It is good to be home! We arrived late on Wednesday afternoon after spending a couple of days with dear friends in South Carolina. The days of travel and visiting served as a sort of decompression time for us.
We tried to sneak quietly into town, not having the energy for anything but getting into our own little safe haven of quiet and solitude. We had a close call when we stopped for milk and bread when someone from our community spotted us, but we were able to slip away with just a wave and a "Good to be back". We piled the few groceries on my lap (the car was packed to the roof) and drove the last 8 miles in eager anticipation of sleeping in our own bed.
Arriving home at dinner time with no interest in putting a meal together wasn't the best of plans. So we called Jack and Mary, who had been tending to our plants and feeding the birds, to join us at local Italian place for a chat and a good meal. Later, at our urging, they came home with us to sit on the back porch and sip wine. Simple, casual, and heavenly to enjoy the company of good friends, gentle breezes and the cry of the whip-poor-will. It is truly good to be home.
The following day, after unpacking the car, unpacking the bags and doing the laundry we felt it was time to venture off to see our friends. We enjoyed visiting with the staff at the Sales Center and then we headed to our new Club Peachtree, the huge amenities center that opened in our absence. Everywhere we went we got big hugs and warm greetings. It is so uplifting to have so many friends around us.
We spent a couple of hours being oriented to the responsibilities of working the front desk at Club Peachtree. Tom and I are jobsharing that part time position. Many of our co-workers have been covering our hours while we were away. We are so grateful for that. I am certain that we will be able to return the favor as others plan time away and need coverage.
On Friday night we treated the friends who looked after our house and sorted our mail to dinner at the Golf Club. It was like being at a wedding reception with all the table hopping to say hello. We knew most of the people in the restaurant, though so many people have moved here in the past two months that it is a wonder we knew anyone.
Yesterday was our first big social event at Club Peachtree. The Lifestyle Committee had planned an Memorial Day Barbecue and pool party (though the rain forced us indoors). I jumped right in and offered to help take tickets. Tom covered the front desk for a bit so the person on duty could come eat. Seems like we are already back in the groove.
Today I am joining a group of women for an outing to the local little theater for a production of Steel Magnolias. I loved the movie, but this will be far more interesting seeing it interpreted by Southern Belles for an audience of (mostly) the same. I am looking forward to a good time.
It is good to be home.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Gypsy Wagon
Just a quick note to say that we are on the road toward home. We left Albany late this morning with mixed emotions; the sadness of saying goodbye to family and the eager anticipation of getting back to a regular routine. Our car is stuffed with all necessities and accumulations that a 6 week trek affords. We truly look like a Gypsy Wagon.
Tonight we are spending the night just south of Richmond, Virginia. We are heading for Florence, SC where we will spend a couple of days with dear friends. It will be good to see them and it will be good to really relax for a bit. We should be arriving back in Griffin on Thursday.
We are looking forward to seeing all our friends and neighbors in Sun City Peachtree!
Tonight we are spending the night just south of Richmond, Virginia. We are heading for Florence, SC where we will spend a couple of days with dear friends. It will be good to see them and it will be good to really relax for a bit. We should be arriving back in Griffin on Thursday.
We are looking forward to seeing all our friends and neighbors in Sun City Peachtree!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Rx: Rest and Recreation
It is spring in Vermont. When we left NY a few days ago spring had firmly taken hold. Now, in the northwest part of Vermont, we are witnessing the bloom of spring all over again. Daffodils are gone but tulips are robust. Lilacs are swelling with fat buds. Some leaves are just beginning to unfurl and others are in full show. Everywhere you look you see green, green, green, punctuated by colorful spring blooms.
The weather has been glorious; sunny and gradually warming day by day. The sky is brilliant blue with white puffs of clouds. Just the way it should be. The wandering country lanes seem as comfortable as an old shoe to us. We have traveled this way many times in the past when we camped with the kids. Good memories.
We have always enjoyed the serenity and solitude of the Green Mountains and this trip is like a cup of warm cocoa on a chilly day; soothing and satisfying at the same time. The streams here run fast and cold, still burgeoning with the run off of the winter snows. We saw frosty white patches tenaciously clinging to the high peaks at Smugglers Notch despite the warmth of the mid-day sun. Dogwood blooms and gently nodding trilliums became evident as we descended through the mountain pass. It is hard to believe that a cold front will pass through tomorrow bringing soaking rains and colder temperatures.
We are staying at the Green Mountain Inn in Stowe. It is a cozy inn with historic roots and classic New England decor. The restaurant at the inn serves tasty, creative dishes. The tavern features a fine selection of beers and wines. I don't think we are going to mind if it rains all day tomorrow. I am so glad Tom and I decided to make this side trip. It is just what the doctor ordered.
I am not usually the one with the camera, but I did manage to take a few photos in the past few days. If you would like to see a few click here:
The weather has been glorious; sunny and gradually warming day by day. The sky is brilliant blue with white puffs of clouds. Just the way it should be. The wandering country lanes seem as comfortable as an old shoe to us. We have traveled this way many times in the past when we camped with the kids. Good memories.
We have always enjoyed the serenity and solitude of the Green Mountains and this trip is like a cup of warm cocoa on a chilly day; soothing and satisfying at the same time. The streams here run fast and cold, still burgeoning with the run off of the winter snows. We saw frosty white patches tenaciously clinging to the high peaks at Smugglers Notch despite the warmth of the mid-day sun. Dogwood blooms and gently nodding trilliums became evident as we descended through the mountain pass. It is hard to believe that a cold front will pass through tomorrow bringing soaking rains and colder temperatures.
We are staying at the Green Mountain Inn in Stowe. It is a cozy inn with historic roots and classic New England decor. The restaurant at the inn serves tasty, creative dishes. The tavern features a fine selection of beers and wines. I don't think we are going to mind if it rains all day tomorrow. I am so glad Tom and I decided to make this side trip. It is just what the doctor ordered.
I am not usually the one with the camera, but I did manage to take a few photos in the past few days. If you would like to see a few click here:
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Saturday, May 9, 2009
Frazzled
It has been quite a while since I last posted here. There are a couple of reasons for that. Once we moved in with Erin, Dan and the kids, time changed. Even though work and school left us with some empty hours(read no specific tasks pending) we still seemed to be constantly on the go. We went from pushing pills to picking up kids with lots in between.
Understand that in a retired person's world there is little chaos. What must be dealt with can always be put off till another day. The spontaneity of a last minute dinner invitation or lunch out with the girls is what comprises the rhythm of our life. In the world of two working parents with young children that rhythm is only a dream of "someday".
And so we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the soup of life we knew thirty-some years ago. We have not forgotten the chaos of raising a family, but the way we approach things now is with a softer eye and a slower pace. Nothing is so critical that is worth fighting with a 4 year old over. The need to put your feet up at the end of the day is far surpassed by the need to snuggle and read a bazillion books before bed. The only legitimate complaint we have is that we just wear out too soon. I think the term frazzled is an apt description. Not much brainpower left over to write a blog, you understand.
Kelly is doing well; kind of in a holding pattern to allow time to perform it's magic. We have not been able to contribute much on that front this past week other than pick up Cowboy from doggie daycare and take him to the dog park (which is also a pretty neat kid park) to tire him out so his puppy enthusiasm is a little toned down when he gets home. We have conveniently dropped by, bringing lunch to Kelly a couple of days and, in so doing, have stolen a few moments of serenity as we so enjoy watching the lake from the deck. The kitty, who enjoyed the status of being an "only pet" while in Boston, now has to share the spotlight with the dog so we don't see much of her on our visits.
I have been putting in face time at Audiologic Solutions, Erin's office. Most of you know that I work for her practice, doing patient outreach from our home in Georgia. I usually put in a mere 12 hours a week. Not so while I am on site. I have put in a couple of 10 hour days, as well as some others of more normal length. It is good for me to actually be in the office to see how things run and contribute what I can. The rest of the staff is gracious about answering my constant questions and showing me where things are kept. The work isn't hard, but the stress of feeling like I have just been thrown into the ocean (I don't swim well) has contributed to my discombobulation. The satisfaction of stretching my mind and knowing my contribution is appreciated is rewarding though.
Tom and I have decided we need to get away for a little R & R, so we have decided to take a few days for ourselves. We thoroughly enjoy a good road trip, letting serendipity determine the way. We will generally head in the direction of Vermont because we find it very restful. There will be plenty of photo ops to satisfy Tom and small town quaintness to feed my inner soul. We won't make reservations, though, so we are free to follow the sun in whatever direction we choose. And if it rains on our parade we can always find a charming B&B to provide us with a cozy place to read or make art or just reflect on the past 6 weeks. I think a few days alone together will be heaven.
Next Saturday, May 16th, Kelly will be graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institure (RPI) with her MBA. Considering the obstacles she has had to face throughout the last 18 months, we will all be doing a major victory dance on her behalf when she walks across that stage. We are so proud of her, and are delighted to be here for the big event.
If things continue to go well, we will begin our trek back home to Georgia a day or 2 after graduation. I am not sure if we are anxious enough to get home that a power drive is in order, or if a meandering route taking several days to complete will be the best way to travel. Just knowing that we will be back soon is a soothing balm.
Tomorrow we will all celebrate Mother's Day by going out to brunch. I am so looking forward to all of us being together. It doesn't matter if the weather is cooperative or not!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you. I hope that you will be celebrating in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Remember......you are never done being a mother!
Understand that in a retired person's world there is little chaos. What must be dealt with can always be put off till another day. The spontaneity of a last minute dinner invitation or lunch out with the girls is what comprises the rhythm of our life. In the world of two working parents with young children that rhythm is only a dream of "someday".
And so we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the soup of life we knew thirty-some years ago. We have not forgotten the chaos of raising a family, but the way we approach things now is with a softer eye and a slower pace. Nothing is so critical that is worth fighting with a 4 year old over. The need to put your feet up at the end of the day is far surpassed by the need to snuggle and read a bazillion books before bed. The only legitimate complaint we have is that we just wear out too soon. I think the term frazzled is an apt description. Not much brainpower left over to write a blog, you understand.
Kelly is doing well; kind of in a holding pattern to allow time to perform it's magic. We have not been able to contribute much on that front this past week other than pick up Cowboy from doggie daycare and take him to the dog park (which is also a pretty neat kid park) to tire him out so his puppy enthusiasm is a little toned down when he gets home. We have conveniently dropped by, bringing lunch to Kelly a couple of days and, in so doing, have stolen a few moments of serenity as we so enjoy watching the lake from the deck. The kitty, who enjoyed the status of being an "only pet" while in Boston, now has to share the spotlight with the dog so we don't see much of her on our visits.
I have been putting in face time at Audiologic Solutions, Erin's office. Most of you know that I work for her practice, doing patient outreach from our home in Georgia. I usually put in a mere 12 hours a week. Not so while I am on site. I have put in a couple of 10 hour days, as well as some others of more normal length. It is good for me to actually be in the office to see how things run and contribute what I can. The rest of the staff is gracious about answering my constant questions and showing me where things are kept. The work isn't hard, but the stress of feeling like I have just been thrown into the ocean (I don't swim well) has contributed to my discombobulation. The satisfaction of stretching my mind and knowing my contribution is appreciated is rewarding though.
Tom and I have decided we need to get away for a little R & R, so we have decided to take a few days for ourselves. We thoroughly enjoy a good road trip, letting serendipity determine the way. We will generally head in the direction of Vermont because we find it very restful. There will be plenty of photo ops to satisfy Tom and small town quaintness to feed my inner soul. We won't make reservations, though, so we are free to follow the sun in whatever direction we choose. And if it rains on our parade we can always find a charming B&B to provide us with a cozy place to read or make art or just reflect on the past 6 weeks. I think a few days alone together will be heaven.
Next Saturday, May 16th, Kelly will be graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institure (RPI) with her MBA. Considering the obstacles she has had to face throughout the last 18 months, we will all be doing a major victory dance on her behalf when she walks across that stage. We are so proud of her, and are delighted to be here for the big event.
If things continue to go well, we will begin our trek back home to Georgia a day or 2 after graduation. I am not sure if we are anxious enough to get home that a power drive is in order, or if a meandering route taking several days to complete will be the best way to travel. Just knowing that we will be back soon is a soothing balm.
Tomorrow we will all celebrate Mother's Day by going out to brunch. I am so looking forward to all of us being together. It doesn't matter if the weather is cooperative or not!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you. I hope that you will be celebrating in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Remember......you are never done being a mother!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Catching Up
We arrived in Albany late on Sunday afternoon. Our car is packed to the roof with all the things we needed to survive in Boston. Now that we are staying at Erin's house we find much of our "stuff" extraneous so most of it did not come in with us. Our car is our overstuffed closet.
It isn't easy living like this. Olivia gives up her room to move in with Sam whenever we visit. Her "stuff", however, remains in her room. Hence, the closet in the driveway.
Every time we come north to visit the kids I find myself wistfully looking at local real estate, wishing for a little place of our own. A house, a cottage, an in-law apartment. Just a place to spread out. It would be fun to have the grands come to spend the night. It would be great to have a place to entertain. It would be wonderful to have a quiet little retreat when we need it.
I look on-line. I look in the paper. I drive around looking for signs; for sale signs, even rental signs. All this looking has become an obsession, but in reality it is only a pastime. We don't spend enough time in New York to justify the taxes and upkeep of a house even if we could find the perfect place on the smallest budget. Why would we want to spend every vacation here doing the necessary upkeep and improvement projects I would be sure to want. Why would we want to have to lay out money to mow a lawn or plow a driveway for a far away place that we only use a fraction of any year. We've never wanted to be snowbirds, spending half the year in the north and the other half in the south. We love our retirement home in Georgia. We love spending time with our Sun City family. Still....there is a powerful draw to be with family.
Surely this has been most eloquently illustrated by our current situation. I feel torn; almost selfish to be planning to return to Georgia in another week or so. But Kelly is doing very well, considering she is barely 3 weeks post op. The healing she needs to do now is a slow process. The restrictions she faces will lessen in time. Others will gladly step up to take our place. For this, we are grateful. The emotional healing will take time too. Gaining confidence in her appearance will happen almost without perception. Emerging from the cocoon may take a while but I know that soon our butterfly will recognize how beautiful she is.
Tomorrow our day will start by attending "Morning Program" at Liv's school. Her principal will present her with the book that her parents are donating to the school library in her name. This is a big honor for a second grader. Liv will get to bring the book home so that we can read it together. We will be back at Liv's school again on Friday for "Grandparent's Day". She is tickled pink that we can participate in this event. So are we. Next Friday we will do it all over again at Sam's school. It is so great to be here to share in these special times.
Tomorrow will be a big day for Kelly. This is the last weekend of the final class in her EMBA program. It is important to be an active participant in class tomorrow and Friday. Her classmates have arranged to pick her up and get her to school. Tom/Eric are on call to pick her up the moment she feels she has reached her limit. Graduation is May 16. The timing could be better, but this is the goal Kelly has been seeking for two years now. Keep your fingers crossed for her.
I'll keep you posted.
I will keep you posted on our plans. We look forward to being home soon.
It isn't easy living like this. Olivia gives up her room to move in with Sam whenever we visit. Her "stuff", however, remains in her room. Hence, the closet in the driveway.
Every time we come north to visit the kids I find myself wistfully looking at local real estate, wishing for a little place of our own. A house, a cottage, an in-law apartment. Just a place to spread out. It would be fun to have the grands come to spend the night. It would be great to have a place to entertain. It would be wonderful to have a quiet little retreat when we need it.
I look on-line. I look in the paper. I drive around looking for signs; for sale signs, even rental signs. All this looking has become an obsession, but in reality it is only a pastime. We don't spend enough time in New York to justify the taxes and upkeep of a house even if we could find the perfect place on the smallest budget. Why would we want to spend every vacation here doing the necessary upkeep and improvement projects I would be sure to want. Why would we want to have to lay out money to mow a lawn or plow a driveway for a far away place that we only use a fraction of any year. We've never wanted to be snowbirds, spending half the year in the north and the other half in the south. We love our retirement home in Georgia. We love spending time with our Sun City family. Still....there is a powerful draw to be with family.
Surely this has been most eloquently illustrated by our current situation. I feel torn; almost selfish to be planning to return to Georgia in another week or so. But Kelly is doing very well, considering she is barely 3 weeks post op. The healing she needs to do now is a slow process. The restrictions she faces will lessen in time. Others will gladly step up to take our place. For this, we are grateful. The emotional healing will take time too. Gaining confidence in her appearance will happen almost without perception. Emerging from the cocoon may take a while but I know that soon our butterfly will recognize how beautiful she is.
Tomorrow our day will start by attending "Morning Program" at Liv's school. Her principal will present her with the book that her parents are donating to the school library in her name. This is a big honor for a second grader. Liv will get to bring the book home so that we can read it together. We will be back at Liv's school again on Friday for "Grandparent's Day". She is tickled pink that we can participate in this event. So are we. Next Friday we will do it all over again at Sam's school. It is so great to be here to share in these special times.
Tomorrow will be a big day for Kelly. This is the last weekend of the final class in her EMBA program. It is important to be an active participant in class tomorrow and Friday. Her classmates have arranged to pick her up and get her to school. Tom/Eric are on call to pick her up the moment she feels she has reached her limit. Graduation is May 16. The timing could be better, but this is the goal Kelly has been seeking for two years now. Keep your fingers crossed for her.
I'll keep you posted.
I will keep you posted on our plans. We look forward to being home soon.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Transitions
I can hardly believe that we have been in Boston almost a month. The lease on the apartment expires on Thursday. Where did the time go????
Tom and I will be packing up and heading back to Albany tomorrow. Kelly and Eric will stay a few more days to allow Kelly a little more healing time before making the long car ride home. They have to deal with picking up the dog at Eric's brother's before they can start the 3 hour trip. Even minor bumps in the road cause Kelly discomfort, as well as turns and stops. Thank goodness she is within driving distance. I can't imagine how difficult it would be if she had to fly home.
Just as we have been consciously weening Kelly down on the meds it is now time to step back a little to encourage more independence. There are still so many things that Kelly will need help with for weeks to come. She can't drive yet. Or walk the dog. Or carry groceries or books. She can't push the vacuum or do laundry. It is pretty hard to hold yourself back when you see so many things needing to be done. Still, I think being home will be a boon to healing.
Crazy as it sounds, Kelly hopes to be in class on Thursday. The EMBA program is nearing the end. Even so, the last few weeks involve intense classes that last all day. We will see that she gets to class but we will remain close by to be able to pick her up the moment she says she has had enough. I think it is emotionally necessary for Kelly to join her team and do whatever she can do, as long as she doesn't jeopardize her recovery.
Tom and I will be staying with Erin and her family during this transition phase. Erin lives only about 20 minutes from Kelly and Eric so we will be running back and forth. We are looking forward to finally celebrating Olivia's 8th birthday (April 18) and participating in a special Grandparent's Day at her school. It will be a bit more hectic juggling all these roles. We are grateful to be able to help our family in any way we can.
It won't be long before we are planning our trip back to Georgia. Our friends at Sun City Peachtree have held us up through this time of crisis in our life. Mary and Jack have looked after the plants and birds. Barbara and John have collected, sorted and forwarded all pertinent mail. Barbara also picked up my responsibilities with the Paper Arts Club activities. Dave and Barbara have documented the first blooming of the cherry tree we planted last summer. Others have covered our scheduled work time at the Amenities Center. Pam is responsible for prompting so many people to sent cards, flowers, prayers and well wishes. Our family, too, has been extremely supportive calling, sending cards and messages. I don't know how I will ever thank everybody.
I hope that you all have been following Kelly's story here as I have not had the time to answer every e-mail. Just know that we appreciate each and every one of you. We are truly blessed.
Tom and I will be packing up and heading back to Albany tomorrow. Kelly and Eric will stay a few more days to allow Kelly a little more healing time before making the long car ride home. They have to deal with picking up the dog at Eric's brother's before they can start the 3 hour trip. Even minor bumps in the road cause Kelly discomfort, as well as turns and stops. Thank goodness she is within driving distance. I can't imagine how difficult it would be if she had to fly home.
Just as we have been consciously weening Kelly down on the meds it is now time to step back a little to encourage more independence. There are still so many things that Kelly will need help with for weeks to come. She can't drive yet. Or walk the dog. Or carry groceries or books. She can't push the vacuum or do laundry. It is pretty hard to hold yourself back when you see so many things needing to be done. Still, I think being home will be a boon to healing.
Crazy as it sounds, Kelly hopes to be in class on Thursday. The EMBA program is nearing the end. Even so, the last few weeks involve intense classes that last all day. We will see that she gets to class but we will remain close by to be able to pick her up the moment she says she has had enough. I think it is emotionally necessary for Kelly to join her team and do whatever she can do, as long as she doesn't jeopardize her recovery.
Tom and I will be staying with Erin and her family during this transition phase. Erin lives only about 20 minutes from Kelly and Eric so we will be running back and forth. We are looking forward to finally celebrating Olivia's 8th birthday (April 18) and participating in a special Grandparent's Day at her school. It will be a bit more hectic juggling all these roles. We are grateful to be able to help our family in any way we can.
It won't be long before we are planning our trip back to Georgia. Our friends at Sun City Peachtree have held us up through this time of crisis in our life. Mary and Jack have looked after the plants and birds. Barbara and John have collected, sorted and forwarded all pertinent mail. Barbara also picked up my responsibilities with the Paper Arts Club activities. Dave and Barbara have documented the first blooming of the cherry tree we planted last summer. Others have covered our scheduled work time at the Amenities Center. Pam is responsible for prompting so many people to sent cards, flowers, prayers and well wishes. Our family, too, has been extremely supportive calling, sending cards and messages. I don't know how I will ever thank everybody.
I hope that you all have been following Kelly's story here as I have not had the time to answer every e-mail. Just know that we appreciate each and every one of you. We are truly blessed.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Lookin' Good!
I took this picture of Kelly and Eric tonight, just before we walked to a neighborhood pub for dinner. Kelly was really proud of being dressed in something other than jammies or yoga pants. She felt good and she looked good. You can tell by Eric's smile that he is pretty pleased too.
It is hard to believe how far Kelly has come since her surgery on April 6th. The removal of the final drain on Monday of this week was liberating, both physically and mentally. The healing will continue, slowly. It will be some time before Kelly's strength and stamina return. It's not over yet, but look how far she has come!
We are beginning to pack up now. Eric will make a trip home to Albany tomorrow to drop off a load of "stuff" and to spend a little time at the office. When he comes back on Friday we will continue packing up in expectation of leaving Boston soon. It is not certain just when Kelly will feel ready for a 3+ hour car ride back to Albany. As she says, she has a perfect little healing nest here. When she goes back home she will have to make adjustments in many different aspects of her life. Still, I suspect that we will be gone soon.
Tom and I will also be going to Albany. It is too soon for us to speculate how much longer Kelly will need assistance. Certainly we want to see her settled in and adjusting to being on her own once Eric start back to work. They have a good support network at home and they will reach out once they have assessed their needs. We are also eager to see the Erin, Dan and the grand kids.
Tomorrow I will notify the post office to forward all mail to Kelly and Eric's home address:
182 Morey Park Road
Nassau, NY 12123
If you have cards to send please use that address from this point on.
My entries may be a little sporadic for a few days, but don't give up on me. We all appreciate your support and prayers.
Till the next time.....
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