Eight. I have eight friends. Have you ever counted your friends? I may have forgotten to count one or two, because we're just that close, my friends and I. But I think it's a pretty accurate count. Family wasn't included in the number, with the single exception of Jenine. She is related to me, but I would beg her to be my friend even if we weren't bound by blood.
They are old friends, these Esteemed Eight, as not a single one was befriended in the last decade. This is to say that we've known one another for eons. Knowing one another for such a long time saves a great deal of trouble. My mother always says "There's no substitute for time," and I believe that to be true. With friendships, a very real commitment gets stronger with time. I think that it may be because the number of secrets known grows as the years pass by, so it's simply not a good idea to walk away. Actually, I think that friendships that have lasted through years, and husbands, and children, and drama....are just too valuable to ignore.
Which is not to say that we talk all the time. No, indeed. In fact, Cathy, who is coming to visit me this weekend, is someone with whom I only speak once a year. Maybe every two years. Which is entirely inadequate, if you ask me.
18 years ago, Cathy and I were pregnant at the same time, each with a baby boy.
Now, we are going to visit and discuss the launching of those sons into the world.
She and I were about 18 or 19 when we met. Now we have kids that age. Oh, dear.
With company coming into town for the weekend, I've been busy as can be.
I painted my bathroom, which was a grueling and laborious task. It soured my mood and dominated my time. It's finally done, and I have moved on.
Today was the start of our official school year. This required no small amount of planning, since I am home schooling Aaron again. He is right now at the kitchen table whilst I ignore him and blog.
Laundry and cleaning will take the rest of the week. I have 4 bedrooms to situate for company. This includes washing bedding, dusting, vacuuming and organizing. Not to mention meal planning and shopping. Planning seems to be the common theme.
It's not just Cathy and Asia. They are easy folks to be with. Good food, lots of conversation, a bit of tennis on the television, and walks after dinner will suit them well. In addition to their welcome visit, I am expecting my eldest son to return for 5 days. This is a visit of no small importance. I am very excited! But, in truth, there is no reason to clean in preparation for his visit. The boys is 18, quite hungry, and interested in visiting his friends. The third influx of visitation is to be my Mother-in-law, whom I very much enjoy. This is a visit requiring ready laughter and lots of wine.
These visits all occur within 9 days, and so they require special planning on my part. If I don't take care of the details, I will likely run screaming before it is over. If I plan it right, I can shift from one visit to the next with fluid grace.
I can't promise real consistent blogging, though. (Look HERE though, since I blogged about some of these friends back in 2006. In fact, HERE you will learn about Cathy, and this was in 06 as well)
I need to get back to it. Have a wonderful day!
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