The trip continues to go well. I woke in Norfolk to snow on the ground. As I drove south along Route 17, through the plains, marshes, and small towns of coastal North and South Carolina, it began to thin, with the last little bit in Williamston. Most towns had a picnic table along the road for passing drivers along the road provided by a church or farmer, something I have not seen in other parts of the country. In Myrtle Beach I was able to visit with a former Sikorsky colleague, a great opportunity to talk politics and catch up; and in Charleston a classmate from grad school, pursuing her RN to enhance her work as a victim (survivor) advocate, who introduced me to the local foodie culture.
In Daytona, my friend Nebraska* opened her arms and home to me. An I/O Psychologist who has done interesting research on coordination within expert teams, she is the amazing woman who got me through my thesis. During this process, we laughed during most of our coaching sessions, and due to our thorough preparation I truly enjoyed my defense. On this trip, I was able to check in with my professors, both Human Factors and Safety, and learn how our paths have evolved. They are all doing fabulous work – studying the effects of weather radar in general aviation aircraft, developing on-line and virtual reality environments for training (gameification), and advancing safety research. In the evenings I was able to catch up with Nebraska, and meet and spend time with her great family.
On Saturday she and I headed to a park in northwest Orlando, where we met up with my friend Crabtree* to run with a local group. Trail started with a river crossing, thankfully in a canoe (my first time but Nebraska is a pro!) then an hour winding through the low scrub. The terrain was a change for me – in Connecticut we run through hilly rock forests; this day it was sand, low pine, palm and oak, and brambles. Trail was followed by merriment (including men in kilts) during which we were awarded the lofty title of ‘Dead Last’ (not a surprise for anyone who has been on trail with me). Nebraska seemed to have a good time, or at least was not unduly offended. On Sunday I was able to sit with my first sangha (meditation group) before heading west to the panhandle.
Marigold* is my sister by another mother that I often describe as ‘the woman my husband would flirt with when they were deployed’. We met when she was the scheduler at the 66th Rescue Squadron, and our lives are forever entwined as a result of the events there (I lost one, she lost twelve). She retired last year and now lives in Florida with her handsome German fireman husband and their three children. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with my friends’ children as part of their daily routines, for me the path not taken. This stop included a ‘read with parents’ activity at the twins’ primary school (do any of you remember what a homophone is?) and lunch in the cafeteria (just think of the low roar as background jet noise). We also went to the beach, twice with her youngest who got braver with the waves as we went along (I am such a bad influence, good thing Marigold brought three changes of clothes), and once on our own. During our last walk, the sound of the C-130s searching for wreckage droned through the fog.
I continue to investigate the radiant orb in the sky. Out of respect for my CT peeps (who I hear are enduring yet another cold snap) I will hold off on details. I will mention that my skin has taken on a rosy glow not associated with wind.
*Names changed to protect the innocent