Home Sweet Home

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.