There is nothing more gorgeous or exciting than a Western New York summer. Lake Erie days, patio nights, fresh fruits and vegetables, the pure exhilaration of shaking off the heavy cloak of winter.
But these days it's still a long way from the beach to Buffalo. A plane will carry me back tomorrow, but the airmile estimation has no correlation to the actual distance.
St. Simons is a barrier island, somewhat protected from hurricanes by the natural bent of the Carolinas-to-Florida coastline which makes this the westernmost place on the eastern shore. Our distance from the Gulf Stream cuts the bounty of seashells on our beaches.
But still the tourists comb, most eventually settling on purchasing their beach finds in the village shops.
My fourth grade science fair project reminds me that the best-selling shells are not native to this area -- but they are pretty.
Top sales are the elegant, chambered univalves.. the exotic one-piece units with the pointed bottoms and swirled tops. So symetrical, so perfect, so complete.
The bivalves (think in terms of your common clam or oyster) are not nearly as appealing. Two hinged pieces are necessary to create a basic home.
I saw the lightly scoured bivalve bins in the village the other day and recognized the two unhinged pieces of my home... my job and extended family in Buffalo... my home-husband-and-daughter in St. Simons in until our home sells.
I never imagined myself jealous of a mollusk, but those univalves don't know how good they have it.


Copyright 2005 Judi Griggs