The sweet first taste of summer

Remember Scrooge and Cratchit? Today, at a business near you, a wintry Christmas Eve in London is about to be played out North Idaho style in May.

Employees will leak from the workplace like a faucet on the fritz.

Those who stick around are more likely to be hardly working than hard at work. Maybe they’ll get participation points, anyway.

When the clock finally strikes 5 today, will anybody but the boss be around to hear it?

Spring, schming: Summer is in the air. It’s an aroma like perfume to North Idahoans, a window opening to the Great Outdoors, which has never been more eagerly anticipated after an almost endless winter of being shut up indoors.

Maybe just this once, Mr. Scrooge can look the other way.

While the multitudes flock to the hills — and lakes — and rivers — and forests — the rest of us “stuck” here aren’t complete losers. We might drive amidst a pleasant final calm before the summer storm of traffic erupts. Going out for a nice meal at the last minute? Maybe the host or hostess won’t look at you sideways when you admit that you do not, in fact, have reservations. If a picnic at one of the area’s many nice parks is the plan, there’s even a good chance you won’t have to arm wrestle for a table or blanket space.

While Memorial Day weekend is the thrilling if unofficial start to summer in these parts, it’s easy to follow the scent of sizzling steaks or the allure of sparkling water to make us forget what this time is really about. More than unpacking shorts and T-shirts, camping and hiking, grillin’ and chillin’, this weekend is a time to remember those who sacrificed so much — just so we could unpack, camp, grill and basically bask in the best North Idaho has to offer.

In addition to giving your quiet and respectful thanks, you can make a tangible gesture of appreciation by supporting the VFW Post 889 Poppy Drive Fundraiser this weekend. The drive helps local veterans in need — and there are, alas, many who fit that bill.

If you’re able, stop by and donate at any of the following locations today through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Fred Meyer, Black Sheep Sporting Goods, North 40 and Super 1 Foods.

And please thank those selling poppies for their service.