I’m in Inverness, Florida visiting my daughter, son-in-law and their children. Oh, I also had my final check-up on my eyes after having my cataracts taken out in June. The good news is that my vision is nearly perfect now. But the best part of the visit has been visiting family and friends.
I saw many old and new friends at two health talks I gave on the value of plant-based meals, and all of this was a joy. Then I met Dave and Betty Davis at the Withlacoochee State Trail at daybreak this morning. We enjoyed a two or three-mile hike in the cool of the morning, and it was great to catch up on each other’s lives.
I always enjoy visiting Amy and Paul and family. This time the visit has been even more delightful because I’ve been able to see my grandchildren perform in events that were serendipitously held on the days I was here. Usually I miss out on these kinds of events. So it was that I got to hear my two eighth-grade granddaughters play in the Middle School Jazz Band that played for the Grand Opening of the New Publix Store Thursday morning. They played great and the band was really good.
That same afternoon I got to see Sam, my 11th grade grandson, run in the Divisional cross-country meet at McKethan Park, where he ran his personal best time ever in leading his teammates to qualify for the Regional meet next week.
Then, last evening, we all went to see Pollyanna, the Musical, performed by the Lecanto High School Theater Department. Josh, a senior this year, sang in one of the starring roles as Dr. Chilton, the town physician. It was a delightful play and the cast of dozens did beautifully. The surprise for me was that Josh had such a good singing voice. I had not known that before.
Tomorrow I’m flying to Washington DC for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine annual meeting. I’ll carry my heart-warming experiences of the past few days with me for a long time to come.
