I wish I had a freelance job for every time I've had that exchange. Yes it's true that my bride of forty years, Josh the Wonderdog, the house we live in, and three of the grandchildren take me back there as often as possible.
Charlotte has a beautiful modern skyline, a couple of major sports teams, and soon the NASCAR Hall of Fame, all very attractive, and all very expensive. Therein lies my first gripe, it's hard to enjoy any of their offerings, without emptying out my wallet. The periodic spending desires for such entertainment wouldn't be bad if you were able to mix in some free attractions; in Charlotte there aren't many. There is no riverfront, no lakefront beaches, no metropark system, no zoo, and a very mediocre museum. There are two large man-made lakes in the area, unfortunately they are surrounded by overpriced homes, occupied by inflated egos. To be fair, Smoky Mountain National Park is two hours away, and Atlantic beaches are four hours away. These are nice for a day or weekend jaunt, but not the after dinner, after the fight with the wife, place to go to relax.
The second gripe is traffic. Getting from point A to B is the other reason for that relaxation need. The interstates are too few, and many of the main thoroughfares don't recognize the value of the left turn lane. The northern cities have many problems, but Toledo, Cleveland, Detroit and others know how to move traffic.
The final issue is more personal. I've never found it easy to make friends in Charlotte. I'm somewhat to blame because I'm very reticent about my life and my work. For me, it's easier to maintain old friendships, than to develop new ones. This is not a favorable formula for expanding one's business or social connections in an unknown city.
I'll probably retire in the Carolinas because the daffodils are out of the ground in February, and the fall leaves last through November. I'll enjoy sharing the house with Vicki and Josh the Wonderdog, but Toledo will always be home.
See You Next Time
