Beautiful Weather and Fun Things to Do!

Thanks to Rhonda T who responded to the question in my last post. I received the message but it was “anonymous”. So, I narrowed it down to three likely suspects. After checking with Rhonda, my suspicions were confirmed! So, check out the comment from my last post for some great reading recommendations. And, by all means, please comment on a post whenever the mood strikes. but be sure to sign your comment in case it comes through as anonymous. I love hearing from you.

Pam also recognized my malaise in my last post and sent via email an article from the NY Times on There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing. I saw the article but didn’t read it until Pam sent it. As she mentioned, the comments (hundreds!) were as informative as the article and I could identify with so many of them. Also, many friends and neighbors talk about their difficulty in focusing on anything for very long or accomplishing as much as we wanted with all of the time we have had at home. Since then, the writer has been interviewed and the article referenced on many programs, websites, etc. My view is that between the trump abuse, the pandemic, the attack on January 6, we have seen the underbelly of our nation and once you have seen it, you can’t unsee it!! It is a major shock to all we hold dear and will take a while to process it all. For me, that creates a lot of sadness for our country. I now realize that I grew up believing the best ideals of our country; so now, in my old age, it’s sad to see the direction we have taken. I liked us better when we knew right from wrong and when we made an effort to do the right thing. I am impressed and heartened by everything President Biden is doing but it will take a while to undo the damage if it is even possible. Perhaps I’d be more positive if I were younger, but I hate the thought of leaving this planet and knowing the hostility and hatred that exists in a country I love. Stepping off the soapbox!

 

Even though most people here are continuing to observe appropriate health protocols, there is the feeling that things are beginning to slowly return to normal. Rhonda C came over one Saturday night and we had dinner and a good catch-up. We were together at the Hilton Head Drinking Liberally gathering but didn’t have a chance to really chat. It was good to see her and I really enjoyed it.

 

It really began to feel like old times when Chris and I carpooled on two consecutive days. For the first time in a year, we met at our old meet-up spot and traveled to an event of interest. In the first case, it was a tour of Mitchellville Freedom Park, which was the first black self-governed town in the country. I’d been to many activities and programs there but did not know the history. In addition to the director, there was a young archaeologist on site who gave us a great rundown of the findings and plans for the future. The tour was sponsored by Liberal Ladies and it took place on a beautiful day. It was good to be with the group (outside and masked) and feel that things were getting back to normal.

The next day (4/30/2021), our Pan Pal group met at the Marriot on the island. Lynn and Tom had booked their timeshare for the week in hopes their son and his family would be able to come down and use it. When that was not viable, they decided to have a stay-cation themselves. So, on Friday they hosted us, and we went early enough to have a nice walk on the beach. It, too, was a lovely change of pace.

 

Then, on Sunday, Rosie and I took a walk on Dolphin Head with Tippy. It was a lovely morning and not many people around, so Rosie got to run free on the beach. It is always a sight to behold! She loves it. After our walk, we picked up a sandwich and had lunch in Farmer Tippy’s backyard and garden. I totally lost track of the time and didn’t get home until 2 PM! It was a totally relaxing day and Tippy sent us home with lettuce, kale, chard, etc.

 

 

Somewhere in the midst of all that, Drinking Liberally has resumed meeting in restaurants again. In this case, we met a Tio's for Taco Tuesday. Juan, the former owner of our old haunt Las Palmas, and his wife and daughter joined us. It was great to see them and have our old gang back together again.

Other than that, it's just been a matter of enjoying the beautiful spring weather. The last two nights have been chilly but I think of it as a  moderating factor that is keeping the weather mile and fending off summer. I hope it lasts a long time!

I have a new question for you! As we return to "normal" again, what have you done differently through the pandemic that you plan to continue? 

In my case, I plan to be more selective in how I spend my time and avoid getting on a treadmill of busyness. Secondly, I've done less and less with my hair. I've always hated dealing with it and being less social has given me a chance to get used to the shaggy look. 

What about you?