Ted. After three months in Georgia, Judy and I feel as though we have accomplished most of our goals.
We checked in with all of our doctors and saw lots of family and friends - traveling as far as the state of Washington.
Son Stefan and wife Sarah have sold their house and purchased a bigger one closer to Sarah's office. They will move and get their two sons enrolled in their new school just before the new school year begins (whew!).
After 16 years as a teacher, our daughter Leslie has left the public school system and is embarking on a new adventure. Her husband Daniel continues to thrive in his job.
We couldn't be prouder of our two children, their spouses and our four grandsons and cherish time with all eight of them (plus our two grand-dogs). But, alas, it is time for Grandpa and Mami to hit the road once more.
You may recall our travails last July as we left the country with Judy in a wheelchair. Modern medicine and caring doctors have her back in tip top shape!
I am writing this post at Heathrow Airport, London where we have just arrived. After spending the night at an inexpensive airport hotel to overcome some of our jet lag (travel tip!), we will continue by train to the lovely town of Rye for a short stay with friends Harvey and Colin. Then it's on to Southampton where we board a ship for a one week cruise of the Norwegian fjords.
Upon our return to Southampton, we will immediately fly to Glasgow for three weeks of walks and wanderings in Scotland (first visit since 1977) . We then fly to Oslo for three more days in Norway.
Next will be a month in and around Lithuania followed by a month in France. Our journey ends with a repositioning cruise from Southampton to Port Canaveral, Florida. We'll be back in Georgia on November 1 for more hugs from kids and grandkids.
It's a life!
Judy. It was truly a whirlwind trip back in the US for those three months. In addition to everything Ted mentioned, I started getting involved in some organizations and protests, both to help me feel like I'm doing something to help my country, and to help me better understand and talk to others. Our church sponsors a class called "Sacred Grounds," an exploration of racism in America, which I attended. I also joined and began workshops in a group called "Braver Angels," which teaches participants how to depolarize conversations and promote better understanding--something we definitely need in our divided country. I began yoga classes at a wonderful Sangha, where the practice helped me to settle my mind. AND we got to give a party to celebrate Leslie's being named Clarke Central Teacher of the Year.
Coming back to the US is never easy for me. I love my country, but there are so many issues there for me. There are also people and organizations I love, so I'm always torn. This is something I'm working on.
But, in all honesty, I was more than ready to get on that plane. I slept better than I ever have on a transAtlantic flight, grabbed a shower and brunch in the airline lounge, and now feel ready to discover new places and settle in old ones with people we know and love. In November, I'll be renewed and ready to jump in again. But right now, here feels good, and I'm ready!
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