The Correspondent

 I have had the best luck in my reading material lately. Thanks to my Susan who keeps giving me books to read. Last night I finished The Correspondent and was completely taken by surprise.

You see, I started that thing and just couldn't figure out who the characters were so I thought 'hey, this is a dud.' The whole book is nothing but letters different people have written to each other, the main one being Sybil. But, it all started making sense and before I knew it, I couldn't put it down. 

A completely original format.. well, maybe not original but certainly not the regular style of writing. I think it was refreshing to read something out of the norm.

And, you know what! I used to love to write letters and did so a lot. Then came email, then texting ... you get my drift. Letter writing is a lost art. But, this book put me back in touch with the feel I always got when I either wrote a letter or received one. I think we ought to bring back Letter Writing!!

I recommend this book. It's all about loss and grief, and joy and sadness, and adventure and love and finding yourself. Pretty much how life really is. Let me know if you have read it or when you do, I would be interested to know your take on it. 

Seeing Savannah

 I had flown down early for the wedding but I was riding back with a daughter and son-in-law. None of us had ever been to Savannah we decided we'd take a trolley tour of the place. So glad that we did. 

Savannah is a charming city. I wouldn't mind living there but that is not in the cards. There are 22 parks! They are all over the place and provide such a calm, peaceful area for people to go. And old buildings and cobblestone streets. Of course, the streets were a bit bumpy to ride over but what the heck. 

It was the day after Mother's Day and I was presented a pink carnation by our tour ticket salesperson. He was such a jolly soul and we loved meeting him. 

I took a ton of pictures so I won't bore you with all of them.  haha but here is a smathering of what we enjoyed. 

One of the many parks in Savannah

Oldest operating restaurant on Savannah's waterfront. Was an old restore cotton warehouse.

The street is made of ballast stones that were put in the small ships arriving from overseas for balance. Unloaded and then used to pave streets. 

Waving Girl statue honors Florence Martus who waved a cloth to welcome ships entering Savannah port for over 40 years, her faithful dog beside her.

A city of live oaks loaded with Spanish Moss

Big Duke Alarm Bell constructed in 1872 as a fire alarm for the city. was also rung at end of Spanish-American War

A familiar sight on Savannah's streets

Me busy taking photos. 

My daughter Shirley 

The Wedding

Wedding day arrived...

and wouldn't you know it.... here's comes a thunderstorm about 2 p.m. and soaks the lawn where the ceremony was to take place. Terrace furniture was stowed elsewhere and quickly replaced with chairs for the guests. Flowers were arranged to form an altar and then the music starts and here she comes down the aisle. 

I loved the brides dress... it was sooooo her. 

The vows they wrote for each other were so personal and meaningful. 

            Just look at that grin on my grandson's face!!

The ceremony was beautiful even if we were all crammed together on the terrace. And, too soon it was over and the couple were walking back down the aisle.... Mr. and Mrs. Murray... my new granddaughter-in-law. I couldn't be happier for I feel they are a true match for each other. She's been around for 8 years so I think they've stood the test of time already. 

The groom loved his granddad dearly and looked up to him and revered him. So, before the ceremony I drew him aside and told him that his  granddad was there with us... and then I pinned his granddad's wedding ring (75 years ago) into the breast pocket of his suit to have it close to his heart during the ceremony. It was truly emotional for us both. 

After the ceremony we had a lovely, delicious meal on the lawn (under a tent) 

And, then we danced the night away.

Youngest grandson with his girlfriend

The groom's Mom (my daughter Susan) dancing with her son, Owen

Shirley dancing with her nephew

Two of my granddaughters. 

Sea Island, Georgia

 What a dad-gum tooting fun-loving week!! Oh my.. such fun, such love, such tiredness! This old body protested greatly but I just kept going 'til it was all done and I was home again. Here I am... dragging luggage and myself into my front door yesterday late in the day, ready for some quiet time!

I arrived at the house where the wedding would take place last Monday a week and a half ago and enjoyed days with the bride and groom as well as my daughter (the groom's mom). This post is about the house (a summer home of a friend of the groom's parents) in Sea Island, Georgia. Just had to share some of the beauty of the place with you all before I get more into the wedding. 

The front entrance staircase

Looking down on the fountain at the front entrance

The terrace outside the kitchen

Me enjoying my lunch on that terrace

The pool. I did not go in the pool but I did relax poolside reading a good book. 

My reflection in the mirror of one of the downstairs bathrooms.

I love a terracotta roof. This on is tiled with Palm Beach Mission tile. 

the view from my bed where I lay for hours watching that big ole moon shine on the ocean. 

Yes, it was quite an exciting week... and I have lots more to share with you in a day or two. 

A Run For The Roses

 About 40 of us gathered in the common room for a party of epic style yesterday afternoon. Churchill Downs did not have a thing on us!

                            We had colorful fascinators, 

                                horses, 

      southern food,   

      

                         yummy mint juleps, 

  and betting on what we hoped to be the winning horse. 

I thought I had it won but Golden Tempo passed me by and my horse came in second. But, that was ok. I only lost a dollar!! And, wasn't it cool that two brothers finished in first and second place! We were cheering our jockeys on and just having a blast. 

My daughter has headed up the Kentucky Derby party here at Centerbrooke for the past 3 years and we always have such a good time. She made cheese straws which surpassed store bought one and her bourbon meatballs were out of this world. Lois made the mint juleps and they were divine. The staff furnished the potato salad, deviled eggs, ham sliders and pasta salad. 

There were some new residents attending and it was great seeing them having such a good time. 

     I just wish you all could come join us next year. 

Packing up, Flying Out

 I just wanted to post a quick note. I will try to have time to post about the Kentucky Derby Party tomorrow but I am in the midst of a very busy and exciting time. My grandson is getting married on May 9th to a lovely, sweet woman named Kelsey. 

At least two weeks ago I set my luggage on my spare bed and started gathering what I would need to take with me to Sea Island, Georgia where the wedding will take place. I mean,  at this age, you sort of worry that you'll forget something important... so, I started that 'gathering' early on. Lucky I had that spare bed!! 

I am being organized, I think, but you just watch..... I'll forget something. I have already packed my underwear and gowns, 3 pair of hose  in case one runs!! Yes, I wear hose when I need to. All  you 'young'ens go barelegged now but I'm old school. 

I've even packed some thread and a needle (just in case the bride or someone else splits a seam or loses one of 900 kazillions buttons she has down the back of her gown). 

I have a bag of candy that I just love so I am taking that for us all to snack on.... you have no idea how many times over the past week I have been tempted to rip open that bag and dive in! But, I've been a good girl. Gee it was hard, though. 

The wedding is taking place at a friend of the groom's summer home. And, we will be staying at the house. Geez, I  bet they might have needle and thread... nah, people don't sew anymore so I am safe by taking my own. 

The bride and groom along with his mom, fly from NY down to Ga on Monday. I will leave Virginia that same day and the four of us will have the rest of the week to 'pull our hair out' before the ceremony begins. Weddings are so stressful. But, what a beautiful event it will be. I can't wait!!