* * * * *
Claudia and I met for dinner at The Bluebird, a famous
restaurant in downtown Leland. I saw her
walking towards the restaurant so I ran to stand at the Hostess’ station. When
she walked in and approached me, I said “May I help you?” Claudia took off her sunglasses while she was
perusing people in the restaurant looking for me and stated “…well, I’m here to
meet someone….”. “Yes!” I said and
opened my arms, “that would be me!” I think I grab/hugged her at the same time
and took her by storm and surprise…it surprised even me…and at the same time,
as we released, my heart giggled and my brain screamed “THIS IS THE BEST!!!”. We enjoyed dinner and chatted all the way
thru. Her husband Jim didn’t “show” and
we calculated he was purposely not attending so that we could have a couple of
hours to reconnect. And it was
good. Claudia guessed he was at another
local restaurant and bar, so after dinner we drove there and yep: there was
Jim. We hopped up on stools to join him
at the bar – introductions made and we chatted away…
The next day...came
the day I finally drove to Claudia and Jim’s home. How exciting was THIS!!! I so regret that I
didn't have my camera in my pants pocket to take pictures of their beautiful
home and amazing lot. Lot...hell...acres...country...enormous pines, gardens
everywhere, force plantings and wild, organic beautiful flowers, shrubs,
trees... heaven on earth, actually. We went on a tour of their newly renovated
awesome home. I could smell new wood and it was such a warm and welcoming home
that it told a story of two people, in love and who share love - I felt like
more than a "guest" - it felt like home. There aren't many other
homes that make me feel that way...maybe because this was the home of my
dearest childhood friend? Possibly. The tour ended back in the kitchen where a
birthday card to me was on the table and Claudia presents huge, beautiful
birthday cupcakes for my birthday! Geez, I felt like crying or giggling - I
giggled as this tickled me so. Jim, Claudia and I plunged into the treats as we
talked about everything. Jimmy asked how I liked my Subaru Outback and the feel
of its drive...we decided they should try it out, so off we went on a drive.
Jim drove, they both pointed out sites, landmarks, directions of this place I
love but had never seen this countryside before. I (now) grabbed the camera
lying on the back seat and started clicking all over Suttons Bay, Michigan:
I took more pics, however with a point and shoot they're mediochre
I made a mental note to take the better camera in the fall
After the tour, it was time to leave.
We would meet with their friends later for
pizza at the Bluebird.
We did and we took this -
to be cherished forever:
pizza at the Bluebird.
We did and we took this -
to be cherished forever:
* * * * *
