I love this group--I posted late last week re the discussion on the cold, and some of you asked how things were going--I appreciate it.
I love Memphis--and the city's being good to me (local papers interviewed me--I felt like a minor celebrity!) But the neighbors have been fabulous, and what is really nice is that when I've left town for business, our new friends/neighbors have invited Mr. Newyorker to dinner (it is wonderfully thoughtful).
My work is going well, and I'm learning a lot about development work (ie raising money!) The students at my college are nice kids--and so are the faculty. I feel very lucky and very challenged to do my best for them.
But its been hard being empty nesters--kids are home now for the holidays, but the hardest thing I've done is bring my kids to college and leave them. Suddenly I feel so old!
But all in all --we're doing well. Its nice to be warm and not worrying about all the snow.
And to answer Sueshore's question re dry heat in norhtern climes--lots of moisturizer, and saline nasal spray (sounds gross, but your sinuses dry out, and that can be very bad for your health.) A humidifier helps too--esp when it gets very cold (and the humidity will drop to nothing). There is another answer--don't go to such dreadfully cold places!!
Happy holidays everyone!!
I love Memphis--and the city's being good to me (local papers interviewed me--I felt like a minor celebrity!) But the neighbors have been fabulous, and what is really nice is that when I've left town for business, our new friends/neighbors have invited Mr. Newyorker to dinner (it is wonderfully thoughtful).
My work is going well, and I'm learning a lot about development work (ie raising money!) The students at my college are nice kids--and so are the faculty. I feel very lucky and very challenged to do my best for them.
But its been hard being empty nesters--kids are home now for the holidays, but the hardest thing I've done is bring my kids to college and leave them. Suddenly I feel so old!
But all in all --we're doing well. Its nice to be warm and not worrying about all the snow.
And to answer Sueshore's question re dry heat in norhtern climes--lots of moisturizer, and saline nasal spray (sounds gross, but your sinuses dry out, and that can be very bad for your health.) A humidifier helps too--esp when it gets very cold (and the humidity will drop to nothing). There is another answer--don't go to such dreadfully cold places!!
Happy holidays everyone!!
). It looks like you've settled into your new life very well--good for you!! And speaking of being a brand new empty-nester, don't you appreciate your children that much more when you see them only on the holidays? Or do I have it backwards. They appreciate US so much more! 
Make the most of it and keep us informed
While it may not be to Christmas like, it is much better when I take the dogs out late at night.
back ! glad to hear things are going so well for you. as for empty nesting, you'll be fine. if my mom survived it anyone can. now me, i live the perfect amount of time away from them, about 40 mins. it's close enough to see them when i want to, but far enough away to have my own space. 