Back when I was a young adult, an old song had the refrain, “Don’t tell me there’s nothing to do.”

The singer was doing things like counting flowers on the wall. Since most people no longer have floral wallpaper, we must look outdoors for pastimes.

When I complained about my lack of athletic ability recently, someone suggested I try disc golf. My old Frisbee partner long ago crossed the Rainbow Bridge and I hadn’t thought about it.

I learned about the disc golf course in Alamosa and one about three miles northwest of Capulin on Conejos County Road 6. The CannaPower Educational Foundation is holding a disc golf tournament from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2. There’s an admission charge and there’s more going on than just golf. Live bands are booked, food is arranged, activities will keep the children busy and it will be a fun time.

The purpose of the gathering is not just for fun or athletic competition in an environmentally friendly new sport, but to raise funds to further the foundation’s mission, helping financially challenged people who are often in ill health to realize an improved life from medical marijuana.

It’s also a time to learn more about cannabis, to satisfy one’s curiosity. People who know me well are aware that I consider cannabis a medicinal herb. There’s a huge difference between cannabis sativa, or marijuana, and cannabinoids, which come from hemp. One cannot “get high” from hemp but its ability to treat ailments is proven.

Hemp and marijuana are cousins. Both cannabis, they have different uses and effects.

I cannot smoke pot. My first time led to a terrible panic attack during which I could have killed myself or someone else. I do use cannabidiol, however, as an ointment for the aches and pains of age, as well as capsules to relax at night.

Booklets provided by Shanna Jo Hobbs at her medicinal marijuana dispensary west of Alamosa amply explain the benefits of hemp and research shows that it can be used for paper, clothing, ropes and twine and so much more. Google it.

Overall, Labor Day weekend includes much more than this event. Alamosa will host the time-honored Early Iron Festival. Lovers of vintage vehicles are in Seventh Heaven here. In existence well past 30 years, it has shown the metamorphosis of vehicles. Cars that were brand new the first day of the event are now on display as classics.

Saturday, Sept. 1, is the big day, with cars parked in Alamosa’s Cole Park for the “Show and Shine.” Admission is free. That night, the vehicles will cruise through Alamosa.

Antonito will celebrate Saturday with its annual Labor Day events including a softball tournament which draws teams from Colorado and New Mexico, a free pancake breakfast, live music, vendors, singing and dancing – as well as the parade, which has grown over the years. It’s also an opportunity to show off the new heart of town government, the 1913 Warshauer Mansion, which was purchased by the town and modified for offices and meeting spaces without losing the charm that was originally built into it. Kudos to Town Administrator Rossi Duran, the city council and Mayor Aaron Abeyta for making it happen.

Without flowers on the wall, I think I’ll go out and enjoy what this amazing Valley has to offer.