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| Jacob and Elizabeth, probably three years ago |
This strangest of
years may turn out to have a sociable holiday season for me—surprise!
Sunday night, a
longtime friend and former student came for a one-on-one girl chat and a light
supper. I first met Elizabeth at least 25 years ago when she applied to be a student
worker in my office. She worked for us for three years, and we clicked. She
wrote, and one year she walked away with almost all the awards in the annual
Creative Writing Competition—that gave us a basis, but the friendship grew
slowly. I would tell you she was a bit shy, not an easy conversationalist.
Marriage made a difference, made her more forthcoming, gave her more
self-confidence. But it didn’t last—on a Labor Day weekend she asked if she
could come stay in my guest apartment for three weeks. She stayed a year, and
we both enjoyed it immensely. We sat on the deck with many a glass of wine, and
we cooked salmon patties and ham salad and breakfast for dinner, scrambled eggs
with smoked salmon being a favorite. She was then gluten- and dairy-free, and I
enjoyed the challenge of cooking for her. Today she is part of my extended family
and among those whose friendship I treasure.
So Sunday night we
scrambled eggs and drank wine and shared girl talk. She now lives in
Pennsylvania and teaches yoga. Her partner, also a yoga instructor, always
feels that I am angry at him for taking her away—he should talk to neighbor
Jay! But at his suggestions, they are coming for coffee, tea, whatever tomorrow
morning.
Today Jordan,
Subie and I had lunch at an upscale restaurant, the kind of ladies’ lunch that
make you feel elegant. We had wine and lots of laughs—and I had an unladylike
lunch choice, a hamburger. I’m noticing that most restaurants have some form of
cheese in almost every dish on the menu. After lunch we “breezed through” World
Market, one of those stores that overwhelm with variety.
Tonight, the
architect who designed my cottage came to view the results. I hope he was as
pleased as I am. He brought his family-wife, ten-year-old daughter, and
two-year-old daughter. Precious girls, though Jacob, being in 5th
grade with the older girl, hid the whole evening. Still we had a good time,
talked about everything from ridiculous building codes to the title
business-and no politics.
And tomorrow my
kids and grandkids all arrive. Let the good times roll!
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