friends

From August 8-12, 2008, Wendy & I were in lovely Houston Texas to attend the wedding of a friend of mine. Why they chose to get married in TEXAS in AUGUST is beyond me, but we had a great time despite the oppressive heat and humdity!

Our flights were short and uneventful and we landed in Houston’s Hobby Airport with the entire day stretching out ahead of us. We got our rental car and headed to the hotel, the La Quinta Inn on West Loop South, in the city’s swanky Galleria district. We didn’t expect to be able to get into our room since we were several hours early for their 3:00pm check-in. We were pleasantly suprised that Paul, the front desk clerk, allowed us to go right up. The La Quinta Inn was much nicer than we expected. It had a nice pool and hot tub, and the room was clean, interestingly laid-out (not just a box), and included a mini-fridge and a microwave. We got settled into our room and then went out to find some lunch.

Read the rest of this entry »

We joined our friends Bob & Sharon for a comfortable meal at Outback Steakhouse, their pick. We really like Bob & Sharon. After our meal — I had the chopped blue cheese salad, steamed broccoli, and a 7-ounce filet — Wendy commented that they’re really easy people to talk with.

It was a nice evening, quiet amid the flurry of activity that is the holiday season.

We left the hotel at 9:00am (their time) to travel back from Kentucky.

In the evening, we attended the fourth annual craft party at Dave & Robin’s house, attended by Dave, Robin, Cheryl, Danny, Holly, Wendy, and Drew. We made candle cozies, little beaded Christmas trees, and beady candy canes. It was fun, but if you ask me about it in front of people, I’ll lie to your face. It’s just not very macho.

Dinner was at their place, and consisted of pizza rolls, bagel bites, and holiday snacks.

Tonight, I went with Paul & Julie to dinner at Pappadeaux. I had Crab Cakes and a couple beers.

It was a very sad event, since Paul is leaving for a new job in South Bend, Indiana on Wednesday. His attention must soon exclusively turn to the details of packing and moving himself, his six guitars, a fat dog, and all his other possessions 4 hours away, to a town he does not know. But, tonight we took the time to quietly (and at times boisterously) reminisce about our 18-year friendship. Since I’ve known him, Paul has lived in the same state, city, or house with me. This will be the first time in our long friendship that we’re not in the same areacode.

An understatement: I’ll miss Paul very much.

In many respects this opportunity is the best thing that could happen for him and comes at a time where he is uniquely positioned to take advantage of it. I am envious. All the good prospects in the world cannot dull the fact that my best friend is moving away. A friendship like ours is rare — I was the best man at his wedding, he at mine. We’ve been through good times and bad times, thankfully more of the former and a smaller helping of the latter. He’s a constant pain, an endless challenge, and just about the best friend anyone could ask for. I am grateful for the years we’ve spent together, and though our friendship will change as a result of this move, I expect it to continue. I know that it will.

Bon voyage, Paul!

Six years ago tonight, our friends Holly & Ed got married in a lovely wedding that we attended. Tonight, a group of us — most of whom were at the wedding six years ago — met to celebrate their anniversary with Holly, Ed, and their two children Piper & Colin.

Ted, Ron, Tracy, Ken, Dave, Robin, Jay, Debbie, and I met at Jimmy’s BBQ in Hartwell only to discover that it closed for business — yesterday! Quickly coming up with new plans, we ended up at Jim Dandy’s BBQ on Sharon Road, closer to my house, for delicious smokey BBQ, pulled pork, and side items like collard greens in vinegar (yum), macaroni and cheese, and corn bread. Everything was very good, and their sauces were tasty, too. We had a nice time talking and being together, though Wendy didn’t go because I think she’s got the same crud that made me feel like crap on toast last week.

Happy Anniversary Holly & Ed!

Wendy & I went to dinner with Bob (who is also celebrating a birthday today — Happy Birthday, Bob!) and Sharon to the Cheesecake Factory.

We set to meet there at 6:30 and Wendy & I were right on time — arriving at 6:30. We glanced around the restaurant but didn’t see Bob & Sharon, so we put our names in and settled in for a short wait. We were notified that our table was ready at 6:50, but Bob & Sharon still hadn’t shown up. As we were walking to our table, Wendy spotted Sharon, who had actually arrived at 6:00 and were seated in a booth wondering where we were!

Happily reunited, we enjoyed our meals… Wendy had Bang-Bang Chicken & Shrimp (A Spicy Thai Dish with the Flavors of Curry, Peanut, Chile and Coconut. Sauteed with Vegetables and Served over Rice) that was very good. “My favorite dish at the restaurant,” said Wendy. I had Pasta Puttanesca which was also very good.

We shared a slice of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake for dessert (Bob & Wendy’s desserts came with candles and a song from the restaurant staff). It was very nice, and very filling!