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Magical Moment 595, "Goodbye Lodi"


Two years ago, we moved to Lodi, NJ to be right along the bus route 163, straight into New York City. Being a Nebraska girl and Texas boy, we overcame the culture shock of living in the country's most densely populated area. We learned to live in a pre-war building without a washer/dryer, air conditioning, or drinkable tap water. I learned how to light the pilot light in the oven without blowing myself up. And after many parking tickets, we finally figured out what alternate side parking means, and all the necessary permits and stickers needed to park on the street outside our apartment. 

For the last time, Joy and I will run our normal route by the Shoprite. We'll pass the VFW and the man sitting outside on the porch watching the traffic go by. We'll jog up the hill and past the Visenti Brothers Italian Grocery Store which tells me we just have a few more blocks to go before we're home.

We'll stay in New Jersey of course, and we'll still be near the city. But it's a bittersweet feeling ending this chapter. It seems like only yesterday we arrived here with a U-haul truck, unemployed and completely naive of what to expect on this new adventure. Amazingly, the song "Lodi" by CCR says exactly how I've felt at times. Now we move on to Chapter 2 in this adventure.

"Lodi" by CCR
(Video taken at Riverside State Park in Manhattan)

Just about a year ago, I set out on the road,
Seekin' my fame and fortune, lookin' for a pot of gold.
Things got bad, and things got worse, I guess you will know the tune.
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again.
Rode in on the Greyhound, I'll be walkin' out if I go.
I was just passin' through, must be seven months or more.
Ran out of time and money, looks like they took my friends.
Oh Lord, I'm stuck in Lodi again.
If I only had a dollar, for ev'ry song I've sung.
And ev'ry time I've had to play while people sat there drunk.
You know, I'd catch the next train back to where I live.
Oh Lord, I'm stuck in Lodi again.
Oh Lord, I'm stuck in Lodi again.

Comments

Steve Gravano said…
I knew someone that came from Lodi, he had a lot of problems with rising river waters.
I just love when you post videos from the parks! I was never much of a CCR fan, but your version is wonderful. Good luck with the move, they are always an adventure.
Busy Bee Suz said…
What a great song....love hearing you sing it!!
I can't wait to see where your adventure is leading you both!!!!!!
Best of luck.
Suz
It is sad to move on but necessary to grow...Hope you will be Ok with the move
TexWisGirl said…
so i'm guessing you have your next destination picked out? i hope the move goes smoothly for you and it ends up being a great area for you, your hubby and your sweet pup!
Oh my, Elizabeth, watching you play and sing has made my day :)
I wish you and Eddie and Joy well, wherever chapter 2 takes you. Hope you'll be filling us in on the details soon. :) I hope you said goodbye to the man whose applause helped you get up that hill.
Dawn said…
I like watching you play....and your sweet smile at the end:D
Good luck with all the moving and settling in somewhere new. Bittersweet changes I am sure!
ds said…
I am too late for the video, sadly, but not I hope too late to wish you well on your move. All this time you've been in Lodi?! My goodness. Where are you off to now? Best of luck!
Hilary said…
I'm sure that wherever you find your next chapter, you will make it your home and I look forward to hearing all about it. Lovely playing of a classic, Elizabeth.
Anonymous said…
I'll keep reading no matter where you are!
Rick said…
A lovely rendition of one of my favourite songs !!

Best of luck packing up and moving to a new neighbourhood - won't be long before you and Eddie meet new people and have landmarks become familiar.
Dave King said…
I do so hope all will go well for you both and it will be blessings all the way from now on. The post is a gem.
Daanish said…
truly touching !!
Reena said…
I always love an adventure...looking forward to your next phase!

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