From Inside Out
It’s not every Friday Night that someone drops in from Ohio. Or even from Seattle. But last evening, just as we were readying to light the welcoming fire, I glanced out the window and saw a mustache I recognized. And then I heard a familiar voice.
The mustache belonged to Richard. I knew that because it’s a distinctive one – no one I know has a mustache quite like it. And, even though I’ve only spent time with Richard (who goes by the name of ‘Toad’) twice before, and most recently four or five years ago, there’s no forgetting his mustache. But where was the rest of Toad? Come to find out, he has lost more than 100 pounds since last we saw him. We were glad he kept the best half as well as the mustache!
Toad is from Ohio and is a great friend of our Seattle friend, Te. Te has big hair and a distinctive, gravelly voice and always seems to get to Oysterville for the important things. She was here at the Third Annual Oysterville Croquet and Champagne Gala in 1987 when Nyel and I were married in a surprise ceremony. She was here again last year when we celebrated our twenty-fifth. And here she was for a Friday Night! We couldn’t have been more amazed or pleased.
Ripening Tomatoes
Did I think to take any pictures? Of course not! So, let the written record show that our other guests included nearby neighbors Tucker and Carol and up-the-street neighbors Martie and Steve from Oysterville; almost neighbors Frank and Kathleen from almost Nahcotta; and long-time Long Beach friends Gordon and Kay. As is usually the way, everybody in the group knew somebody else in the group and the conversation never lagged for a moment.
Sunflowers in the Rain
Martie and Steve brought a gorgeous plate of deep purple grapes (which we ate), a huge chanterelle (which we gave to Gordon), and green tomatoes (which are ripening as I write). Of course, I didn’t get a picture until after the grapes and guests and chanterelle were gone – so tomatoes only. The tomatoes came from their garden which is spectacular. Earlier in the day I had taken a picture of their sunflowers, magnificent against the drizzly sky. We’ve never had any luck at all with sunflowers. Or tomatoes. They definitely have the magic touch.
It was a lovely evening but I do wish I had thought to take a photo or two before most people were out the door. We never did light the fire, either…
I’m sorry, too, that you got no pictures, but enjoyed reading about your amiable evening! Our sunflowers are doing well this year, too, but the tomatoes are being slow.