Reviews

Gone to Sea

7/14/2012

Photo by the Passenger in the Back

When I took the no-brainer buyout last December, I talked about watching the wheels go round and round. Instead, I’m watching waves.

Two years ago my wife bought me another perfect present, an inflatable kayak from Sea Eagle. Pumps up with a pedal in 10 minutes. Seats two. All I need is company up front.

This week Grandchild No. 5/5 and I paddled across the bay to inspect a mcmansion at West Egg. We glided through a school of baby blues (you should see them jump when they are fully grown in September, I told her), and watched a gent in a motorboat cut his engine politely when he reached the No Wake sign. I pointed out the Bronx and New Rochelle past the north end of the bay and we talked about the Huguenots who settled there. We watched the afternoon flights heading toward JFK.

After an hour, I told her to navigate toward the dock and the beach. The kayak deflated and was easily stuffed in the back of the car.

The summer is young.

Ed Martin link

7/15/2012 04:33:47 am

this delightful story led me to post a comment and link on my Facebook page and lo, my friend Gil Weiner replied with high praise and a note that you were the only writer (sports) that he ever felt moved to write to and you replied generously and at length. That, as you know, was my experience as well. Ciao. Ps. Know the bay.

George Vecsey

7/15/2012 05:35:36 am

thanks. contract with readers remains a joy, in my occasional columns in the NYT or on this site. I'd love to use this site for a forum with the great bunch of friends I made via the NYT gig. GV

Darren Danks

7/15/2012 08:33:52 am

Three days ago, I found one of your books, "A Year In The Sun", in excellent condition, sitting all by its lonesome atop a cinderblock fence.

I must say, that this is one of my greatest "finds", ever.

Though hearing of you, as well as reading a column here and there (yes, I know, George -- apologies are most certainly in order!), being originally from California, I have never gotten a full grasp of your wonderful insights.

As now a proud resident (I would actually prefer "Citizen"!) of New York City, I guess the most heartfelt and accurate words that I can share with you are these: Thank you for being who you are, George -- and thank you for being here, and doing what it is that you do. It is the Rare folks like you in this life, that I run into from time-to-time, that re-instill what little faith that I generally have in human beings.

Thank You, George. You are truly an "American Treasure".

Brian Savin

7/17/2012 03:23:47 am

Now put the book back on the fence!

George Vecsey

7/17/2012 07:47:03 am

That is true. Books are great for balancing shelves or chairs or whatever.
Thanks so much to Mr. Danks for that lovely note. I felt such a bond with readers after years of writing a column that I am trying to keep the dialogue here. While newspapers are inexplicably cutting back on voices of sports columnists, this medium allows me to keep the same persona. I am honored to hear from you. Please let me know when I sound like an idiot, too. I have enjoyed critical e-mails from smart readers. GV

Alan Rubin link

7/18/2012 08:30:36 am

George,

A peaceful setting that makes one wish to be sitting in the back seat!

Darren---You should eventually read all of George’s books, particularly the ones about Appalachia. “One Sunset a Week” is about a coal mining family and their strength of character against all odds, particularly the irresponsible titans who own the mining companies.

The “Coal Miner’s Daughter” about Loretta Lynn should be heard as it is read by Sissy Spacek. It is like talking to Loretta.

Ed—--I’ve followed George ever since his columns began appearing in the NYT about thirty years ago. I emailed him with some comments about a series that he did leading up to and during the 1999 Women’s Soccer World Cup, both about the tournament and the Woman’s National Team. I assumed that his email was listed so that he would receive feedback. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a response and we shared our thoughts throughout the World Cup. He still responds to this day.

I proceed with the assumption that journalists encourage emails to obtain a sense of our thoughts, so that they are not operating in a vacuum. Since they have busy schedules and a large volume, I do not expect them to respond.

George is an exception and his replies are considered a bonus.

Darren Danks

7/21/2012 06:52:38 pm

Good call, Alan. I will definitely do that. You were reading my mind. As someone who has strong connections to the Occupy Movement, the plight of the miner is very near and dear to my heart.

Thank you for such a great suggestion.

Brian Savin

7/18/2012 09:12:11 am

Dear George,
This line professes your wonderful marriage:
<<Two years ago my wife bought me another perfect present, an inflatable kayak from Sea Eagle. Pumps up with a pedal in 10 minutes. Seats two. All I need is company up front. >>

Five years ago, I suggested to my wife that we should get a kayak. She smiled and agreed and bought me two -- each singles. I asked why not just a kayak for two? She simply smiled.....

George Vecsey

7/18/2012 09:16:33 am

good point. actually, we have two hard-shell kayaks, single (used to stuff tiny grandchildren in the front, but they have outgrown THAT)
They glide better....are the real thing...but the double is great fun for adult and kid...GV

Charles in Absecon

7/20/2012 08:57:19 pm

If you have a better day than that, or even just a better hour, for the rest of the year, you must write about it.
I'm a relentless optimist, but even I would say that seems unlikely.

George Vecsey

7/21/2012 04:56:00 am

Charles, you are a triple-threat today. I consider it a challenge...
GV.

diablo 3 gold link

8/20/2012 10:29:58 pm