Taillight Season


Why do perfect strangers feel it is proper to grill perfect strangers with questions that would seem inappropriate anywhere else? Recently there was an article in the New York Times that asked a similar question; Subjects of questions that would make the questioner an asshole in any other part of our country? One of the subjects was 'how much do you pay for rent.'


Okay, I get it! New York strangers are afraid they are getting screwed on their rent so it's okay to get that personal with other newly acquainted New York strangers. Everybody knows New Yorkers from the 5 boroughs are pushy.

But why do so many mid-westerners ask so many inane questions? Are they hopeful they may run into a long lost relative of a grade school classmate? “Where are you from,” usually is accompanied with, “nobody is from here!” And why do they get offended when a question is asked in return, “How would that information benefit you?”

Another one is, “How can you stand NOT having seasons?” When I explain that Florida definitely has seasons like Summer, not Summer, January and Tourist season they scoff. In addition, Semi-annually there is headlight season and taillight season for the snowbirds. Headlight season in the Fall and taillight season in the Spring.

That usually elicits the response, “So you are one of the locals who don't like having us here?” To the contrary, I explain, it's like buying a boat. The happiest days in a boater's life is the day he/she buys it and the day she/he sell it. I'm blessed twice a year to gleefully see snow birds come and go!

Nearly a quarter of the “Dead End Canal Yacht Club” are snowbirds. That used to be the reverse but age and wisdom have flipped the membership. I don't wish that the northerners would drive south and deposit a large bag of cash on the top of the 'Sky Bridge' and then turn around and go home.


No, not me! I truly enjoy chatting with strangers but I'm not enamored with their questions, their ability to make left hand turns or their lack of speed. So, as I watch the taillights disappear up I-75 I will feel a twinge of sadness to see them go and for the poorly run business' who will fail before they return.

 This blog/column is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Do not read while operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Keep sending those great questions and comments! (Contact) boatguied@aol.com


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