Today I took my son and a friend to a new restaurant in what is now called the midtown area of Oklahoma City. There is a renaissance taking place there as well as in other sections of the city.
One thing that I found especially interesting was that my childhood pediatrician's office was directly across the street. Of course the pediatrician has been long gone many years and the office was vacant much of that time. It may be a lawyers' office now. And next to it is the building where my parents' doctor worked and that building is also being restored after long disuse. The building housing the restaurant was a pharmacy when I was a child and we used to go there and get our prescriptions filled.
After we left the restaurant we drove to other nearby areas so my companions could show me the many changes to our city. Truly I was so surprised.
I moved from Oklahoma City in 1994. I returned in late 1998 but I really was not able to get out much. The car I had then I sold in 2004 and I had managed to put on about 11,000 miles in a little over 5 years. Even the last few years when I got out more I drove to the same places a lot so I've seen very little.
This evening we attended a book signing by an author friend. It is so strange to be able to come and go on a mere whim. And afterwards we sat in a little restaurant for a while and enjoyed a snack and just being together. No planning, no arrangements, no time constraints - just did it - and then we drove home.
And when we got home there was no urgent job to complete or responsibility to consider and no emergency to manage.
5 years ago
6 comments:
Dare I say it - I'm jealous. Not to the point where I would begrudge you these pleasures. Lord knows you more than served His calling. But I admit, I would really enjoy those freedoms once again.
I am so very, very happy for you Flinty. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Nine years is such a long time; you must feel as if you are Rip Van Winkle. I admire your ability to put someone else's needs before your own for so long. Honestly, you inspire me.
Enjoy - live, love laugh. You have earned it my friend.
I was going to say the same! "YIPPEE!" But honestly, know it must feel...strange. But something tells me, you will get used to your new found freedom!
N.Mc. OOXXOOO
I had to laugh about the car. I have a 2004 with 13,000 miles on it. It would have even less but I drove to Canada last year when we took the cruise. I've been in this area for 3 years and know very little of what's here.
When ever we went to Oklahoma, it was full-tilt-buggy reunion time. We only had meals, meals & more meals, at my Grandmother's House. Or we went to The Country Club, which is pretty neat, or golfing at the Club (I mostly watched, & or drove the cart) but never really went into down town?
My Uncle assures me there have been some big improvements, but I really I wouldn't know the difference. I'll have to take a tour, next time I go!
I've not been since 1998. My Grandmother's Funeral, Memorial, and Estate Sale. She was the glue!
It's good to hear that you're out and around, Flinty. I drove just a few miles away from my mom's house last week and saw much change in our area too. There's now a huge housing development where there was once nothing but trees and overgrowth.
You deserve the break and getting to see the surroundings. Make sure you get out more. ((HUGS))
i too have seen many changes in the past week or so in just about 20 months. time certainly does not stop for anyone.
glad to hear you are getting out and enjoying yourself.
Post a Comment