A little after a year since a resolution was passed in New Jersey making June 1st Bob Popovic's Day family and friends gathered at The Shady Rest and the rose garden to remember Bob. I wasn't able to attend but those that went had great weather for the gathering. If I didn't have to give the students their mid-term exam I might have made my way down there.
It was about this time each year when it was the final countdown for the Martha's Vineyard trip. Each year it was a hold-your-breath time to see if Bob would make the trip. And one of the big reasons if he was in or not was the status of the roses. I don't know roses, but it came down to the flush, or the bloom, or whatever it's called. Was it a good weather and rainy spring? Would they pop early or later? If the timing was right he was in, if not, "I'll see you guys next year".
One of my favorite pics of Bob was taken by Tom Lynch. It shows Bob in a pensive moment admiring his roses in Shady Rest Rose Garden, probably accompanied by his cat. He was a many of many talents and passions, obviously fly tying and fishing, but roses, cats, pizza, The Shady, and of course his family and friends, and well strangers as well. No doubt I'll think of Bobby as I make the drive and jump of the ferry next week. I need this trip this year.
And to illustrate how guys, and gals, feel about their rides I bring you this update. A few weeks ago I sold my 2002 Silverado. It was the one where I proudly constructed a home-made bed for it. It was during the last hours of our estate sale when a guy say the "For Sale" signed I planted on it in the driveway. It took about 10 minutes for him to decide he wanted it. When he told me he was thinking of putting on a separate bed I was like, "Okay, but why?", as I was proud of my craftsmanship.
After I purchased the 2004 Suburban and had it painted at Maaco, more on that later, I of course sent the previous owner a picture. People get attached to their vehicles, and he was happy to see her in all her facelift glory. So yesterday I received the below pic from the new Silverado owner. He went and did exactly what he told me he planned to do.
He went and put on a "real" bed which suits is needs for his landscaping company and boy does it look legit. I'm kinda sad to see all of the hours I put into making the old bed be for
naught, but that's what happens when you sell things. The same will be said for what the new owners of our house will do to it shortly after we close, which will be on or before July 15th, according to the binding contract we have down in writing.
This is a busy time and we feel like we're in limbo. House here under contract, searching and making offers on houses down in South Carolina, and now the move to sell and upgrade down in Cape May. It's stressful, and overwhelming, having so many moving parts. And there's still a ton to do, septic and well water inspections, tackling the attic, filling and getting rid of the dumpster, and ending my time teaching at Capital Health. By August 1st this will all be over and every facet of our lives will begin anew. I can't believe it's all going down as planned. Needless to say we are very blessed and thankful and grateful.