Old Friends

Those truly linked don't need correspondence.
When they meet again after many years apart, their friendship is as true as ever.

Chinese philosopher

This fall has been an opportunity to prove that Chinese philosopher knows his stuff.

In September my cousin Nolan---whom I had not seen in 10 years--was coming to the area with his family. I had to convince him to stay with me while in D.C. It seemed like the nice kind of family thing to do. Instead, my hospitality was rewarded by 3 delightful days getting to know this wonderful family and taking a walk down memory lane.

Family ties are often stronger than we realize.
Nolan is my

“younger”

cousin, the one we used to tease--and who teased all of us at Grandma’s house those many decades ago. What a fine gentleman he has grown up to be.

What a treat to share our nation's capital with someone who appreciates it so much.

Good friends are good for your health.-Irwin Sarason

In November John and Rosemary Magee, old friends from

Oregon, were in the area visiting their daughter Clare

and we were able to get together for an evening out at a favorite place Bonefish Grill in the Kentlands (try their Firecracker Shrimp).
Anyone sitting near our table would never have known that we had not been around each other for nearly 8 years. We had as much fun visiting and laughing and fellowshipping as we did those years of long ago when we were raising our children together.

Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Thanksgiving was another time to renew old friendships. Norm and Suzi Gottlieb knew us back in Durango over20 years ago. We had our babies together. We buried babies together. We cried together and then didn’t see each other until I found out their son Zach was a student at Georgetown University this year. One thing led to another and our families were able to share turkey and the fixings around our Rockville table.

"The friendship that can cease has never been real."-

Saint Jerome

December Graduate = No "Walk"

Last night was Abby's pseudo-graduation at American University.

In other words, you don't do the "Walk" in December--only in May.

She received her first degree in International Relations in May, but didn't "Walk."

This semester she finished her second degree in Environmental Studies and didn't "Walk."

Nor does she really plan to come back and do the "Walk" next May.

She says she's graduated from high school in 2003 and from Montgomery College in 2005.

With one white gown and one black gown---both with matching mortar boards---in the closet, just how many graduation outfits does one need??

A reception was held at the University Club which we all attended.

Though we had planned on celebrating afterwards with a nice meal out, Jim and I ate so so many hors d'oeuvres we weren't hungry.

That didn't go over well with Abby or Sam, who felt that hummus and spinach dip doesn't satisfy one's taste buds.

So what do you do when 2 of the 4 are hungry and 2 are not and you are celebrating a graduation from college---with a Phi Beta Kappa grad, at that???

Well, you stop off at the famous D.C. Steak and Eggs. It's a tight squeeze, but gratefully at that time of night there weren't too many others at the counter---home of 13 stools.

Jim had coffee, I had a salad while the kids had Philly steak sandwiches.

The repartee with the "chef" was fun and it was a great way to end our evening.

We promise to take Abby somewhere a bit more upscale when we ALL are starving.