The reality begins to set in

We have been in Nashville for six weeks now and the "reality" has started to set in. However, while we thought it might be the "What have we done by moving to Nashville?" reality, that really isn't the case. We continue to enjoy the adventure of starting life all over again in a new city and state. I think it is more a case of the reality of "retirement" that is having the bigger effect. While there is no longer that stress of full time employment hanging over our heads, I think Barb and I LOVINGLY agree that retirement had better be more than just hanging out with each other 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!!!

That said ... we also don't do too well being apart. Last weekend we made the trip back to Ohio for the funeral of a young friend. It was something we felt we needed to do. Period. However, the timing came just as I had finished the first week on a new job. (Okay, retirement was never really going to be permanent, was it? I work three half days a week for a tutoring service. That gives me just enough time out of the house and just enough extra money in my pocket.)

Back to my point. I left Barb in Ohio for the week and I came back to Nashville to work and take care of the dogs. Then I'll go back next weekend for a family reunion and bring Barb back. Now for two people who spend all minute of every day together, surprisingly we don't do well apart. We send e-mail constantly and then call to tell the other that the e-mail is coming. Are we pathetic or just in love?

Story time:

1) GOLF - Grant and I have been getting in some golf time, which is really great. Last week I almost beat him for the first time in 17 years. I had a five shot lead after 13 holes ... and then the storm clouds rolled over the mountains and God said, "This is not to be!!!" The downpour was massive, so the rain check for the last fives holes remains in my wallet. Now, while a five stroke lead with five holes to go may be a lock on victory for any other golfer, I have been known (frequently) to lose five stroke leads on one hole, so my status as having beaten Grant is dubious at best. We have played since then (on a different course) and I led after five holes, so mark it with an asterisk - the 17 year losing steak is over!

Grant had the best story all by himself, however. We had a tee time set, but I got a 24-hour flu. Grant went by himself and did the Belden name proud. On the last hole he flew a ball sideways ... over a fence ... and onto a patio where there was a party going on. He sheepishly went to the fence and someone tossed the ball back, noting that no one was hurt seriously in the incident. However, seconds later a man came out the fenced patio and walked to the green where Grant was putting. Grant was sure he was about to be punched, but instead the guy asked for the ball so the woman Grant hit could have it as a souvenir! That wouldn't have been so bad except Grant was playing a logo ball that I had given him from Christmas ... with his full name and the name of his business on it. Fearing a lawsuit down the road, he quickly substituted a unmarked ball and the man returned to the party with the trophy! Grant's identity remained a secret. (Oops! Maybe I should not have written that in a blog!!)

2) The DOGS - I can't help but share a "Timmy is in the well!" story. The dogs usually sleep with us, but Parker has lately taken to being independent and sleeping downstairs alone. Last night (Barb was still gone) Willie woke me up at three o'clock with an incessant barking from the bottom of the stairs. He just sat there barking and giving me a "Dad you better get down here" look. What I discovered was Parker sitting in the middle of the living room happily eating my checkbook! Willie knew Parker was being bad so he alerted me. He is now my "tattle tale dog."