Back to Central Islip
Traveling home to Long Island is always a bit strange. This trip was even more unusual because it was a complete time warp. I returned for my 25th High School reunion.
Last night, many of my closest h.s friends gathered at Michelle's house, some of who I have not seen in many years. Amy, Tricia, Annemarie and Gina made the trip over to Sound Beach. Plus with myself and Michelle, that made nearly all of our closest friends. We just missed Debbie, Bonnie and Pat (who I hope to see at the reunion.)
I arrived yesterday afternoon at Islip airport, which is always convenient. Due to my rare absent mindedness, I had to immediately head out for some shopping, as I left my make up bag and sundries at home. I jumped in my rental car and headed right over to Central Islip. Yes, that's what I said, I willingly went back to my actual home town. You see, we all apparently feel exactly the same way, that we are taking our lives in our hands when we hang out in that town. I must confess a little uneasiness with all my personal belongings in the back of a rental car, parked outside of Target in C.I. My friends all had some similar comments, in that they avoid spending any time in C.I. Gina's Tricia's and Ann's folks all still live there, but it was obvious that shopping is spent in other places. It was very strange indeed that I found a Target, right where the old pysch hospital stood.
It's been about 5 years since I actually drove through the town, and since I lodged at the Hyatt (old Colonie Hill) I simply headed down Wheeler Rd, past the H.S over to Motor Pkwy. The houses are so much more run down, lots of stuff strewn everywhere, but the school has not changed one bit.
Next on the agenda, after checking in to the hotel, was Smith Haven Mall. Pretty much the same, crowded beyond belief. That's the part I hate most about LI, it's the crowds. To me it seems that no matter where you go, there are people everywhere. Our malls in Seminole, are no where near as crowded as they are in LI. Well, except maybe during big sales.
After a quick shower, it was time to head over to Sound Beach. It was absolutely great seeing my friends again, some after 15 years. But I'm happy to report that everyone still looks pretty much the same. All, but myself and Ann, have a few kids and everyone reports fun and busy lives.
Michelle's kids grow more beautiful every time I see them. Lexxie is 16, but it's only been a couple of years since I saw her in Spring Hill. Robbie is the sweetest kid, he loves Batman, I remembered that from the last time I saw him, so he LOVED the Batman and Bat Car that I brought him. Michelle and Dave are very happy and have a beautiful house that they've been working on. New expanded kitchen and stunning hardwood floors. I love thier big yard, flower and veg garden.
The first day of the trip was great, I loved seeing everyone and can't wait for the reunion. But like always I'm homesick. I miss home with Mark, and Tus, and our beautiful house, my guitar and Lake Mary.
Last night, many of my closest h.s friends gathered at Michelle's house, some of who I have not seen in many years. Amy, Tricia, Annemarie and Gina made the trip over to Sound Beach. Plus with myself and Michelle, that made nearly all of our closest friends. We just missed Debbie, Bonnie and Pat (who I hope to see at the reunion.)
I arrived yesterday afternoon at Islip airport, which is always convenient. Due to my rare absent mindedness, I had to immediately head out for some shopping, as I left my make up bag and sundries at home. I jumped in my rental car and headed right over to Central Islip. Yes, that's what I said, I willingly went back to my actual home town. You see, we all apparently feel exactly the same way, that we are taking our lives in our hands when we hang out in that town. I must confess a little uneasiness with all my personal belongings in the back of a rental car, parked outside of Target in C.I. My friends all had some similar comments, in that they avoid spending any time in C.I. Gina's Tricia's and Ann's folks all still live there, but it was obvious that shopping is spent in other places. It was very strange indeed that I found a Target, right where the old pysch hospital stood.
It's been about 5 years since I actually drove through the town, and since I lodged at the Hyatt (old Colonie Hill) I simply headed down Wheeler Rd, past the H.S over to Motor Pkwy. The houses are so much more run down, lots of stuff strewn everywhere, but the school has not changed one bit.
Next on the agenda, after checking in to the hotel, was Smith Haven Mall. Pretty much the same, crowded beyond belief. That's the part I hate most about LI, it's the crowds. To me it seems that no matter where you go, there are people everywhere. Our malls in Seminole, are no where near as crowded as they are in LI. Well, except maybe during big sales.
After a quick shower, it was time to head over to Sound Beach. It was absolutely great seeing my friends again, some after 15 years. But I'm happy to report that everyone still looks pretty much the same. All, but myself and Ann, have a few kids and everyone reports fun and busy lives.
Michelle's kids grow more beautiful every time I see them. Lexxie is 16, but it's only been a couple of years since I saw her in Spring Hill. Robbie is the sweetest kid, he loves Batman, I remembered that from the last time I saw him, so he LOVED the Batman and Bat Car that I brought him. Michelle and Dave are very happy and have a beautiful house that they've been working on. New expanded kitchen and stunning hardwood floors. I love thier big yard, flower and veg garden.
The first day of the trip was great, I loved seeing everyone and can't wait for the reunion. But like always I'm homesick. I miss home with Mark, and Tus, and our beautiful house, my guitar and Lake Mary.
Comments