What has been happening...

Monday arrived and I was way into overdrive on the “thinking”. You see, Monday was the beginning of my last working week at school. I retired after Field Day this past Friday. I retired from the school system that I have given 25 years of service willingly. And I have loved every minute of my job. My principal is a great administrator and friend. Thank you Tamika for having confidence in my work.

                                                     

Rewind…This past Thursday a special and precious friend surprised me along with some of my friends with lunch from Basketcase to celebrate my retirement. She is such a great friend who retired years before I did. She is a special, special friend. Thank you so much Gloria Jeffcoat for your lasting friendship.

Gloria, Wendy Anderson, Anna Whiddon, and Gina Riley

Mandy Jones, Cathy Lokay, me, Gloria and Wendy

More rewind….On Friday, May 20th girlfriends and I were excited to leave for the lake.

Front: Cathy, Kerrie Reed, Cindy Blount

Back: me, Melissa Kenyon, Wendy

Top: Gina and Virginia Nguyen

A totally relaxing and enjoyable time was spent just being together. Time was spent on the deck sampling good food and fellowshipping. We had and always have so much food it is ridiculous but we enjoy every small taste of each dish brought. Of course, there are some dishes that are just top priority...like the tequila lime wings (yum,yum). Then, there are homemade chicken and pimento cheese salads...absolutely out of this world. And, let's not forget the famous turkey salad from Dobbs. Oh...and the croissants to make sandwiches. The other foods brought compliment these...like dips and chips, fruit and veggie trays, crackers, and other items we may spy at the grocery stores we visit before our trip. Everyone bring dishes so there is a variety of food which leaves NO ONE hungry...unless of course, you don't eat (now that's a joke).

Spending the early evening on the deck sparked lots of surprises that were in store for the night. First, the girls kept going back inside the house, and I thought nothing of it. Then, I needed to get “my girl’s gifts” from the car. So I went to the car, and it was locked. I came back in and saw the decorations. I was so surprised that they tried to “sneak” one on me. However, they had no clue as to what was in store for them.

So without letting on to what I had seen, I got the keys and went back to the car, got the presents, and placed them on the floor along with their decorations for me. I then eased back onto the porch for some more conversation.

One girlfriend was not staying for the weekend and was getting ready to leave. I asked her to stay for another ten minutes or so. I then asked that we move into the house for a moment. They agreed probably excited about my seeing their decorations for the “first time”. (hee-hee-hee) You should have seen their faces when they saw gifts on the floor from me. We had a few moments of reminiscing, and then they opened their gifts. I was happy.

We love to play cards and games. Our favorite card game is “31”, and it is so much fun. We talked, played and then went to the dock to sit in the moonlight to talk some more.

The next day several of the girls had to leave for other responsibilities but I stayed with two other girls until Sunday. Another day of TOTAL rest and relaxation was welcomed before heading home.

More, more rewind…Thursday, May 12th was a retirement celebration during the lunch hours at GRA. My co-workers honored me with a dessert bar. My favorite cakes of Italian Crème, Chocolate Layer, Carrot, Coconut, Caramel, and German Chocolate were all enjoyed as well as two dishes of an ice cream sandwich-chocolate fudge-caramel-pecan dessert. It was so yummy!!!

I'm leaving behind so many friends that have meant the world to me. I am blessed beyond measure by their love, their comforting words, and their wonderful hugs for any occasions that I encountered in my life.