What do you do in winter?
Janet from Rehoboth sent this: “Cute article about retiring here! I love it. My two fears proved unfounded. Would it be completely silent in the winter? No! So much to do and the deals are wonderful. Would I hate the summer traffic? No! You learn to manage around it. The volunteer opportunities are just everywhere, and people are so warm and welcoming. I joined the Sussex Gardeners, and we support a number of community efforts, including making floral arrangements with residents of Cadbury, as well as those who visit Gull House.”
Mary Ann writes, “Loved your article about moving to Delaware last week. We spent 26 years in N.J. raising our kids and then moved to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia after they were out of college, as my husband had a good job offer. We discovered Delaware and moved here after we both retired two years ago. I feel like Rehoboth and Lewes are real jewels. I love belonging to the writers' guild, and my husband started taking art lessons at Wilmington University.”
Then I received this message from Clare: “While reading your recent article in the Cape Gazette, Dec. 1, I just could not believe who you were. You may or may not remember me, but my son, Steven was born five days before your daughter. We live in Breakwater and moved here in March 2012. How we first met back in Maryland escapes me, but I recognized you immediately.”
Of course I remembered Clare. Ray and I met her husband Richard in childbirth class. He was the only one there without a partner and we had to ask, “Why?” Clare was bedridden to ensure no premature labor, and after getting to know Richard, who was dutifully taping all eight sessions, I decided to bring lunch to their home so I could meet Clare. A great friendship was born; but it only lasted a few years. Life just got busier, and we lost touch.
The four of us reunited at our local restaurant Fish On and shared pictures of our two children in their red Christmas sleepers. I still laugh when I recall us in my kitchen trying to use the breast pump for the first time while our husbands bonded over adult beverages in the next room. We plan to dine out and to take advantage of those winter deals!
Now that the beloved farmers markets are closed, fear not, you can still order fresh produce and products online. I made an arugula salad with fresh roasted beets from Greenbranch Organic Farms and did some holiday shopping by buying Backyard’s hot pepper jam for Aunt Sonia’s stocking. Do you need steaks, fresh eggs or Yukon gold potatoes for holiday guests? You can order pies, pickles or honey, all from local farmers who appreciate our business.
Hattie's Garden will deliver products from a dozen local vendors during the months of December and January. Subscribe to Hattie's Garden newsletter to get weekly information about the many products and delivery or pickup options. To learn more you can visit hattiesgarden.com.
Write to me at lgraff1979@gmail.com. What do you do in winter?
