Number 24

I counted up the other day. Since I under-graduated from Tech in '69 this is my 24th residence.

I'll save you doing the math; that is a change of address every 1.5833 years. Even allowing for some clusters associated with trips to graduate school in the 70's and then the 80's, and a couple of short moves, I seem to have been a rolling stone. One might think I planned it that way, but no. The moves all made sense at the time, jobs/careers; looking back I'm not too sure. I left behind some great places, some great friends.

Carole King sang in 1971:

So far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're just time away

I actually heard her sing that live that year. She opened for James Taylor at Dorton Arena in Raleigh. That was just after the week he was on the cover of Time. Tapestry was just being released. We were listening to what would become one of the largest selling albums of all time, remaining on the charts for six years. Rolling Stone still ranks it #36 of the 500 Greatest of All Time. Restlessly waiting for James, we had no clue. And I had no idea how my life would come to reflect her lament, or that I would be the one moving.

Anyway, # 24 is nice. I really like having a golf course in the backyard. Even though moving is kicking my butt, I am glad to be here. I hope to stay for a while and raise that average.

I thought you all might be interested in what has taken so much of my time and energy lately. The photo was taken in the winter; it looks a bit nicer today with the new landscaping. Other changes to follow; those green doors have got to go.