July, August, September, October… four whole months of normalcy and back on track with the New Things plan. Life is good! In July, I met up with my friend, Kathleen, at Perdido Beach, Alabama, for a couple of quick days of visiting and catching up. Never been to Perdido Beach, so that was new. We had a great visit, mostly while we put together puzzles, ate some lovely seafood and just enjoyed being together.
August brought lots of new changes, including to my job. Not that a change in my job is anything new; the most important line in my job description is “other duties as assigned.” Ha! Luckily, I thrive on change so all is well. My fun thing for the month was a trip with my friend, Shelly, to see Lyle Lovett and his Large Band at the Beau Rivage. Had always wondered how Lyle wound up with Julia Roberts for a while, but after that concert I get it: he’s just absolutely charming! Well, on stage, anyway. We didn’t meet him or anything. We were witness to some “out there” couple who sat near us for a while then said they were going to get on the stage, and they almost did! Great music, great band, wonderful venue. If you ever get the chance to see Lyle, I highly recommend taking it.
September’s planned “thing” was moved to October 1, but I’m claiming it for September. Cheryl (yet another friend; yes, I’m blessed with many!) and I went down to NOLA and visited the immersive Van Gogh exhibit. Loved it! Go if you get a chance. I’ve been a big Van Gogh fan since my freshman year in college, when I took Art Appreciation. The room toward the end of the exhibit where they project the paintings all around you is so relaxing. I want that in my bedroom one day! The weekend was lovely, staying over in NOLA drinking win til the wee hours while a random party bus kept driving by, then breakfast with yet another friend (Del) and a friend of hers.
October has been quite busy! Had a checkup in Jackson and saw several friends there (I know, you’re tired of the names so I’ll stop), then we’ve had Homecoming festivities on campus. I volunteered to help at the golf tourney — perfect weather for that — and drove a drink cart for a little bit. That was new and fun. The following Monday we went back to the golf course for lunch following a leadership retreat on our campus, then had the opportunity to hit a few balls on the driving range. That was new, and it was fun. Can’t say that I was good, but I beat the hell out of an oak tree nearby. Ha!
On the health side of things, October also saw me complete a 5K for Breast Cancer, so I think I’m pretty much back to normal. I walked most of it, jogged a little, and was pretty sore the next day; that was the first time I’d tried anything other than walking. But it went away within a couple of days, so all is well. All in all, my knees are not a fan of jogging, so that’s not in my long-term health plan. Just wanted to see if I could do it. Heading back to Jackson next month to get my port out; will be glad to get that done. All my follow-up visits have gone beautifully. My docs are very pleased, as am I.
The quest for new experiences continues, and as my stamina builds and my leave time returns don’t be surprised if I turn up on your doorstep to drag you on an adventure with me. Onward and upward with enjoying life again!
Below, top left: Kathleen and I at the beach in L.A. (Lower Alabama). Below that, Shelly and I pause for a selfie before heading out to see Lyle. Yes, I’m wearing the same shirt in both of those pictures but I swear I do own others. The large one on the right is from the Van Gogh exhibit, of course. That speck is me, sitting on the stage, mesmerized…
That Sassy Age 