I don't know what brought on this memory for me, but many years ago when I was expecting my son, Justin, my spouse quit smoking. Just like that, quit, done, finished. When we had our little nephew in our home for the two years prior, smoking went on. When expecting our own, he was done. Our neighbor and business partner was in our office not long after the smoking cessation had taken place. Chris was a relatively humorless guy, very straight forward. That day he was also quite profound---he said, "There's nothing worse than someone who has lost weight or quit smoking..." Chris was not far off!
In the discussions at the pool, food and its consumption often comes up. While the rest of us are planning our lunch orders from The Club, another lady is lamenting the poisons she fed her children when growing up, not realizing what was in the foods she now avoids. Oh, she is a joy at lunch! She is obnoxious on a good day and having her go on and on about what she will not eat while we do makes her no more dear. The same is true for those who have lost weight or are in the process. They are alive with helpful tips on what type of smoothies to make, where to get the best dry protein or other ingredients to use (both men and women like this subject!) when mixing up their special blender drinks. I wish they were talking about making a Grasshopper rather than other green drinks!
A couple other ladies are smokers and have to sit off to the side to enjoy their cigarettes. Some of the other ladies are not smokers or were former smokers and have nothing pleasant to say about the smell and such. I guess I am lucky to not be terribly annoyed by it, but certainly I'd prefer to not have it wafting over my plate of food. Don't miss it one little bit as I am eating in restaurants, having now become accustomed to not having it. People who once smoked tend to be downright militant about it, and give our friends every sort of advice, solicited or not, about how to quit. My choice is to stay out of these discussions.
Two ladies who are adamant about the smoking in the pool area are quite excited that a Fresh Market is being built out on Fleming Island. I've heard nothing but good things about this store, but, in talking with Julie, this store is true to its name---all fresh foods, nothing in cans, by the sounds of it. I'd like to check out the deli, though, the way they talked it up. Pastor H. told me once that if I loved Festival, I will also love Fresh Market. We shall see!!!
