Do you ever get that phone call? You know the one when the land line actually rings and it’s not a telemarketer! That happened about a week ago. The husband comes in (I won’t answer that phone) and says guess who that was. Not a clue. Friends from a long time ago. Living in the Phoenix area they were coming to Omaha to see family and spend a few days. They wanted to stop by. Well of course I was thrilled.

We originally met them thru mutual friends and we had a Pitch group back in the day, when we were all young dumb and drunk as the husband likes to say. Once a month we would get together on Saturday night eat great food, share exaggerated episodes and just talk stupid stuff. We all had young kids and shared experiences. We had more fun. After many years the couple that introduced us divorced, and trying to bring another couple into the group, we were only able to stick for another couple of years. We had lost the glue that made everything stick! About that same time our friends decided to make a move to Parker CO. Visiting them was just easy like no time had passed. Unfortunately we eventually lost touch. The husband would occasionally get a funny missile via email so we knew they had made the move to AZ but nothing beyond that.

Pulling up to the curb in a very nice van big enough for a small kitchen, bath and a bed, everything you need and nothing you don’t they popped out carrying two small dogs and warm hugs. I can’t tell you how good this was. Not one ounce of awkwardness, everything would be ok. I quick trip up the stairs and one look out onto the deck and the choice was made. After our cold snap at the beginning of the week the deck was a mess and Friday night I attacked it. Knowing it was to be lovely weather for Saturday I just wanted the option. Saturday morning I did another inspection and swept up all the newly fallen leaves and things looked good. Ok no pretty flowers but at least I’de had an opportunity to clear them out earlier in the week.

We sat down and just started catching up. The wind came up and started distributing leaves on our shoulders in our hair all over the furniture. Didn’t matter, the sunshine was warm and comfortable and the atmosphere though not up to my usual standards was just plain perfect. We heard the news of the loss of their son, the joys of their granddaughters triumphs and reminisced over water and great chatter. Oh how times change!!! This was just so darn good.

After a few hours it was time for them to get back to family and we gathered up the dogs and walked them to their temporary home and said our goodbyes. No food was served (of course I had it on hand) no fancy cocktails just old friends sitting around on the deck swapping life experiences. I wouldn’t change a thing and it was a perfect Saturday afternoon.

And this is how the deck looks right now. Glad the wind held off for several hours!

Thanks for stopping

Shelley