Yesterday was the kick-off day for Holiday Shopping Spree 2006. Not that successful – I admit. Traffic was a bit hairy in the Flowood/Brandon area. I had a doctor’s appointment that was two hours too long – apparently, the doctor’s felt the need to bring the holiday spirit into their office – by adding long lines, waits and crowded quarters for all involved. I’ve never seen lines that long to check out of a doctor’s office. Ridiculous. But that’s a rant for another day.
So, with my shopping time cut short, and an appointment 30 minutes away in Raymond, Mississippi in one hour, I decided to find my way towards Raymond instead. I did arrive in town early to find some refreshment and respite from my traffic nightmare. Raymond is a small town about 10 miles south/southwest of Jackson, Miss. and home to Hinds Community College, the largest of the state’s community colleges. Raymond is the historic county seat of Hinds county, but government proceedings have long past been moved into the capital city of Jackson.
What I found in Raymond was a small community vibrant and determined to maintain and develop a high quality of life. The recently reworked town center created a town square around an old-fashioned water tower with new bricked sidewalks across the roads, curb extensions and terrific gardens everywhere including dramatic blooms under the water tower in the center. Just off the Square, I discovered the historic Hinds county courthouse – a stunning representation of Greek Revival architecture and purely Southern in its beauty and pristine maintenance. I was wowed. I found a great looking corner in town with a pretty window display and good looking exterior. I was wooed by the flowering plants and a nearby Garden Club garden that made the corner particularly attractive. I parked and walked to the door. Hmmm…it was locked or shut. I knocked. (I’m persistent.) I peaked through the door – it looked like retail. But alas, no one came to the door, and this explorer’s exploring nature was stamped out for the moment. How discouraging that such a cute town doesn’t have a business open.
Well, I’d wasted enough time, and it was time for me to visit my appointment. My experiences today were highlighted only by the discovery of Raymond. I hope that I can learn more about Raymond’s rebirth and go back to report more on the reason’s to stay longer than fifteen minutes – I have a feeling they are there.
Now, if I could just get a little shopping done.
