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!
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