Friend-ly Reunions

This has been the summer of “friend-ly reunions” for me.  I’ve had the joy of visiting with people who make a big difference in my life’s journey.  Some for the first time in person and some for the first time in a while.  

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can never get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.  -Amy Li
 

This picture evokes too many captions to mention. It was tough for me going from an only to the oldest!  

They called us the Easter Eggs because we had different hair color even before hair dye came into the picture.

My sister Ann is visiting this weekend.  We are having a blast but missing our little sister Mary.  Sniff. If I don't comment quickly enough, it is because we are out having too much fun antiquing.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.  ― C.S. Lewis

Piper and I met at last year's Moonlight and Magnolias but cemented our bond over Royal Baby news.

Mary and I have been writing buddies for a while now but roomed together at RWA. And we didn't kill each other! 

Speaking of sisters, I just got back from RWA in Atlanta where I was united with writing pals, Piper Huguley and Mary Curry.  I keep saying they are sisters of the heart but they also are encouragers of the first order.  

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.  - Albert Schweitzer

My friend Renee and her husband Tommy. Why yes, they ARE dressed like Rhett and Scarlett!

Another great thing about going to Atlanta was seeing my friend from divinity school days, Renee, and her husband. They recently moved back to the East Coast from California. Encouragement is also a theme of our relationship through all our various adventures in ministry.

“It was only high school after all, definitely one of the most bizarre periods in a person’s life. How anyone can come through that time well adjusted on any level is an absolute miracle.”  ― E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly

     Back in the day, we rocked Gunne Sax. I am in the middle seated. Donna is at the end kneeling.

Earlier this summer, my friend Donna traveled all the way to Outer Banks from California to be with her  East Coast family. Then she drove eight hours round trip to see the infamous screened porch project and me. Now that is a good friend.  I think we started talking the moment she arrived and kept at it until she departed.  We talked surviving high school, our faith journey and more.  Just picked up where we left off.

Like fine cheeses, we have aged pretty well. Donna better than me!

I fixed something quick and easy for our visit, not wanting to waste time cooking when I could spend the time visiting.  It is tomato season here and I decided a caprese salad would be the ticket.  My variation involved miniaturizing the ingredients. Everyone knows anything is cuter when it is tiny. I added fresh bread and brownies from the local bakery and voila. Lunch!

This was the perfect lunch for sustaining hours of talking!

Marinated Caprese Salad

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

1 container mini mozzarella balls

1 package romaine lettuce, torn up

1 bunch asparagus

1/3 cup olive oil

2 T balsamic vinegar

1 T Italian spices or dry Italian dressing blend

Shaved parmesan cheese

Mix the oil, vinegar and spices. Pour in a bowl. Add tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Stir, cover and refrigerate at least one hour.  

Toss asparagus in a tablespoon of olive oil and a dash of salt. Roast for 20 minutes at 350.

Arrange romaine lettuce on a plate. Place still warm asparagus spears across lettuce. Top with tomatoes and mozzarella.  Shave parmesan over salad.  Serves 3-4.

I've learned over time it is better to have an easy meal when you know you're going to be yacking. Small bites, carbs to keep you going, and plenty of water to drink so your mouth doesn't get dry.

So, what about you? Have you had friendly or family reunions this summer? Is there one reunion you wish you could set up?