Update to my friends/family.
We have been in Memphis for two weeks today. Our stuff was delivered ten days ago, ahead of schedule. We are still in a state of wall-to-wall boxes with too much stuff and not enough room. So far, we’ve had pretty good weather. The trip out here was without incident and great weather. We were very fortunate. It has only rained once or twice since we’ve been here, but we expect rain a couple of days this week.
This living situation is very frustrating with all the boxes and not knowing where you’re going whenever you leave the house, but it gets a little easier each day. There are many things to do when you move from one state to another regarding the legal stuff, change of addresses, etc.
I have joined an AA group that meets three times a week at noon. It seems like a good solution-oriented group, which takes me back to my roots of recovery in many ways.
We joined the gym just yesterday but have not done anything there yet. Angie and her friend Lisa go to the dog park every day, of which you have to be a member. I don’t know who has more fun, the dogs or Angie.
Friday night, we had dinner at a lovely restaurant with Angie’s/my friends, and last night, neighbors on our street invited us to a small barbecue, sit around the fire pit, and get to know each other. It was very nice. We live on a cul de SAC, which they call COVES back here. At first, I was concerned about going it being a too quiet bedroom community with no contact with neighbors, but many are out walking dogs and playing with kids a good part of the day, and everyone’s been very friendly. We’ve had neighbors bring cookies, and several people on the block have made an effort to come over and introduce themselves to us. It’s helped.
So far, we mostly unpack and shop for things we need.
Physically speaking, I joined a pain clinic to help get me off as many of the CRPS and Osteomylitis meds following the injuries and surgeries of the last couple of years. I wake up each morning very depressed and anxious. My left hand has more nerve damage than I originally thought, and I can’t seem to hang a picture without risk. I can’t seem to do things that were easy in the past. I’m feeling my age of 69 years.
My friend Hector is flying out to help me get settled. I feel so fortunate to have him available. I don’t trust any of the labor I’ve met out here. They see California plates on the car and want California wages. Maybe it’s my imagination, but I’m getting rid of the plates this week.
In closing, I came to retire, but I seem to be working as much as ever for the time being. Moving has been very expensive.
This update is the start of my plan to write more often. I will send emails temporarily, but eventually, I’m moving to my blog and adding pictures. I’ll try to be regular in my correspondence.
Of all the things I miss, it is my friends and family.
Paul (The Fool on the Hill)
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