December 28, 2022
I read an article this morning in the Wall Street Journal that has reminded me (again) that I need to (and want to) preserve our memories so that we can recall in later years where we were and what we did. Some day we might not be able to recreate today's memories. I'm sue we'll have memories from the future, but they may be different from what's happening in our lives now. So, another attempt.
So much has happened in the recent past, but I think the highlight of all that is and has happened is the wonderful relationships we have with Evan and Anna. We stay in close contact with them (more so Anna) on a daily or least weekly basis. It is so great to have grandchildren who still love to be around us and enjoy things with us. Both are at NCSU, with Anna a Senior and Evan a Sophmore. There will be a lot more about them in future posts (I hope)
Slade and Candace are enjoying very successful careers with Cisco.
Clara and I have continued to enjoy good health and still living the dream. The mountain home is a solid income producing Short Term Rental (Airbnb and VRBO) and we get to spend a few weeks of the year there (mostly doing maintenance, but it's still a favorite place for me). Our guest house in Beaufort has become a favorite for many vacationers, both repeats and new. And in the summer, we meet some of the greatest people ever and enjoy watching them enjoy our hometown.
In early 2021, our neighbor, Wendell Lantz started talking about purchasing a townhouse in a new development about a mile from our home. Beau Coast is a new resort community that is being developed that is really having a large impact on Beaufort (all positive in our opiinions). Anyway,, Slade, Candace Clara and I decided to take the leap and we purchased a townhome next to Wendells. Clara and Candace went to work seeking deals to furnish it, and by June, 2021, it was ready for rentals. It started out well and has paid for itself so far. And it's another great way to meet people and see them enjoy our hometown.
We enjoy our summers in Beaufort, but a new highlight is spending winters in Florida. We have visited Upriver RV Resort several times in the past on our way to Key West for the winters. But after the bad experience in March 2020 at Key West, plus a lot of changes that in the management and operation, we decided for the winter of 2021-2022 that we'd skip Key West and settle in Upriver. It's been a good decision. First of all, we were parked next to a perfect couple from Michigan the first year. We got along well and enjoyed many things together. So this year (20222-2023), we made arrangements to get our same sites next to each other and enjoy our continuing freindship and fun together.
This is my first post-pause update, and I hope that I will continue to "make my self" do this until I get caught up. And add lots of pictures. It's been too long.
