Welcome back to SOLO at SIXTY!
Well… last week was an adventure to say the least. (Did you read last week’s blog?) This week has been much quieter. I’ve had time to digest what happened, remembering the fear of being in a place where I knew no one, nor even where I was, except that I was surrounded by water. Really started me thinking – what if I had not had a cell phone? Or had not been on the phone with my sister? What would I have done? How could I have called for help? Would I have gotten out of my car in that water? Talk about being vulnerable! Even though I am totally responsible for my own well being, and forced to do things SOLO, I sure was thankful for my family and new friends. Like I said last week, there were many good things to come out of that bad situation. And for those I am so thankful.
“Strength and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive. Give yourself permission to experience both.” Tonya Renee
Still no definitive word on my car, but not really surprised. The insurance adjuster, another really nice SC native, called to say they were trying to get my car to the Volvo dealership for diagnostics. And my new friend (tow truck driver’s wife) sent me a picture of my car on the move to the dealership. I am learning the lesson of patience, which for anyone who knows me, knows this is a tough lesson for me. I did go look at new Volvos, just in case. Being prepared. For now, it’s a waiting game… and me back in a minivan. (Not complaining!)
“Patience is not passive waiting. Patience is active acceptance of the process required to attain your goals and dreams.”
Saturday was the first day of Fall… FALL Y’ALL! You could have surprised me! I left home Saturday morning in the dark to get to Chapel Hill in time for our tailgate. As I have said before, my daughter and son-in-law throw a great tailgate! And this one did not disappoint with chicken, bacon, pineapple kabobs, lots of food and drinks, and of course, Tar Heel cookies. First home game of the season (thanks to Florence) and against an ACC opponent. But Fall? No way! It was 88 degrees at the game, and felt like 95 (more like 105!). Loving our new seats this year – the stadium underwent a renovation and all bleacher seats were replaced with Carolina blue seats, complete with armrests. Very comfortable and looks great! We are on the 40 yard line, but this year, on the side facing the sun. This will be welcomed in a couple of weeks when the temperatures drop (real fall weather!), but last Saturday it was brutally hot and we were all sweating buckets! Not a dry stitch on anyone in the stadium. But did not complain – better heat than rain, trust me. And we WON! Surprised us all in a wonderful way! The games are so fun, but winning makes them much more fun. Love hearing the announcer say “First Down, Tar HEELS!” Love the 3rd down “Bell Gong” and the start of the 4th quarter wave. Not to mention the fight song and cheers. So happy to be back in the stadium watching football, even though I truly am not ready to say goodbye to Summer.
“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.”
Left the game and had to change clothes in my rented “Mom Van” because there was no way I could drive anywhere as soaking wet as I was! Luckily, I had planned for this, because I was going to my sister’s art show in Reidsville, NC, on my way home from the game, and did not want to wear my gameday clothes. And lucky for me that the “Mom Van” has shades you can pull down on the windows to protect the kiddos. Don’t have any kiddos but they sure protected me!
My sister is so talented. Many pieces of her art were on display and for sale, and she received so many wonderful compliments. Luckily for me, some of her college friends were there at the same time I was and I got to visit with them too. They had read my blog and knew of my latest water adventure. Still unbelievable to me and to most others! Hated to leave the show and my sister and brother-in-law, but needed to get back to Charlottesville. It had been a long but wonderful day. Unfortunately, I hit torrential rain by the time I got into Virginia. Rained off and on until I pulled into my driveway. And as you might imagine, I am a bit paranoid about driving in the rain, and even in puddles! But what was this SOLO girl gonna do? Drive!
Still not sure when I will get back to the beach. Waiting patiently (well, sorta) to see what roads are open this week. Also need to find out about my car. Will it be fixed? If so, I’ll need to pick it up in SC. But I am in VA! Timing is everything and life is not perfect. It’s good, but not perfect.
“Don’t try to be perfect. Life isn’t. No one is. Use mistakes and mishaps as opportunities to grow tolerance and to teach. There is such a thing as happy accidents.” Teri Hatcher
Here’s hoping that Fall will NOT arrive at the beach until I get some more summer-like days down there! And here’s to my lesson of patience reigning successfully. And here’s to all y’all – enjoy the change of the season, because as we all know, none of us is promised tomorrow.
“The strength for your next season will come from the pain of your past. Yes, your pain has a purpose.” TobyMac
Best,
Leslie
PS – I learned this week that according to the American Tailgater Association, tailgating most likely started with the first college football game in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton. Since there were no food vendors, fans brought their food, grilled sausages, and ate together at the “tail” end of their horse. Hence “tail”gating began. It has come a LONG way since then!
SOLO at SIXTY 
It was great to see you Saturday and enjoy the wonderful art created by your talented sister!
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I am so glad I got to see you as well!
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Leslie,
I don’t have game tickets, but I just want to come to your tailgate party!!
A TV and a fan and all that food! I could stay there during the game😎💕
Love you!
Jeanne
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