Between Sewanee and Alaska

Shortly after my move to Sewanee, I joined a group of friends from Virginia on a cruise to Alaska, which had been planned long before the decision to move was made or the news of a new grandchild was known.  I am glad I went on my first cruise ever, although a fifth trip in one yeare can be exhausting.

The cruise was quite an experience.  Whale watching was disappointing since any sightings of the creatures were from afar, very afar! But we did see sea lions which were sunning themselves on the rocks not too far from our boat.  We also came very close to a glacier, the closest ever, apparently, icebergs and the Titanic not counted. Food and drink and camaraderie were abundant and excursions in three Alaskan cities were entertaining and educational.

But it is finally time to settle down and face the future. I am trying to get used to life without Joe, ever. There is good news, however.  We are awaiting the arrival of a new member of the family: our fifth grandchild and second grandson, any day now. Meanwhile, I try to concentrate and prepare my syllabus for the fall.  The location of my house makes my almost daily walk difficult to avoid.  But I find excuses: the rain--which is abundant here, spending time with my friends--which I do often, grocery shopping--which involves driving twenty minutes each way, among other excuses.

I hope you keep in touch and email me once in a while.

June 5: The Second Chronicle of my Adventures 2018

June 5: The Second Chronicle of my Adventures 2018

Last Saturday was the birthday party for my favorite grandson, Fred (favorite for at least the next couple of weeks until his brother arrives.)  I was invited.  The party was a swim and pizza celebration at a local but not so close pool.  I think it's the county pool but I am not sure of the details since the parental unit of the birthday boy took care of the entry fee for guests and their families.  I, of course, did not expose any unnecessary parts so did not swim. But the water was delicious and the weather was sunny and warm after incessant rain since my arrival on Wednesday.  Boys and girls were invited, although seven is still the age of self-imposed gender segregation.  Boys goofed around during swim periods and during food time.  Girls...well, I have no idea where they were or what they did, other than grand daughter Bea who was loaded with every single possible water gizmo she could carry.  I begged out shortly after I took all the photos I needed, to bask in the coolness of my car on the drive back up the mountain.  

I restarted my regimen of walking three miles a day, at least five days a week.  The walk here is fantastic.  The path from my house to the Sewanee Inn is about one and a half miles on University avenue.  I never tire of the scenery and the architecture surrounding the route.  The few cars that pass me--mostly a police car that passed me twice two days in a row--wave and try to figure out who I am and where I belong.

And for those of you who sent me messages wanting to see where I live, here's a photo.  My hostess is gentle, gracious, loving, inclusive, and very generous--a gift from God.  Start reserving your time to visit after January 2019.  Right now I am looking forward to the Ballees' visit at Christmas.

Keep coming back for more information on my adventures and more photos.  And, keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  I still wish Joe were with me.  I know he approves.

June 2: The First Chronicle of my Adventures 2018

After fourteen years at 7521 Westmore Drive in Northern Virginia, I left it, Joe in my heart, for the last time on May 30th. My car was overloaded with whatever I thought I would need for the next four months until I have my own permanent house.  My last few days in Virginia I spent at Verna's house, a beautiful and welcoming haven.  It was bitter-sweet leaving my many friends.  Church, professional, neighbors, and various other friends had many farewell parties and lunches for me which involved  food, gifts, and even a special "May" song by the Quinns.  I hadn't realized how many loving friends I had and how much I would miss you all!  After a visit to Arlington Cemetery, not that Joe is there but just because I won't be able to visit the resting place of his remains for a while, it was time for the next chapter of my life.

With Verna and Jessica at Arlington Cemetery

The drive from Springfield to Sewanee was not difficult: Only two patches of heavy rain along the eleven-hour drive.  I did a lot of introspection along the way, listening to classical music, and conversing with Joe.  (No: I have not gone crazy, but I get solace from talking things out aloud with him, although passing cars undoubtedly wondered about my sanity.) The whole experience of moving alone for the first time in 45 years was quite surrealistic: downsizing, witnessing movers take away the history of 14 years to storage, meeting at settlement with various entities to close the deal on the house, knowing that I own no house right now, moving in with a friend in Sewanee, all of it felt like a disjointed dream.

I have a great family and a network of friends whose love is incredibly gratifying. I am not sure why I deserve it.  My two girls and my siblings (one brother and two sisters) call me on a daily basis. My close friends text, call, and pray for me regularly.  So, I am fine.  Well, sort of fine.  Unloading my car to the house where I will be staying for the foreseeable future took two hours and was not pretty.  Bag ladies don't have much advantage over me.  Right now, the master bedroom, which my loving friend Margaret has bestowed upon me, looks beautifully tidy and calming.  But dare step into the huge walk-in closet and the plethora of plastic shopping bags, suitcases, cardboard and plastic boxes, and other miscellaneous items would make my mother disown me!  However, unlike my abode in Monteagle last year, where the Windex bottle was an extension of my hand to batttle the various species of insects and other creatures, this house is beautiful and immaculate. Its owner is even more so.  She is loving, inclusive, sharing, and most welcoming.  In fact, she took me in tow to my first dinner party my second night in town.

My first full day at home, which is on the beautiful campus of the University of the South, I spent establishing an identity: bank, post office, University HR office.  Perhaps the best part of this move is being around my grandchildren.  I had dinner with the Kings my first night. Both Fred and Bea insisted on sitting next to me at the dinner table--what a gift!  I read them their goodnight books before I drove the short distance back to my house, where my roomie was ready with a glass of wine and scintillating conversations.

I am blessed.  I sleep the whole night peacefully.  I have no worries.  The pervasive sadness is not quite as debilitating.  My life is full of blessings: you, my friends and family.

Come and visit me here on this blog whenever you want to see what I am doing.  I will be updating it on a weekly basis. And make sure you plan to visit me after January of 2019, when I hope I will be established and ready to welcome you and reciprocate the love you have shown me.