From Grits to Chopsticks

Since the Christmas break is now over, we’re jumping into the challenge of trying to get ready to leave Georgia behind. Every time we’ve moved over the past years, we’ve tried to purge unneeded stuff and simplify.  But when you are moving to Asia, you’re faced with an entirely new level of sorting through everything you’ve accumulated while watching three kids progress from infants to adults.

Tim and I have been working with marginal success to sell some stuff on CraigsList here in the Atlanta area.  Included in the mix of items was the Jon Boat which we bought 10 years ago in Texas.  We’ve had some good memories in a few states with that boat, so it was hard to see the new owner hitch it up and drive away.  It reminds me of what Corrie Ten Boom said decades ago – it’s important that we hold all earthly things loosely so that it doesn’t hurt too much when they are removed from our hand.

We are also now looking for a new way to deal with our house.  While we originally had hoped for some friends to be able to rent it, they have now decided that they will be unable to do so.  Keep us in mind as we try to figure out if it is better to rent or sell, and as we look for the right resident.

We’ve also been getting ready to deal with some of the unfamiliar microbes in our new city, feeling somewhat like a pin cushion at times.  In order to get a break from the pricking (and take advantage of the longer immunity), we chose to take the Typhoid vaccine orally.  But in order to do so, you must trade one quick shot for four doses that must be taken on a careful schedule, with water, on an empty stomach.  I never realized how often I like to eat – perhaps this has been a useful exercise in self-control.

It was wonderful to have our whole family together at Christmas this year.  With our plans to move to Asia next year, it may be the last chance for a while to get everyone together.

Laurie, Jeruid, and Stephen escaped from the Northeast just in time – two feet of snow fell the next day in Oxford, PA.  We were able to drive to SC together, attend a wedding, and visit family members.  While visiting with Dixie and Chris, we got the following family photo:

Back in Georgia, we drove up north for some hiking together.  We followed the recommendation of the owner of the North Georgia Mountain outfitters (http://www.hikenorthgeorgia.com/), we hiked the Cartecay River loop trail.  It was a perfect day and the river was beautiful.

We then drove up to spend the night at the Lodge at Amicolola Falls state park.  If you happen to be in North Georgia (and on a tight budget), the lodge is comfortable and the local trails are beautiful (http://www.amicalolafalls.com/).  After eating our fill at the buffet dinner, we spent the evening playing board games and taking a night hike under the stars.

On Wednesday, we hiked the loop trail around the falls.  The waterfall is billed as the largest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi river.  The trail climbs a staircase with 604 steps, so be ready for a little exercise if you take it.

During the hike, we all shared in a re-enactment of Laurie and Jeruid’s marriage proposal four years ago at this very spot.  You can see why this place has special meaning for all of us.

It’s always great to spend time with family and friends, and during early December, we were able to travel up to PA and DE and make some visits.  Laurie was a gracious hostess as we spent a week at her home in Oxford.

While visiting Bob and Karen in DE, we got to sit on his birthday Harley.  This is the closest that we’ll ever get to riding a big motorcycle (and you’ll notice that we’re still in the driveway).