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No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Monday, December 8, 2014

A friend from the past

In a few moments someone with whom I spent much time in the past is coming to see me. Etta retired, closing her business which was nearby to my home, and is now officially retired. Already today she has been to yoga class which means she is an up and at 'em girl. She lives not far from our shared friend, Brenda. I actually introduced the two ladies to each other before Brenda even came to work for us, and they became fast friends. Brenda had then worked for the developer of our community and Etta handled the closings. Worked out great for them, and then Brenda came to work for us, which was even better.
Besides our business dealings, I worked closely with Etta when we built her home many years ago. I can remember clearly persuading her to use a vibrant  paint color for her front door when everything else she chose was safely neutral. The color was named "Watermelon" and how strange that I remember this detail!! She was thankful later for me pushing her to stick her neck out that way. 

Etta and her daughter are such good friends to Brenda that at least once, sometimes twice, a year they take her along with them to the Bahamas. They used to have access to a beach property but now they just stay in a hotel or inn when they go. It is such a wonderful getaway for them all, and a special treat for Brenda. They are so good to her, and for her!  I used to send my discarded clothing along with Brenda for her to give to a lady they were friends with in the Bahamas. One year the lady sent back a lovely necklace and anklet for me. She made the jewelry and sold it to tourists who came to her display set up along the path. So primitive an existence, and yet so grateful for my donations. 

I am looking forward to playing some catch up with Etta, and since she expressed a desire to visit my church with me sometime, this might be the first of many regular conversations! More later!