Monday, August 25, 2014

Dinner With Old Friends


We were so fortunate to have our dear dear pals join us for dinner.  The occasion was that Sue was visiting from California. (Sue's sweet hubby Laury stayed behind doing laundry.  More on that later.)  We always get together for pizza, and we decided to host the gang instead of going to the usually crowded and noisy restaurant.  We were just having a salad, pizza and dessert, but how often do you get to host a group like this, friends for almost 50 years! I set the table, picked some flowers from the garden and lit the lanterns.
It was so very good to be together again.  With a group like this, we pick up where we left off...are we 13 again, 21?  No more than thirty for sure.  This time the conversation was serious.  Sue was here cleaning out her parent's home.  Her dear Mom is failing, and the reality of us having lost our parents was a sad and hard situation we have all had to experience.   So we talked, and remembered, supported and loved each other.

Three of our handsome guys...Kev, Ron and my dearest.  Laury, Sue K's hubby was not able to be with us, but we all laughed at the text messages he was sending Sue.  Laury was asking detailed laundry questions that had us roaring with laughter.  He had the sorting down, but wasn't sure of what to bleach and when to bleach and the problem of things that weren't quite white or dark.  Oh Laur, you were missed but we loved hearing your laundry questions.  Priceless!
I always feel like Bigfoot with these tiny friends!  I've know Dot, Sue S. and Sue K. since 1968.  They have been friends since first grade, I was a newcomer in 8th grade when Sue K. invited me to a Halloween party.
The rest they say is history.  A special friend, who has known me, laughed with me, been there through it all, she is irreplaceable. I was there when she met Laury, she was there when I met my guy.  We danced together, sang together...spent evenings in her bedroom talking, talking, then sending letters and surveys, which were questions we didn't get to in our talks.  Time has not changed much between us, except the fact that she is clear across the country now. A friendship I cherish.  Sue S. is a grandma 3 times!  Sue and Ron have been together since 1969.  Ron just lost his dear Mom.  Ron's Mom was our Mom too.  She called us all her kids to the end, even though most of those kids are pushing 60 this year. Dot and Kev have been together a very long time too.  We all have been so fortunate to have married very young but chosen wisely.

Sue brought each of us girls a treasure from Mom and Dad's house.  A crochet dresser scarf made by her Italian Grandmother known to us a Grandma Pasta. I couldn't imagine a more perfect momento.

We had some dessert and all too soon it was time to say goodnight. Until we meet again dear friends, Love Happiness and Sunshine Always...

Your friend forever,

4 comments:

Our Hopeful Home said...

What a great night of food and friends! Lasting friendships like yours are definitely to be treasured in today's world. Hold on tight, Penny. Have a great week.
xo Kathy

Melanie said...

Isn't it wonderful to spend time with friends that you have known "forever"? Glad you had such a good evening.

Blondie's Journal said...

What a great evening, Penny! Having the dinner at home was a good idea, it's cozier. And your table with the flowers for sure made your guests feel special.

I miss the friends I knew when I was very young. We are so spread out now. Geesh, I'm happy to see people I met when hubby and I were first married almost 30 years ago!

I hope we meet one day, too.

Jane xx

Lynne said...

Sweet, sweet post . . . right down to the very last photo!
Friendship is truly a blessing . . .