Retirement

I wanted to make a few additional comments before I headed out for the day. Yesterday, not only did I visit Appomattox, but I spent a few hours in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on my way to my current location, Wilmington. For the past several years, my parents have been discussing - with their children's frequent input - the location of their retirement home. My father has named several states due to their appealing tax laws. (Weird, but I love you, Dad.) On the other hand, I believe my mother has a couple of more specific requirements. One, the place cannot be as hot as Puerto Rico; and two, she wants to be close to her children (and presumably the grandchildren that are to come). My siblings and I have listened to their thoughts, but have committed ourselves to the state of North Carolina. This is most likely because, as young'uns, Rachel, Jamie and I (...I don't think Amy was alive or at least walking) vacationed in the Outer Banks for several summers. We hold these islands in high regard, and somehow have extended that sentiment to the entire state. Logical, right?

Well, Mom and Dad, I want to say that after seeing Chapel Hill, I'm still all for NC! Here are my reasons:

1. The weather wasn't bad. It was hot, but bearable.

2. UNC - Chapel Hill is lovely. I would go there over UVA (maybe for grad. school) after seeing both campuses. Loved the buildings.

3. The sandwich shop that I visited, "Sandwhich" (Shout-out #2: Hi Dan!!), was delicious and located on the very cute and charming Franklin Street. Very good for shopping or just taking a walk.

4. Finally, and I believe this makes any college more appealing, I must say that UNC has done a fantastic job of integrating itself into the surrounding area. There isn't a jarring line that cuts off campus life from the busy world outside. Instead, there is a gentle and gradual transition that I found very appealing.