For Unofficial Neighborhood Dog Sitters, Audrey and Jeff Williamson, Life Has Never Been So Social
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
It’s just my husband, Jeff and I. We have no kids or pets.
Where are all the places you came from?
I was born in Michigan, and spent the last 50 years of my life there. Jeff and I met in college in Grand Rapids, and we’ve been together ever since.
Why did you move to Myrtle Beach?
Jeff’s parents live in Murrells Inlet; we moved down here to be closer to them, and to get away from the snow. I also had an opportunity with Edward Jones, so now I live and work in the Market Common and can walk to work every day. We live in Sweetgrass; we have a red house because it reminds us of Michigan lighthouses.
Do you have a favorite place in the Market Common?
I’m really enjoying meeting the people and using the exercise equipment that’s offered at Crabtree Gym.
What are your favorite things about living in the Market Common?
That we’re a mile from the beach; a mile from downtown and restaurants; and that we can take a golf car anywhere.
How has your lifestyle changed since moving here?
I’ve never been so engaged with my neighbors and been so social. We really have the best neighborhood. We are always with our neighbors doing something. I think life is simpler down here when your life and work is so close— you don’t have to worry about traffic.
What new activities have you taken up since moving here?
Living here has enhanced the things we’ve already been doing and makes those things easier to do. We walk everywhere, and play golf and cards.
Do you find people friendlier or more at ease?
I think people here are a lot more outgoing, because we’re all transplants and wanting to meet others. You just make friends here a lot faster. We have friends of all ages, and a lot of times you don’t have that opportunity elsewhere.
Can you share one quirky fact with us about your family?
We are the neighborhood dog-sitter, and Jeff is the go-to guy for people needing help or assistance. Jeff has also started making his own craft beer with our neighbors, which he really enjoys.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in the Market Common?
I would like the ability for us to use the big lake for water sports like paddle boarding. I miss freshwater. If we could put Lake Michigan here, that would make my life absolutely perfect.
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