the screams in the audience, these guys still make the ladies swoon too. They belted out some of their top sellers and a new song or two before 40 lb. Head (can’t make these things up!) took the reins with their brand of “dynamic, professional, polished musicianship from a bunch of good looking, charismatic fellas” (their words, not mine)—but these guys, who are based in PA, rocked the house.

The description provided by www.allmusic.com of the ThunderBash headliners summed it up nicely before I met the guys: “With titles like ‘Rockin the Beer Gut’ and ‘In My Next Five Beers’, it shouldn’t take long to figure out that Nashville-based trio Trailer Choir sing of good times, better whiskey and the best American nightlife.” Lead singers “Butter” and “Big Vinny” were so wildly entertaining that (IMHO) this year’s bash was one of the best ever, in spite of the fact that all of the acts clamored to meet the Wonder Dog, who got a shout-out from the stage by the crew of Thunder 102. I don’t recall hearing my name above the hooting and hollering for my better half. I was too exhausted to stay for the after-bash, which starred Iron Cowboy, featuring Cathy Paty, performing in the Lava Lounge downstairs. But I hear that as always, they delivered a solid set (or two) of classic country while folks danced the night away.

I panicked a little when I realized that my four-legged assistant has overshadowed me by far, but nowhere near as far as the planet Mercury, which I had heard would be transiting the (brightly shining) sun on Monday. Accordingly, I made my way to Livingston Manor, where science teacher Paul Favata was holding court outside the school with his 10th- and 11th-grade earth science students. He had a filtered and high-powered telescope, enabling the kids to actually observe the planet crossing the sun. For once, the students were more interested in the astronomical wonder than the Wonder Dog—although following the demonstration, she did get a few pats on the head, while I panicked over wondering whether I’d live long enough to see Mercury do it again in my lifetime.

Thanks to Lisa Lyons (www.morganoutdoors.com) for bringing this celestial event to my attention and to the school for allowing us to participate. It’s moments like this when I realize how tiny a speck we are in the universe (cue panic attack) and how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. I had better calm down. Summer is just around the corner.

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