The People of the Valley

It’s Saturday in Osprey, FL and the sun is setting over the Gulf Inter-Coastal Waterway, which is off our stern. Once again I’m reminded of one of my dad’s many stories, “The People of the Valley”.

Some time ago, two men were transferred by their employer to a new town in a valley far from where they had both worked for many years. Each of them was a little bit worried about their new surroundings. As the first man crested the top of the hill leading down into this new valley, he pulled over and got out of the car to look at his new community. As he got out of the car he noticed an elderly gentleman sitting on his porch enjoying the sunset.

On an impulse, the traveler asked the gentleman what the people of the town were like? Without missing a beat, the old man answered, “What were the people like in the town you just came from?” The traveler explained that this was his big worry! His old community was filled with people who were wonderful! It was only because this move was such a tremendous promotion, that he even considered leaving all of those loving people. The old codger smiled and said, “I’m happy to tell you that you are moving to a new town filled with the same kind of wonderful, caring, people who will welcome you with open arms!” The traveler got back in his car and happily proceeded to his wonderful new home!

By strange coincidence (I think it’s called literary license!), not long after, the second transferred man stopped in the very same spot as the first man. Spotting the old guy on his porch, he too asked what the people of the valley were like? Once again the response was, “What were they like where you came from?” “Just terrible,” the man shouted! “Mean, petty, unfriendly, and just downright hateful!” The old fellow on the porch shook his head and told him that the people of the valley were just like the last group, or possibly even worse!

Turns out the people living around Osprey are mostly from that first group of valley folks! Our first caring citizen is Turk our boat broker. Long after the sale was finalized he continues to check on us to make sure that we are getting our needs met. It was Turk who was finally able to connect us with Richard from Beacon Mobile Marine, the Caterpillar mechanic sent from Heaven. Richard has been able to get our twin diesel beasts purring like lap cats!

Tom at, Osprey Woodworks has become our go-to-guy for the trim pieces needed to complete our aft deck enclosure. And speaking of enclosures, no words of praise would be complete without mention of Canvas John. John has restitched all of canvas, made removable screens for all of the aft windows, and is reupholstering our dining room booth (settee) to match our new leather couch.

This beehive of activity is taking place at Casey Key Marina, managed by Dockmaster Dave, as kind and gentle a man as you’d ever want to meet. Just today he gave us a gift of a jar of homemade pepper jelly, made with Habanero peppers grown in his own garden. An almost endless supply of parts and a never ending quantity of knowledge has been provided by Rick & Regina at R & R Yacht Services.

We have gotten to know a little about each of these individuals. They all have stories - some sad, some weird - all unique. They have not only helped us with our needs, but helped us understand that they too are “People of the Valley.” None of them will ever replace the friends we left back in California , but each of them has reminded us that love is everywhere in the “Valley” if we only look for it!