Well, needless to say, I made to to Jacksonville last night, just ahead of a harrowing storm. It was a terribly boring trip - interstate all the way - but I made good time, and I wanted to be there to meet Sharon for dinner. 

I rolled into the Riverside area of Jax right on schedule, and got directions to the restaurant, where Sharon and Jodi were waiting for me. Yes, Jodi came along too, and it was so great to meet her, she is a hoot! You didn't know, did you, that Jodi really is tall and willowy and blond and ..... naw, just kidding :) She's got lovely long red curls and looks just like her avatar. (Loved your hat, Jodi) 

The interesting thing about Jodi is I felt like I've known her for years, instead of just meeting her for the first time. I think that is part OS (we immediately caught up on all the OS gossip) and part is just Jodi's comfortable ways. And Sharon! Sharon is looking beautiful, people, she is on a healthy regimen and is walking and looking slim and lively!  (Can't wait for some new avatar pics Sharon). 

So we sat outside on the patio and ate and laughed and talked and then I took my leave to start on the way to Southside. I drove in the dark through parts of town that I know so well, and surprisingly, very little has changed. The same buildings, in many cases, the same shops. Since it was dark and quiet there was no one about and it was like I was traveling in a dream of my childhood. Appropriate, yes?

I  went into my old neighborhood and slowly drove past my old house. I nearly stopped, but a tv was on in the front room and they would have noticed a big hulking van in front of them, so I moved on down the street.  I'll go by today when I leave, just in case I can dodge into the yard for a moment. 

The fact that it was so late going through my old neighborhood, middle school, high school, stomping grounds really helped let me go of some of the heaviness of memory. They are only buildings, and all the people I knew have gone. Dead or moved or changed. No reason to be here, other than to see the shells that housed those people that still live in my head.  Maybe I don't need to come back again.  

Today I'm getting to the campground in St. Augustine, so with luck, there'll be some pictures!