The Girls

Back in 1984, at the time the last of four friends was getting married, the four of us decided to go out to lunch before the wedding. We decided it was such a good idea that we have been getting together at least once each year to celebrate our friendship. Sometimes one or another of us has been unable to attend. In recent years, we have gotten together at least twice each year and usually (but not always) we are all able to make it.

Today was our day. (Wednesday, June 11) We went to a little restaurant in an old house in Vermilion. The food was delicious. The conversation was interesting with everyone adding to the congenial mood of the day. I really enjoyed being together.

The house is full of antiques, jewelry, knick knacks, pictures, you name it for sale by consignment. Rooms and rooms full of interesting things. I saw things that made me remember my mom -- green glass, amber glass, milk glass, a poppy painting, a white necklace, pitchers especially one from Williamsburg. It's the kind of place she and I would have loved to browse together.

Then we went shopping in the various stores downtown. There is one full of lighthouses, sail boats, and all kinds of nautical items. Of course such things are big sellers so close to Lake Erie. We loved the chocolate shop which also had gift items. We ended with hand-dipped ice cream cones most delectable.

It's great to have life-long friends. We all attended the same little country church while we grew up so we literally have always known each other. In junior and senior high school we went ice skating frequently together and actually got to the point that we got away from the wall out on the ice and on the blades rather than on our rears. Often one of our moms would provide hot chocolate or sloppy joes after our outing. Two of us took ballet together. We went on tour with our youth group to Washington, D.C. and New York City. It's really great to still be doing things together.

I used to think my mom was lucky to have several life-long friends; I am so glad that I, too, now have the joy of that blessing.