Unexpected VIsitor

We always keep our spare bed made up. Never know when a friend might drop in, as was the case this past week. We had a call one night, and the next day a guy who hiked the AT with Dana, and who has become a good friend dropped in for a couple of nights. He lives in New Hampshire and was down here to hike, camp, see fall colors and visit. It was like a mini-vacation for us, and D took one day off from work to go hiking with him. Thanks for reminding us what life is all about -- friends and fun. For some reason, last minute visitors seem like so much more fun, no planning, very spur of the moment, and just relaxing on the back porch, drinking wine, and talking and sharing memories of different trips.

09-09-09

Yesterday was my day! Look at the numbers that my birthday fell on! I invited some friends to lunch that did not know each other, but had all known me for somewhere between 12 and 20 years. And Dana who knew them all also came. I started out by telling the story of how I met each one of them. It brought some laughs, and reminded us of good times quite a while ago. And most of all, my friends got a chance to make some new acquaintenances.

Work was fun in a different way. We are having a 09 special during September in celebration of my birthday. About a dozen or so customers remembered the e-mail and the reason for the celebration and sent faxes and e-mails, and even sang happy birthday into my voice mail. Plus, at break they had a surprise for me -- big platters of fresh fruit (because everyone knows I am eating healthier foods now!), and a helium balloon to decorate my desk.

We had a simple dinner at home. I bought tuna at the Weaverville Farmers Market, Dana made some salsa with mixed cherry tomatoes (yellow and red) and jalapeno, and onion, from the market to go with the tuna and I pan fried some Okra with an easy new recipe I've discovered. The meal was great and a good prelude to the real event of the evening. We went to an "educational" wine tasting at a local wine shop. It was a blast. You know they say you should never stop learning, so the Wine 101 class was perfect. We learned about something we have always really enjoyed -- good wines. The presenter was excellent, and we liked 2 out of six (or was it seven) of the wines enough to buy them.

Today I had lunch with a friend who couldn't come yesterday. And, she had me tell her the story of how I met each person!  One of my presents to myself, is making time to stay connected to people.

All, in all, a great way to celebrate. Friends, Food and Wine!