We had a visit last week from some out-of-state friends. We didn’t know ahead of time exactly when they would be here, or how long they’d be able to stay, because they were taking a road trip from Chicago and visiting some other relatives and places along the way. But we had done a grocery run anticipating company, and I baked some cookies and sourdough bread ahead of their arrival. The rest, we played by ear.

We have known this couple forever – two of us since first grade, and the other two since high school. We know each other’s histories and backstories, so whenever we get together, we can jump right into whatever issues or situations warrant our attention or discussion.

We always have lots to catch up on – the kids, grandkids and other relatives, everybody’s health, what’s going on around town (theirs and ours), and any adventures and activities in the recent past, or vacations and plans for the near future.

In our younger days, and when we still lived near each other, we often went camping together. More recently, we’ve met each other a few times for “long weekend” trips, and we have a few planned for some time in the future, to places like New Orleans and Savannah. But last week was simply about getting together since they were going to be “in the neighborhood” – that being North Carolina.

I had one meeting to attend while they were here, so while I was gone, my husband gave them a tour of the area, showing them some of the sights and sites in and around the town we now live in.

I had planned to cook a few special dinners while they were here, but we ended up going out to eat both nights. That, plus a bit of TV and a few games of Rummikub, was the extent of our “formal” activities.

Although their visit lasted only two days, we loved every minute of our time together, whether we were doing something specific, or just sitting around talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.

It’s wonderful to have friends like that, isn’t it? I hope it won’t be a long time before they’re in the neighborhood again. Or we’re in theirs.

January 22, 2023
©Betty Liedtke, 2023

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