Class A Boomers: Carolina On My Mind

The more we travel the more we are truly looking forward to seeing every state in this fine country. We have been to many already and, with the exception of California, have only seen bits of each. Each place has its special features and each requires further exploration in order to say we really know it. Along with West Virginia, North Carolina is a place we'd like to get to know better. What we've seen so far is exceptionally beautiful. We've enjoyed the Outer Banks with its sandy wildness and salty, ocean winds; and New Bern, an historical town which rests its real estate against the woodsy Croatan National Forest, where my dear friend, Linda Davis, lives with her husband Alex; and, now, we are in Boone in 'the high country' in the western side of the state where the trees are blazing with reds and golds. I am replete with the eastern fall air that I've missed for 34 years, having had lived in New Jersey for 11 years where autumn was my most favorite season.

Our visit in New Bern was gratifying for a couple reasons. First was because I was able to spend an entire week (sans the hours Linda had to be at work), with Linda who is my oldest friend. Linda and I met when my family were moving into our house in Fair Haven, New Jersey. Linda was the first, and only, person my age to come over and introduce herself. We've been friends ever since, even though we sometimes nurtured other friendships during our high school years. And, Linda and I haven't kept in touch 100% of the time over the years. She came to Rob's and my wedding 27 years ago, then we lost touch because I lost the piece of paper containing her address and phone number which was, I thought, tucked into my address book. Remember those days when everyone had an address book instead of smart phones? Then somehow, nearly 15 years ago, Linda called me and we spoke on the phone as though no time had passed. We didn't hear each other's voices again until a little over a year and a half ago when, after making contact through Facebook and texting, I arrived at her door for a two night visit while traveling from Florida to Virginia Beach. Again, it was as though no time had passed. We just got caught up. This time was no different. Second was because our husbands got to meet and Rob and Alex became like two peas in a pod. They probably won't appreciate that description, but it is how Linda and I saw it. And we loved it. How often does it happen when two couples, four individuals, find enough in common and feel an affinity with each dynamic that all enjoy spending time together?

I also want to shout out that Linda and Alex were the most gracious hosts we could have asked for and, unfortunately, at a time when we were under a bit of stress. Our bank debit cards were compromised and we had to shut both down. Several charges ended up showing on our account which we weren't able to address until after the Columbus Day holiday. I become Chicken Little when our money is messed with. No fun. No fun at all! The good thing is our credit union stepped up to the plate and removed the charges to our account. I have an idea from where this problem may have stemmed and I have taken action. Although it is usually near to impossible to make any arrests in these types of scams, I felt better doing something than doing nothing.

Rob and I drove a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday. It is impressive and when we head a bit south to Asheville on Monday, we will drive some of it from that end. I just hope the fall colors are still on the trees.

Here are a few photos (yeah, right), to check out.