It’s been a while since I’ve been on the wire here, and much has happened. The big news since the last episode is that I moved to Cleveland. Yes, Cleveland.
There’s a lot to unpack in that story alone. There are things I love so far, and there are things that drive me nuts. This episode is just an introduction to what I’ll call “The Cleveland Experiment.”
For those who may not know, Cleveland is my hometown. As expressed in a pair of posts on the blog last year (Is It Time To Leave New York? and So Long, New York), my reasons for leaving New York City after twenty two years were multilayered and largely (though not exclusively) economic. One reason for returning home that I didn’t write about in those articles was my mother, who was in dangerously poor health when I came back here in November. Quite honestly, it was a crisis.
Now that Lynda (mom) is making an inspired recovery, the ground beneath my feet has stopped shaking and I can start to really explore life in Cleveland. Much has changed here since I left in the early 1990s (I keep hearing “My City Was Gone” by The Pretenders in my head), but I’m really looking forward to digging deeper into the wonders of this well-kept secret on Ohio’s north coast.
Thank you for listening. More to come.
George
10 Comments
This has made this Friday even better. I’ve been waiting for a new episode for so long. Can’t wait to listen.
Thank you, Will!
Great to hear from you, George! Was wondering how things were going. Good to hear the health crisis is over and that you are beginning to find your way. Looking forward to reading or hearing about your enjoyment of the Great Lakes in summer.
Thank you, Leila!
As we dog-paddle away in our little sector of New York, we’re thrilled to have the chance to hear your dulcet tones again, dear George! <3
George, I came from a small city to Cleveland, and even though I used to visit NYC on business and loved it, I could never understand how people could live there and afford food after the rent was paid unless they made $$$$$. Coming home always requires adjustment. There’s an old saying, “Bloom where you’re planted.” You’ve planted yourself in RR for now. Thank you for your reflections, in print and pod. JG
Sounds like you are adapting nicely!…and the dogs look happy!
I loved the episode. As someone who grew up in suburban Cleveland (Cleveland Heights) and works downtown now, I fully understood the comparisons between the two areas of town. Good luck and God bless your mother and her continued recovery. This is a great city. The arts, parks, and cost of living are very attractive. Take your puppies to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and you will see this area at it’s best!
George – love the podcast. Welcome back. We are neighbors – kind of. Glad to hear your mom is doing well.
Thanks, Terry!