Jim has been doing such a great job chronicling our trip. I love the journalist in him. Although out of practice writing and using WP, I feel compelled to jump in for this stretch of the trip, as it touches over 45 years of my life. I’m still trying to find the words to describe all the emotions. It’s nearly impossible but is long overdue.
Saying goodbye to Gwen and the Klinkes in Maine in early October was significant, as we were now over half way through our “year on the road” and we had made it to the farthest point on the east coast that we would be traveling.
We paused as we drove away from our waterfront spot, in awe, again, about the beauty we are seeing and the depth of shared time we are experiencing with each other and those in our lives. The weather had started to turn. Cool crisp air, leaves changing colors, socks and fleece are now in the front of the closet.
Looking back:
My family and I moved to Rustic Lane in Westport, CT in 1972 when I was 11 years old. I basically spent the next 40 years living in or around Fairfield County. I was an athlete. We sailed on Long Island Sound. I lifeguarded on the town beaches. I enjoyed our busy family life. I was the youngest of my parents’ four kids, and I benefited from friendships and relationships that we all had. I went to college at Ohio Wesleyan, then returned to CT where I met Bob and started a life in Stratford, CT in 1986, where we lived and had Gwen and Coley before moving to Weston in 1992. Greg joined us in 1995. It was there that my circle of friendship comes to light and shines brighter each year. Work, ball fields, PTO, senior lunches, Young Women’s Club, field trips, babysitters, golf rounds and more filled our time. I’m struck by how the years have gone by, the changes that have taken place, and the familiar friendships that naturally fall into place. We all (the greater all) grew up together in Weston. We’ve shared in each other’s joys and sadnesses – graduations, marriages, grandchildren, relocation, retirement and all the spaces in between, including supporting those with illnesses and the loss of loved ones.
It has been over four years since I moved to Washington (almost five for Jim), yet as we drove old neighborhoods and visited people in our lives, we were constantly reminded of the times we shared and the place that so many special friends still occupy in our lives, both then and now. We saw things through different lenses. It sounds dramatic.. and truthfully, it was. Sadly, we didn’t get to see everyone we were hoping to. One big reason to come back!
In our now blended lives, (11 years) Jim and I understand and value each other’s separate pasts and how they helped get us to where we are today – sharing a journey of a life time. #luckyinlove
A sampling of our walk down memory lane:
Robin Bushnell: College roommates who drifted. Facebook reunites and brings us together. Kids to grown women- sharing was easy and special. #reunited
Lucy Columbo Jacobus: Started babysitting for us when she was 12. All grown up -her oldest is 13! Stays in touch and always full of love and laughter. #stillthesame
Karen Hagen: My “slipper of a friend”. Comfortable, cozy, reliable. She never stops growing and learning. Loved our walk and talk. #she’salwayswillingtohelpBookclub: So much fun. Miss you. #didn’treadthebook-againBob Kaseser Sr (Papa): Wonderful visit and catch up. Celebrates his 89th this week. Thankful for his open arms and loving conversation. #stillvoracioiusreaderBob: He always loved fall, so it seemed appropriate to have leaves blowing across our time together. Talking about our kids is the easiest thing to do. That hasn’t changed. #notforgottenLori (and Tom) DiBartholome: About 20 years ago our little boys, now men, met. Another “we grew up together” moment and our night went to fast. #GregandNickstillspecialbudsAunt Millie: 95 and uses her ipad to share photos of the family. She’s one of the family pillars and one of kindest people you will ever meet. #inspirationalFor over 30 years I’ve been receiving paychecks from the Weston Racquet Club. Full time, part time, time off, work from home, work from the club, work from Seattle- I did it all. Felt great to walk through the doors. #coworkersarefriendsJJ Noel: We took the new metro train into NYC to see this kid. Love where he is in life. Happy, healthy, new job, still plays soccer, loves city life. #whatmorecouldaparentwantKaren and Dan Bennewitz: From lifeguarding on Compo Beach when we were teenagers, meeting again in Weston by chance, all the way to retirement. Wow. #standingthetestoftimeLiz and Andy Montelli: It’s all about timing.. and where you park along Newport beaches. That’s where I spotted Liz after enjoying the Cliff Walk. Their girls shared their visit with us. Had a wonderful breakfast catching up while enjoying little ones and their giggles before the island tour. #serendipity#3Matt Cohen: Newport is a special spot on it’s own, but also the home of this great guy. Living a nautical life and an amazing photographer. Loved seeing your hood. #keepseeinglifethroughthatspeciallensMike and Lisa Foster: Old friends meet in new places. This time, Old Saybrook. What a beautiful retreat and fun was had by all. #CooperevensharedhisbedSue Quinn: We met years ago when uncertainty in each of our lives outweighed stability. A beautiful person and special friend. #we’vecomealongwaybaby
Liz Keplesky: Such a special time getting caught up with this lady who is always on the go but somehow finds time to always be there. Girls sleepover and too much wine! #wishwehadmoretimeNothing like girlfriends. #karenonlygetsyoungerBill Lomis: From early CT days- Bill has been a part of our family life. He was more than just my sister’s boyfriend – he was kind of like a brother. #stillcallsmeGeebFriends gather to celebrate friends. #that’swhatit’sallaboutSista Julie: What a gift you are to our family. Our friendship began when Greg was born. Your loving arms spread wide. So happy you happened to be in Weston. #weloveyou#SingingOaks
We thought we were going to love this course by the reviews and some of the big tournaments that have been played here. It ended up feeling like the development was first priority and that the golf course was second. Although it was in great shape tee to green. Power lines, rock quarry and highway 90 within earshot of every swing took away from the back drop of beautiful mountains. Not a great round for Ginny as she was very distracted by having the Nest camera focused on Roxy back at the IZ. Oh well. Also our first rain in weeks!!!!
We’ve been playing golf together for years. #girlfriends.
Lisa and I both loved these fences….
This day was such a special day for so many reasons. Meeting up with long time friends, loved the course, the mountains, the streams, the beaver, walking the course, ease of pace, drinks on the deck overlooking this incredible land.. and then dinner at a spectacular restaurant. (Jim took care of the bantering of boys being boys.) We LOVED this day.
A great day on the course with Rusty and his brother-in-law, Bob. We felt like we were the only ones there. We loved the course, the views and the company!
Jim is doing such a good job with the posts (see new below) that I’ve yet to really jump in- but I will soon. In the meantime, I thought I would post these pics from today’s hike to Morning Glory Arch. it was an easy 4-5 mile hike and the dogs LOVED it. This has been quite a ride and I’m so thankful to Jim and pups for loving me like they do and for this opportunity to see our beautiful country! Hope you are all well. We miss you and talk about you a lot! xo
A great day on the course with Rusty and his brother-in-law, Bob. We felt like we were the only ones there. We loved the course, the views and the company!
