Eating The Big Frog In August
I cut the grass Saturday morning.
I made it the first thing I did. I ate the big frog, as the getting-things-done gurus suggest, and went outside and did it.
The lawn mower and I battled the dew-soaked high spots and eventually came out victorious. It only took twice as long as it should have, but that was my fault for letting the grass get so high.
Still, it felt good to knock it out and put it out of my mind for another week.
Otherwise, it would have taken its usual seat on the carousel of dread as I waited for a cooler time to do it.
Newsflash: It’s August. There is no cooler time to cut the grass unless you do it by the light of the moon.
And you’ll still sweat.
We’re in that weird spot of summer where it has culturally ended, but physically hasn’t. School has started. Vacations are over. Even the pool has lost its appeal.
Mentally, many of us have moved on to fall. But nature has not received the memo.
People are trying to will pumpkin spice and fall decorations into existence, but the calendar still says August. The weather is exactly as advertised.
Next to January, August might be the longest month of the year.
But no amount of pumpkin spice will make fall arrive faster. The only way out of August is through it.
Sometimes that means accepting the heat, eating the frog and cutting the grass anyway.
Fall is coming. Cooler mornings are coming.
But first, we have to finish August.
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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)
🫶 BELMONT COFFEE SHOP CONTINUES COLOMBIAN RELIEF COLLECTION
Following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia, Jade and Elise Obsidian Coffee Co. is collecting relief supplies. Adult diapers are urgently needed, while bottled water is not accepted. Donations may be dropped off at 7005 Wilkinson Blvd., Suite D, in Belmont.
🎨 ART, HISTORY AND LOCAL FLAVOR AWAIT IN DALLAS
Go Gaston NC recently profiled Downtown Dallas as a place where a quick visit can easily become a full day. The suggested itinerary includes the Gaston County Museum of Art & History, the historic town square, local restaurants and shops, and nearby Dallas Park.
🥃 SIP, SAVOR AND TOUR MUDDY RIVER FOR A CAUSE
Experience Muddy River Distillery through a guided rum flight, paired small bites and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Mount Holly. Tickets are $45, with proceeds supporting Carolina Caring’s patients and families. Purchase your tickets today! ($)
🐱 FIREFIGHTER SAVES KITTEN FROM LOWELL STORM DRAIN
Lowell Firefighter/EMT M. Gut climbed into a tight storm drain after hearing a cry for help. His training, determination and compassion paid off as he reached the trapped kitten and brought it to the surface, proving that every life matters.
Gastonia’s Artie Beaty took his chocolate chip cookie recipe to Wrigley Field after reaching the final three in the Chicago Cubs’ national contest. He finished runner-up but earned an endorsement from Cookie Monster, who wanted a glass of milk and more cookies. [The Gaston Gazette]
📰 QUICK BITES
🟡 Kings Mountain’s Patriots Park playground is now open, offering outdoor adventures for children ages 4-12.
🟡 Ground has reportedly been broken for a potential 7 Brew in Dallas, Gaston County’s first.
🟡 Mr. Lee’s fourth-graders at Pinewood Elementary in Mount Holly gave the first school day a five-star Yelp review.
Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.
THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST
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GO-SEE-DO GASTON
GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS (Upcoming Home Games)
Tuesday (8/18) - Charleston Dirty Birds @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (8/19) - Charleston Dirty Birds @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (8/20) - Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.
PLAN AHEAD
MAKE ’m SMILE North Carolina
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MAKE ’m SMILE is a free celebration for children and adults with special needs and their immediate families. Enjoy games, bounce houses, crafts, food, live entertainment, and more. Hosted by First Assembly of Gastonia and Nathaniel's Hope. More Details. ($)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
Veterans Coffee Connection
📍 Outback Steakhouse, Gastonia
⏰ 8:30 a.m.
Veterans of all ages and military branches are invited for free coffee, refreshments and messages from special guests. More Details.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
Caffeine & Conversation
📍 Dallas Historic Courthouse, Dallas
⏰ 9:30 a.m.
Meet Dallas business leaders, residents, stakeholders and public servants for coffee and conversation. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. More Details.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
Gardening Seminar: Selecting Healthy Plants
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 10-11 a.m.
Retired horticulture agent Paul Thompson shares what to look for when buying healthy plants to ensure long-term success in the landscape. More Details.
Charcuterie Workshop
📍 Dallas Tavern, Dallas
⏰ 6 p.m.
Grab your friends and learn how to assemble your own charcuterie board during this hands-on workshop at Dallas Tavern. More Details.
Live Music With Jade Moore
📍 Pita Wheel, Belmont
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
Head to downtown Belmont for an evening of live music featuring Jade Moore at Pita Wheel. More Details.
Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.
MY FAVORITE (GASTON) THINGS
(One local. A few of their favorites. Countless reasons to love Gaston County.)
This week’s favorites come from Alise Napp, a strategy and operations partner for creators, small businesses, and nonprofits. Alise has lived in Gastonia for three years.
(Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)
☕ Favorite Restaurant Nobody Talks About Enough | Tasty
“The best lattes in town by a mile, plus everything else on the menu (morning or night) is always delicious!”
🌿 Favorite Family Activity | Daniel Stowe Conservancy
“We enjoy the gardens year-round. My son adores the Adventure Trail, and I love sitting by one of the fountains with a book.”
📚 Favorite Small Business | Belmont Bookshop
“Exactly the vibes and friendly service any devoted reader like me wants from a local indie bookseller.”
🎄 Favorite Annual Event or Festival | McAdenville’s Christmas Lights
“We love to walk around town on a weeknight when the crowds are smaller, but the holiday magic is still abundant.”
🍕 Favorite Pizza Place | Stone Fired Social
“My favorite pizza is the Red Corvette. I’ll take one any day.”
❤️ Why I Love Gaston County:
"We love living close to all the activity in Charlotte while still getting a small-town feel for our day-to-day life in Gaston County."
SEE YA LATER, GASTON!
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