…the more they stay the same.

I just got back to the city after being in my hometown for 2 weeks. I’ve been back home for this amount of time before since I’ve lived in NYC but this time was a bit more nostalgic for some reason. I grew up in a pretty small town where if a building gets taken down or something new goes up it’s pretty noticeable. It seems like something has changed a little here and there every time I go home these days, which has been great to witness. I love my hometown and it deserves to grow and improve. That being said there are also things that haven’t changed a lick and it warms my heart.

Like the local diner that still only takes cash. Who’s booths are the same as they were when we went there in high school for breakfast before class

Or the abandoned parking lot where my high school bf and I parked to make-out after prom

The house that my best friend grew up in with the fridge in the garage that has more beverage options than most convenient stores. Only they’re a little more adult oriented now

Bismarks and Pink Stripe Cookies from Ecklof’s Bakery

The barn on the farm I grew up on is still standing, large as ever

Having a Rocker and sitting on the porch of The Lenhart Hotel while you gaze at the lake.

The floor of Poppop’s sun room is the best place to lay down after a big lunch

Wegmans

The smell of fresh cut grass on a back country road

All the little hole-in-a-wall places to get delicious chicken wings

But most importantly, the people. There are still so many people that I love in my hometown and that’s really worth the trip. I don’t always get to spend as much time as I’d like to with each of them, but I do try to make what time I have count.

I know change is inevitable and necessary. But this time around I was so glad to see that some things have remained the same.