My Thoughts About Sparta by Blake Evelyn

     Hi! My name is Blake and I recently moved to Sparta, NJ from Long Island, NY. I know that because I have lived on LI for so long, I have been blinded by some of the things that are different there from other places because I grew up with it. I believe the same would go for those who have lived in Sparta for majority, or the entirety of their life. I want to write this blog so that I can share the obvious differences I have observed in the last year of being here.

    One thing that is different for sure is the amount of snow NJ gets. Moving here, I knew Sparta in particular was in the middle of a snow belt, but the sheer amount of feet of snow that falls here is nowhere NEAR the yearly amount on Long Island. I, for one, was not prepared for how much snow I had to shovel, and was shocked when I opened the door and was greeted by two feet of snow. Because of this, I am now DREADING the winter time. 

    Another huge thing I have observed is the casual conversations about the animals here. Whenever I meet someone new, the conversations of bears seen, or possums roaming around houses is never avoided. People never seem off-put when they mention how they open their garage to be met by a 8-foot tall black bear. They say it like they found an unexpected package on their front porch and always have to reassure me when they see the look or pure bewilderment on my face. I honestly do not think I will ever get used to hearing about animals here. I went on a walk the other day and one of my neighbors rolled down their car window and said to me "Hi! Just to let you know there is a fox roaming around the community. Sometimes dogs go crazy when they see them so beware!" After she said that she smiled and drove away. I was frozen in place. Dogs go crazy?! I was more worried about myself going crazy! Mind you, I have literally never seen a fox, possum, bear, etc. before. I think I've only seen a couple deer far away when I was living in New York. Now when I walk out of my house I don't doubt I might just see a deer staring right back at me! 

    One last thing that has stunned me since moving here is the insane number of bugs I see during the summer. I always make the joke to my friends and family that I feel like we moved to Australia because of all the bugs that have been lurking in the bathroom. I think in one day alone, I killed 4 spiders, 3 wasps, and 1 dragon fly. In the span of June to August, dragonflies in particular have made a home for themselves in my bathroom. And they don't even pay rent! So rude, right?! I definitely think next summer I will have to make all the insects sign a written agreement that if they want to live in my home, I better be getting first and last month's rent before they dare stick their antennae through the door.

Anyway, thank you for listening to my mini rant observations I have gotten since I moved here. I can't say I will be staying if I see a bear anywhere within 1,000 feet of me, but I do enjoy it so far. 

- Blake Evelyn (Soon to be insect landlord)