Ramsayings

We just got back from a lovely week in the Outer Banks. It was our fourth week-long stay. It’s like heaven on Earth. Mostly.

I’ll offer three quick ways to improve the experience:

• Cable TV. I don’t know what it is, but everyone seems to skimp on their cable package. I know it’s pricey, but it’s important to people who are spending any amount of time in a house. Maybe you don’t spring for HBO, but if you have an HDTV in the house, have an HD plan.
• Shopping. Is there any zoning in the Outer Banks? How many beach-related outlets does one municipality need? Wouldn’t it be better to have a better mix of shops? Helen pointed out how all the shopping seems to be in a race to the bottom right now. She’s not wrong.
• Food. It’s abysmal. There’s a reason everyone cooks at home. I’ve had the most overcooked fish in my life in OBX. Want to know what’s worse? BBQ. You’d think someone would have a well-regarded, family-run spot that people line up to eat. No such thing. Sooey’s and Pigman’s are decent, but I don’t spend the rest of the year looking forward to eating at those places. Could someone step up and fill the void?

Like I said, I always have a great time, but that’s mostly because I unplug from everything and just spend time with friends and family. It doesn’t mean that I have to treat the beach house like a hermitage. Give me a reason to go out and spend money, OBX!

I know many of you enjoy the start of football season. It conjures thoughts of fall: crisp air, sweaters, chili and Sundays with friends, huddled around the TV.

I love those things, too, but I feel like September baseball gets lost in the fray. It’s the perfect time of year for casual fans to get excited. You have a clearer sense of who’s good and who’s not, plus you jump into the mix just as the pennant races really heat up. Every game counts! And you can eat chili while you watch! And wear a sweater!

So if your team is, say, the Eagles and you’ve already given up on the season, give baseball a try. A friend can tell you about the players. It’ll be a lot of fun, even for diehard football fans. Trust me. Give it a chance. You just might like it.