It’s October and I’m off to the liquor store! Not what you think…I need boxes. I have looked for boxes twice a year for the past ten years, in the fall and in the spring. I am a “snowbird!” For those unfamiliar with this term it refers to folks who “fly” south in search of warmth for the winter months. (I’m not sure if those who fly west are included in this flock.) One would think after ten years I would have learned to create a wardrobe in each of our two homes. One would think that cosmetics are only sold in one location and must be transported across state lines. Is there a derogatory name for someone that might own two lemon zesters? My husband has figured it all out and travels with his cell phone and a jacket. (The jacket part is only true of the spring trip) Anyway, I bought a van to accommodate all my boxes. They are all liquor boxes except for the tall one that holds my boots…no, I don’t actually NEED my boots in Florida but they are my favorites and I just can’t stand to leave them all alone in my northern closet. So what’s so wonderful about changing homes in the fall and spring? It’s renewal. I get to start life again twice a year. I get to rekindle friendships twice a year. You don’t get missed if you’re never gone….not sure who said that but it is true…for family as well as friends. You know those cosmetics that I referred to earlier…they promise to renew, refresh, rejuvenate….not so…the only thing that helps me to look at life in fresh new ways is to change my surroundings…I truly love both of my homes and avail myself of opportunities for growth in both locations but the excitement of the change renews my energy twice a year and that is all I need…that and a marker to label all those boxes!
Time for a Change by Georgia Boni
November 7, 2013 by ElderChicks
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Hi, Georgia. Loved your piece. I, too, am a snowbird between Wyoming and Arizona. Am just getting ready to leave Wyoming and head to Arizona for a few months. We have already had seven snowstorms this year, so I am ready for sunshine rather than shoveling snow off the deck.
I, too, have wonderful friends in both places and love the change of pace from a tiny town of 4000 to the metropolis of Phoenix (although in truth, I HATE the traffic in Phoenix and feel much more stressed when there than I am when in Wyoming)!
I own two homes (one in each place) and duplicates of almost everything, but like you, I carry clothes and makeup, dog paraphernalia, etc. from place to place and feel a little silly doing it!
In Wyoming I live alone (my husband passed away three years ago this month) and in Arizona I have my grand daughter living in my house at least for the time being, so get to spend a great deal of time with her and LOVE it! She is a wonderful person with a HUGE personality and keeps me in stitches much of the time we are together!!
Love this idea of seasonal change. Just this morning I made a list of new things I want to do this winter. I”m planning to make the best of it since I can’t do our annual trip to a warm place due to a new health problem with heat. So i’m finding lots of fun things to do while staying in Chicago’s freezing climate. And looking forward to them!
Hi Georgia, I feel I know your wonderful therapy dogs via ElderChicks. How do they manage the travel and change of scene?
My apologies for not visiting this site more often (still unpacking those boxes). Anyway, Thelma, my little guys adjust very well to the changes each year…they travel well and I guess they are thankful that they are always in a warm climate. Italian Greyhounds have very little hair and even here in Florida when the temperature dips below 60 I need to dress them in sweaters, matching, of course!