I'm turning this week's column over to my wife, Kate, to give her version of how to adapt when you find yourself transplanted to a new environment:

Six years ago when Joe and I moved to Frederick in the foothills of western Maryland, near Camp David, we arrived with quite different expectations.

Ebullient Joe was fired up with the chance to meet new people, embrace a new way of life, and live for the first time in a small city (population of 60,000) after our years in Washington, D.C.

I, though, felt quite differently. I was a big city girl. Having been raised in the medium-sized town of South Bend, Ind. (population of 100,000), I already knew the disadvantages of small town living — and didn't want anything to do with it.

I loved living in the exciting metropolis of Washington. My friends were here, and I could take advantage of the city's many offerings: the free museums, the Mall with its ever changing cast of characters, the art museums and educational opportunities, and, especially, the classical music — all kinds of symphonies, operas and theater.

Joe, of course, adapted almost immediately to our new home, especially after he began writing a weekly column for the local newspaper and teaching a writing course at the Institute for Learning in Retirement. Joe also has the gift of meeting people readily. Walking downtown was a favorite recreation for him; everyone recognized him and stopped to chat.

I, though, languished. Often since moving, I've despaired of ever liking Frederick, preferring to look backward at that bright city on the hill. Now, after six years, there's a glimmer of hope that I might come to enjoy Frederick.

First, there's my daughter Pam who lives close to us. She is a solicitous and loving daughter. Perhaps, because she has no children, she can lavish time on me in a way that my two sons and their families in Washington can't.

I see Pam frequently and she has now given me an added bonus — a new son-in-law, Cameron, a caring and helpful guy. He's even handy around the house. Recently, Cameron reassured us that our house wouldn't burn down. I had let a tub overflow and water started dripping down through our kitchen's light fixture. Cameron spared us a large bill from the electrician, who we were on the verge of calling.

A major reason for my growing contentment is the many opportunities here to explore nature. In Washington, getting to areas where I could hike in peace required an hour's drive.

In Frederick, I thrive on long walks along rivers, through meadows and up mountain trails. Spending almost every day with nature all around me — listening to the birds and trying to identify the trees — are spiritual occasions for me. I can walk out from my townhouse and, within a few short blocks, turn off the road and walk along the Monocacy River; I'm alone with my thoughts and the beauties of nature. I rarely meet anyone else to spoil my mood. In the distance, the low-lying hills of the mountains surround Frederick on two sides.

A short five-minute car ride takes me to a section of the Appalachian Trail that meanders along a river. I may surprise a doe with a couple of fawns, which freeze when they catch sight of me and then dart away.

On the cultural side, I've found some substitutes. The Baltimore Symphony Chamber Orchestra comes to Frederick a few times annually. And in nearby Shepherdstown, W.Va., a theatrical group produces first-rate plays, including new ones by known playwrights.

Finally, we've found it is considerably cheaper to live in Frederick than in Washington. Our townhouse would cost double there. Plus in Frederick, groceries are a few dollars less and our YMCA bill is $63 per month instead of $230.

Taking everything into consideration, I guess I'll stay. Joe is overjoyed by my decision.

E-mail Joe Volz at volzjoe2003@yahoo.com or write to 2528 Five Shillings Rd, Frederick, MD 21701. To find out more about Joe Volz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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