Arrived Safely

We are now in Palm Coast. . arrived Friday night around 6:30 or so.  Long drive down.  I had the dogs and some boxes piled up which became dislodged around a turn and fell, but no one was hurt inside. . the dogs dodged the falling boxes. While Allie slept most of the way or stared out as my co-pilot, Reese could not get comfortable until half way through the journey, even though he was on Valium (20 mg's twice!).  Finally he relaxed in the front seat and we were all much relieved.  I feel so sorry for his brand of car sickness if that what it is.  He is very happy now!

Yesterday was about seeing neighbors.  Gary came by to hand over our unpackable plant  which is in better shape than when we left since Gary is a plant guy - former nurseryman from Miami.  Jean stopped by to deliver my Avon order and is having a surprise party for one of our neighbors who turns 80 next week but I am going to Mayo for the day;  and we visited with others on the street to catch up on the news, the latest medical updates and working on plans to get together for lunch or something.

It feels so good to be back -- people wise, weather wise. . (should go to 80 today ) and relaxation wise.  To get philosophical for a moment, I suppose I like this house because this house was a place of healing for me.  Chemo presented some issues last year but overall, despite the fatigue that cancer treatment brings, this house with its sunny backyard and wonderful palm trees makes me feel better for some reason.  We also had so many visitors last year which forged some great memories here around love and caring and others' sacrifices for you (yes, you Gil) and parties and fellowship and good times and laughter. 

Jim & Linda visiting last year.  See the smiles?

Asheville recently has been sad-- the weather alone can be a downer, but I think I am "over" the mountains.  Ten years of living there.  The main difference between the two towns is that Asheville is home to so many friends (not just neighbors as in PC) but we are working on trying to find some like-minded folks here this season.  Also Asheville is home to so many festivals.  Something always going on.  Palm Coast is more sedate and sleepy. . with more than 20% of its residents over the age of 65 (I thought it was more actually).  Asheville also means working for chained dogs which is my passion and we would never leave until that work is done, plus we need a decent price for our house. Not easy in today's market.  So we will continue to play the game of snowbirds (why are they/we called that anyway?  Don't most birds fly south for the winter?  We should just be birds!! How about Cardinals?  LOL!)  But I predict that our time in Florida will become more and more as the years go by. 

Today we got back to church to our favorite pastor, Father Al, who brought tears to my eyes.  He is a former Broadway performer from Brooklyn and knows exactly how to push your buttons to become a better person (amazing talent. . they should write him up in Variety!).   We also did our A-la-car thing, where we get b-fast and eat in in the car by the ocean as we read the paper(s) and do the crosswords.  When Aunt Jean comes she'll be 8 blocks from the church so we'll include her in A-la-car. I'm sure you all are glad to know that the ocean is still there!  We're checking on it frequently. 


So, enough already.  I wish everyone the healing power of the sun and warmth of friendship wherever you are. They are invaluable so when you find them don't toss them away.   

Where are my shorts and sunglasses anyway? 

Peggy