The Adventure’s Begin
Happy Day Friends! I can’t believe it’s been 20 days since I left Florida July 7th 2023; one day before my 69th Birthday! Zoey and I drove straight through to New Orleans to meet up with my great friends, The Smiths! And what a great 4 days we had. Zoey met her 1st cousin, Ceaux Ceaux. It was great to catch up, enjoy the farmer’s market, share a special Birthday dinner, and simply just visit! The last two times I was in NOLA; we did a lot of touristy things, so this visit was just about quality time together as chosen family. One of the highlights was my friend Joann treated all of us to a Gondola ride on the waterways at City Park. It was so nice to connect 2 sets of friends that only lived 3 miles away from one another.
Our next stop was Decatur, GA to visit my friend Eugene. We’ve known each other from San Diego, chat regularly on the phone; but haven’t seen each other for over 10 years. We had 4 days to enjoy catching up, sharing time at the beautiful Atlanta History Center, exploring downtown Decatur a very cool, artsy community with fun shops, breweries, and unique restaurants. I loved this area, but Atlanta is way too busy and crazy for this girl.
The 3rd Stop on our adventure was Sweetwater, TN to visit my friend Leslie who owns and operates 4 Them Animal Sanctuary on the most gorgeous piece of green lush country land. She rescues farm animals and birds. Leslie has the biggest heart, and anyone that knows her, knows she puts her blood sweat and tears into everything she does here. She has cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, roosters, guinea hens, dogs and cats. I was supposed to volunteer for two days, but mostly she wanted to treat me to dinner in town with the yummiest margaritas I’ve ever had, and on day two tour me around the farm and meet everyone. Finally she did let me help her cut massive amounts of vegetables for the pigs. This beautiful soul has the most unconditional Love for all of her 4 and 2 legged babies.
Our 4th stop was Nashville, TN my previous home…mostly to visit friends I haven’t seen for over 5 years since I moved to Florida. My awesome friends Sarah and Jeremy own this adorable AirBnB in East Nashville, which I rented for 3 nights. It absolutely felt like home and I loved spending time with the two of them. I also had a chance to catch up with my friend Jennifer (we worked together at HCA) who suggested we take an early morning hike at The Harpeth River State Park, which I was thrilled about. We both brought our little pups and had a beautiful walk and a great visit. Afterwards she treated me to breakfast at her home, which was close by. A huge thunder and lightening storm hit while I was there, so it deterred some of my site seeing; so it was extra nice to have such a cozy place to relax in. Last but not least I met up for dinner with my friend Meg (also a co-worker from HCA). It was so fun to catch up and help her celebrate her recent completion of her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She’s also training to run the New York Marathon; raising funds for Fred’s Team that donates 100% of their funds to cancer research. Something near and dear to my heart.
Before I left the state of Tennessee, I drove up to Portland, TN to spend my last night with my adopted daughter Tanya and her family. She and I and her husband Ryan worked for a furniture manufacturing company in San Diego for over 15 years, and they relocated to Portland in 2006. We all bought homes, and fell in love with the area, but many of us were laid off two years later. They stayed in Portland, I moved back to San Diego…but we’ve never ever lost touch. I had a chance to see both of her daughters and see the new beautiful home they purchased. They’re all doing so well, which really makes me happy. It was a fast and furious visit, but so important on this journey I am on.
My next stop was in Illinois to visit my other adopted daughter Sarah, Kayleigh her spouse is deployed overseas and we missed her deeply, but catching up was sweet. The two of them bought me a sleeping bag and cot for my retirement, and this was a great excuse to spend a long weekend with them. I hadn’t seen Sarah for over a year, so it was wonderful to catch up, share meals out, sip on cocktails, watch the Women’s World Cup…Yes USA! Being with them feels like being at home. We also had a wonderful walk through Centennial Park; and as a bonus I offered to mow their front lawn and help her pick out and plant flowers in the front yard. I loved our time together, it always flies by so quickly, but I’ll be back.
As I sit here writing this blog, I’m kicked back on a pontoon in Minnesota, rocking gently on the Lake, watching my brother in law and his Dad paint the swimming dock Million Dollar Red. Loons are cooing in the background, Zoey is by my side; my time here is just beginning and I’m so happy to be here with some of my family. The beauty is overwhelming. Retirement is a glorious thing, and my adventures have just begun. It is beyond peaceful and beautiful here; comfortably warm, but not over powering. One thing I know for sure, I have missed the green lush beauty of the almost 3,000 miles I’ve driven. There is so much to see and explore in this country. Get out and give it a try. I am beyond grateful to be in this position; to not always know or care what day it is or what time it is. I never imagined it would happen…but for every moment and every adventure I’m beyond grateful! Until next time! Thank you for following my journey. Zoey and I are having the time of our lives…she’s adapting way better than I thought she would. No one is a stranger to her. It’s a great lead to follow…Much Love, Much Peace, Much Hope and a huge dose of Kindness! We’ve got this and we are going to get there! Love Sue and Zoey.
