18 Comments
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Jimmie Cormier's avatar

Wonderful! What a wise thing to spend your time and resources on. And, being made aware that you can still travel and experience a broader world. Sounds like an adventure of an Elder being conscious to his own needs. I am happy for you.

Jim Newlin's avatar

Glad you are adjusting to Missouri, and have found companionship! Hope you

continue to enjoy life!

Kalinda Wycoff's avatar

How wonderful you were able to travel back to Floyd!! Sorry I missed you. I know we were not close but I have always admired you and your writing. I at 77 was blessed to be traveling with 2 of my grand daughters and there mother to Costa Rico for a 7 day tour, was amazing! I have be longing to check it out. I am so impressed that they have NO military ! I am wondering if I am past the point of starting over myself.

Fred First's avatar

Best of luck with new beginnings. It can happen!

Steve Flora's avatar

Good onya, Fred.

Kathy Barron's avatar

I ate dinner at the Martha Washington Inn when I was on a road trip with my sister-in-law.

I am so glad you returned to Floyd. I return to my childhood vacation town every summer and enjoy being there so much.

Honeybee's avatar

Hurray!!! What a marvelous way to finish the Closure to the Era of Virginia. Even better that you had a friend to share it with.

Bryce Tolpen's avatar

So glad you took this trip with a companion with whom you can share your memories. I think of you every time I pass Floyd on my own trips from my 40-year-home (Northern Virginia) and my own, late-in-life Columbia (TN). All the best. (And I'm glad you transitioned from your old Subaru to your new one better than I have. I still miss my Impreza's stick and its cranky crank windows! But V doesn't drive stick, so we also have a 2021 model, a Forester.)

Kathy Barron's avatar

I was married to Bill Crudup, who was raised in Columbia, Tennessee. I go back every year to see my oldest friend, Patty Dooley Strickland. I wonder if you have heard of either of the Crudups or the Dooleys.

Bryce Tolpen's avatar

Kathy, wow! I'll ask my wife, who has more roots here. Failing that, I'll ask two people who seem to know everyone, and I'll get back to you! Do your Barrons, by any chance, have any connection with the Barrons in Newport News, Virginia?

Kathy Barron's avatar

The Barron family was only in Wisconsin to my knowledge. Your wife may have heard of my friend Patty’s husband, Dr Ray Strickland.

Georgia A. Reynard's avatar

What a wonderful trip! Glad you were able to bridge the major life changes and visit with those who meant so much to you. There is a group of some 20-30 college friends who get together several times a year. We remember- and help each other remember- good times from the late 60s to the present. We will gather the last week of June and I can't wait!

Georgia A. Reynard's avatar

What a wonderful trip! Glad you were able to bridge the major life changes and visit with those who meant so much to you. There is a group of some 20-30 college friends who get together several times a year. We remember- and help each other remember- good times from the late 60s to the present. We will gather the last week of June and I can't wait!

Sean Sharp's avatar

I was happy to read this, Fred. I am so grateful you made this trip with your friend to see Floyd and be with friends who have known you for so long. What a lovely thing to read this morning. Thank you . . . . :-)

COD's avatar

After 20 years of your blog and two books, I don't think I will ever be able to think of Floyd without thinking of you. I think your mark there is more indelible than you realize! Thrilled you got to make the trip.

cate kerr's avatar

Thank you Fred, I really needed to read this post. Now that I have given up driving for healthy reasons (neuropathy from chemotherapy), my rural Lanark days are over. I hold my many years of rambling its woodlands and rocks close, and I am more than a little sad.

Meg's avatar

I heard from Meredith and Frederick that you had been back and they had met delightful Hannah. I am happy to know you made the long trek and are doing so well.

Cheryl Nichols's avatar

Cheers 🥂! Fred to a trip worth taking! It was great to see you and meet Hannah! Hopefully that was not your last trip home!