At first light

   I am going to miss Charleston madly, and it is hitting me hard right now.  I think because the departure continued to be postponed, I almost believed it was on a permanent delay.  Or rather, I was able to lull myself into a dazed denial of leaving this most precious city.  I will miss everything about my new favorite hometown (except for the mosquitoes and the no-see-ums, but that is it!  Everything else is totally and completely "missable."  I am forlorn.).  I will miss our dock neighbor's funny, little dog, Rocket.  This crazy terrier climbs trees and barks at the water hose when it is being used.  And I have grown more than accustomed to his little ticks, I have become fond of them.  I am going to miss the frequency of our dolphin encounters.  The Food!  I am so going to miss the food.  The live music here is incredible, not just the big acts that are drawn to the various venues, but the local artists are out of this world good!  I heart the Low Country and I am definitely going to miss getting to use the term Low Country so often.
  
   There is a safeness and a security as well, that I will miss.  The security of knowing where your home is, as my home will be traveling down the coast.  The security of having a vehicle to get to the store if I really can not fathom eating another bowl of macaroni and cheese (but who are we kidding?  If past experience has taught me anything about mac-n-cheese and me, it's that we get along just fine!).  At least Jay has a bike, I need to pick one up in St. Augustine.  Anybody selling a beach cruiser for a decent (like $20) price?
  
   Most heartbreaking, every time we leave a town, is saying goodbye to our new friends.  It doesn't get any easier either!  We have met the most wonderful people in Charleston!  I am truly going to miss our dock neighbors, Nelson and Ruth.  Two of the kindest, most thoughtful people we have ever had the fortune to come across!  And the guys that work at that marina are great fellas!  I hope they all stay in touch.  It was difficult leaving Mooresville, NC when we decided to delve into the shrimp boat conversion adventure, to leave friends I'd had for years.  But I trust in the longevity to make the friendship continue despite the distance.  It is even more difficult to make new friendships and leave the people with no reassurances as to the strength of the connection other than a few months of interactions.  But even if we never come across one another's path ever again, the enrichment I incurred in my life through getting to know these folks in our short time together, is priceless.

   Goodbye Charleston!  Hello warm weather winter!!