We had a wonderful visit and stayed busy the whole time. Friday we drove into Richmond to go thrift storing. Years ago my Aunt Ruthie introduced me to thrift storing and I have been hooked ever since. As a matter of fact I ran my own store for 3 years. A few treasures were found but now I am very selective about what I buy because: I don't need anything and have limited space in my suitcase. Living this wonderful lifestyle changes the way you think about alot of things especially - where to put things. Anyway, I had a wonderful time visiting her and my uncle Cliff, she has been an important part of my life for many years as well as an inspiration. There is nothing that she can't do or over come, when I grow up I want to be like her.
On Sunday we drove to Smithfield to meet my BF Tammy who I will be staying with for a week. On the way to her house in Rocky Point we stopped in my old neighborhood to visit with the Flamingo girls. The flamingo girls are a group that the ladies and I started years back and continues today. The woman that bought my house has replaced me but I will always be a Flamingo sister, I am so glad that she was welcomed into the neighborhood with open arms. Flamingo Ellen hosted a little party in my honor and it was wonderful visiting with the girls and catching up on their lives. Sons and daughters are getting married and have children of their own, life continues on. Ellen spoke with the man that bought my house the night before and asked him if it would be alright for me to walk around the yard and of course he said yes, they are a very nice couple and it warms my heart to know they are happy. Ellen mentioned this to me saying "if you don't want to that's fine" as she did know if it would upset me. Well I had no problem with it so we all wondered over. I am happy to report that I have no regrets about selling and know that we did the right thing. As I looked around the only thing that kept popping into my head was "OMG look at all that work and maintenance". I was an avid gardener spending tons of time in the yard and found great joy in it but don't miss it now. The 3 potted plants that I have now are enough. I have wonderful memories of what Mark and I created by don't miss my old life for one second. It is kind of strange the first time you return home not knowing how you will feel but we have never second guessed our decision for one minute. Thank you Ellen for hosting the get together it means alot to me.
Tammy took Monday off from work and we did some running around in town. I scheduled a hair appointment with my daughter in law a week before I flew home. Brenda is a great stylist and fixed my bad hair cut, oh how I miss you girl! Once home we walked around Tammy's yard to check out her gardens, she and I have been gardeners for years. With a glass of wine in hand we started exploring and one thing lead to the next and before I knew it she had me pulling weeds.
Glad I could help, now get me some more wine please...
It turned out to be a very busy week tyring to visit with everyone coordinating around their hectic schedules. Tuesday I saw both of my grand kids. It was hard leaving them but that's what planes and skype is for. They are both growing like weeds and talking up a storm.
Wednesday I went to lunch with a dear friend and past associate of mine, Shirley. We have stayed in contact since I left and it was so nice to sit across from her and catch up on life. You are a great person Shirley and I am honored to have you in my life.
Shirley, me and Lori
Thursday I went to dinner at Greg and Lori's house. When we sold the house we rented a lot next door to them for 2 months which was just wonderful being close to them and considering the fact that we had no where else to go. We enjoyed good food, good wine and conversed about past and present changes in our lives. Dixie who is the other next door neighbor joined us as well. I have fond memories of our short stay with these great people.
Friday Karen and Stuart hosted an engagement party for Sistah Gini's daughter Blair. It was a perfect evening for a party and if you go to their house and don't have a good time then shame on you. I can't tell you how great it was to see all my Sistahs again and what a great way to start Peep Week.
The Happy Couple, Blair & Bret
Sistah Martha & Billy
Stuart, Sistah Karen's husband
Sistahs with attitude!!!
Sistah Julie
Sistah Kari
What a great party, you did an awesome job Sistah Karen.
Peep week starts tomorrow!
I just found your blog and enjoyed every post. We're from NC and hope to be full timers one day. Thanks for writing your blog and allowing us to learn from your experiences.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you as a follower and remember to follow your dreams and they can come true. Choice, not chance determines destiny.
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