Ode To Payson

All the sentimental...ity has begun. I was driving through Payson a few days ago, and realized I have lived there longer than any other place my whole life. Kind of scary. The billboard as you drive into town used to say, "Come for a day, stay for a lifetime." I thought it sounded a bit threatening...

So, in honor of the place that has become my hometown, (does that make me a hick?) here is a "pome" and some pictures from the thriving metropolis of Payson, Utah.

"Come for a day, stay for a lifetime"

Sounds more like a threat than a welcoming tag line.

Yet somehow it happens, to people like me

We move in for a year, then two, then three...

You feel a strange yet urgent desire

To buy a pickup, then jack it up higher.

Ride your 4-wheeler to Wal-Mart for huntin' supplies

Grab yer best shotgun to shoot skeet with the guys.

Wranglers and boots just can't be beat, oh

For Friday night dinner at Mi Rancherito.

And I know no matter how far away I roam,

The smoke from the poop-plant will always welcome me home.

I could have done much better there if I didn't have a little person next to me saying, "Push that button, type XPTY, did you push that button yet?" Oh well- what're ya gonna do...

Here are the pictures:

Goodbye, generally hilarious Oil-N-Go sign. I enjoyed the last display of "New oil! Nom Nom Nom."

Goodbye, Polar Queen! You have slow service, strange hours, and fickle payment rules, but mmmmmmm, greasy delicious chips... pregnant Phyllis would thank you, too, if she were still with us.

Goodbye, Wal-Mart. I forgive you for not sponsoring my volleyball team- it was a lot cooler to have my OBGYN sponsor it, anyway. (Look, I got the flag in the picture, because what's more American than Wal-Mart?)

Goodbye, oh majestic "P" mountain. I wish you luck during this year's wildfire season.

Goodbye, Mi Rancherito! Just because I want maybe an Olive Garden or something to come to Payson doesn't mean I don't love you.

Goodbye, tiny library! Remember that time your computers went down and you had to re-catalogue all the books? Ah, fun times, fun times...

Goodbye, McDonalds! Well, I guess you'll follow us wherever we go. I'm not too excited about that, but the kids will be glad to see your British cousins.

Goodbye, Payson Pool! Hey, what was the deal with the lightning always shutting you down 2 seconds after we got there? Psh- lame!

Goodbye, fountain drinks! You may be the hardest of all to leave behind. (sigh!)

Well Payson, there you go! It's been a good 6 years. We'll be back!