Signs....

I spend a lot of time reminding people what the speed limit is and telling them that they are going the wrong way. I find myself explaining the whys of the rules over and over. Most of the time I try to be patient and when I take the time to explain that if you come speeding into the campground you would be unable to stop if a child on a bicycle were to appear suddenly. Or maybe someone walking their beloved pet has a long leash and you might not see the little pet in time to stop.

Yes, most people are reasonable and realize that I didn't suddenly decide it would be fun to impose my rules on them. Some days, though, it just doesn't work that way. Some days you just encounter those disinclined to even try to see your point of view. I have learned these past five years to recognize those people before I even open my mouth. One such "gentleman" graced me with his presence this week. He came in the exit drive and was followed by a cloud of dust as he raced to the front of the building. He was driving a truck with a small camper tucked into the bed of the truck. I came out of the store to greet him (I wanted to point out to him that he was speeding, after all). "Hi, can I help you?" I say as I approach him. He jumps out of his truck scowling at me, "Yeah, I need some ice." he says. "Did you know that you were speeding?" I ask. "What?" he answers, only the tone of his voice made it sound more like 'whatever, lady, I don't really care'. See what I mean? Right away I already knew he was not going to like anything I had to say. But.... I repeat my question anyway and tell him the speed limit is 10; this prompts him to ask me "Then why does the sign say 35?". I look at him and wonder why I have to be subjected to such stupidity and take a deep breath. "Which sign?" I ask. "The one on the road." he answers. "You aren't on the road." I say. "Oh, you me mean in here? Why is it 10 in here?"

Perhaps I should have counted to ten and taken a good deep breath........... I didn't. "Because I say so and I own the place. The ice is $1.50 a bag and it is inside." I reply as I turn and walk back into the store. It felt good.

I have been painting signs all week . Last night one of my good campers who I have come to look forward to seeing brought a wonderful gift to me. She made a shirt....a custom shirt.....just for me. I am wearing it today and it embodies the essence of what I would want to impart to all those that I have to explain the rules to over and over again. I love it. And I love that Martha knows me that well. See, I have many wonderful people here that totally get me....and they follow the rules!

This the sign that lets you know you have followed the directions I gave you on the phone and found the park. I will be painting it again soon after a good power wash gets rid of all the peeling paint.

This is one of the existing signs we inherited when we bought this place. I added the one way sign, since this seems to be hard to understand. The one on top says that all visitors must report to the office....only one in ten actually do that. I will no doubt reword and paint that sign in more vibrant colors.

The sign that says 'enter next drive' was put up by love of my life and has been mostly ignored. I added the 'exit only' just yesterday and it is too soon to tell if this will actually work.......

The entrance sign is double sided so that it can be read from either direction. I confess that I had to paint the other side arrows twice. I had them going the wrong way. This sign should help a lot.

This sign has letters big enough to be read from the road. Yes, I know that 'propane' is not centered. I was on a ladder, okay. The bottom looks bad right now, but that area will be covered with gravel and a spotlight installed............ and I see a garden. Nothing too high to obscure the sign, but maybe some happy marigolds and Mexican daisies would like it there.....

The best deterrent for those inclined to fly through here have been the numerous speed bumps that have come to live here at my park, so to cover my liabilities I have posted this warning. If you choose to enter the park on the wrong side you will not see this and you might have a really rough ride. I confess that I enjoy seeing some people hit those bumps!

So few people stop at this sign, I suppose I should install an impressive bump here so that they will stop and read the speed limit.

If all these signs don't give you an idea of my expectations, then I suppose I will make more!