Ready for the Coastal Three-Dayers

One of the colorful signs in historic downtown

The upcoming Labor Day weekend got me thinking about everyone who will have Monday off from work. And everyone who won't.

Living in a coastal town for almost two months has taught me that when everyone else is off, many locals are hard at work. And those of us who aren't going to a job this weekend have work of another kind -- company's coming.

The local barber wants you to visit.

Grocers, barbers, fishing guides, golf course grounds keepers, hotel stewards and liquor sellers have been preparing for days for the out-of-towners, most whom will be arriving within the next 24 hours. Neighbors ask, "who's coming in this weekend over at your house?" In our case, my dad and stepmother. They're great, and they are staying in a hotel. I think they prefer not sharing a bathroom with our 10-year-old son. When our daughter asked why, I explained. She said, "Aw, come on." Then I asked her, "well, do you want to share a bathroom with your brother?" Not even a 13-year-old wants to share the latrine with a 10-year-old boy. Case closed.

One of the old murals in downtown.

Since this is our third set of guests in six weeks, we have quickly developed the "go to" list of entertainment options noting variations for age, likes and dislikes, and abilities. This weekend, the "boys" are going fishing. Us "gals" will hit the art galleries. The bar has been stocked and the fresh shrimp bought. Last night, much to the kids' opposition, we made them shower and wash their hair. "So your grandparents won't confuse you with the shrimp," I told them.

When Tuesday arrives, the entire town will let out a collective sigh. It will once again return to the sleepy town by the bay. That is until Thanksgiving and the arrival of the Winter Texans.

Wondering if I should buy some crab too?

The Wondering Texan