The water tower.

I’ve always loved water towers. Maybe it’s because I’ve always loved small towns and water towers are the beacons of small towns, but I can’t look at one and not feel like it’s calling me closer.

For years, Mr. Mom and I have made annual treks to Colorado. Though some would say western Kansas is an austere landscape, I have long enjoyed this part of our drive simply because the archipelago of water towers compel me westward.

Now that I live across the street from Mayberry’s water tower, I can’t help but think of them as personal homing devices. No matter where we are in town, the kids and I need only look skyward to pinpoint home.

Here’s the view of our water tower from the Mayberry Golf Course.

The water tower.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Our red-hatted tower stands tall and proud and I can spot it from points over all town. After we first moved to Mayberry two years ago, I was worried Parker would get lost on his long bike excursions. When I voiced my worry, I shouldn’t have been surprised he told me he navigates by the water tower.

Here’s the view of the tower from my driveway:

Some folks might find it too imposing -- or unsightly -- for a front-porch view. But I consider it a community landmark, not unlike a courthouse or a town square or a train depot. As stately or as charming as those structures can be, they don’t call me home like my lofty steel signpost -- my Mayberry monument to home.

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Curious Postscript: Oh, there’s just one thing. Can anybody tell me how I can live right next to the water tower and still have low water pressure? Just once in my life I want a shower that flows like a fire hose.