I went to a small birthday party tonight for a friend who lives on the next block. In normal times, a bunch of us would spread out across their wrap-around porch and enjoy a dark and stormy or some other cocktail they had mixed, along with one of her delectable desserts. My fondest memories of her birthday celebrations are when an actual storm came on, and we’d watch the wind and rain from the safety of their porch. However, times are different, so a much reduced group of us gathered in their side yard for a corona virus paper maché piñata and refreshments (fortunately, without a storm). Once the sun set, we lit a fire and enjoyed one of the last cool evenings of the season.
The evening was bittersweet because this lovely family is moving to Idaho this summer. They’re renting out their house for three years, but I’m not so sure they’ll return. It’ll be a big loss. You know when you wish you had more time to really get to know someone? Well, that’s Emily for me. She is so gracious and has such a passion for life. She always seems to know where to find the best adventures: where to mountain bike, where to find new places to kayak and have a picnic, what books to read and podcasts to listen to. She knows so much, but is always relatable and fun to be around. Plus, she has good taste in beer (she’s a fan of Chris’s brews), and has always loved Edwin. She is one of his favorite people in the neighborhood. She takes a genuine interest in what he’s up to and seeks him out to catch up with him and his current interests. She’s a good egg, and I’ll miss her- and her family- very much.
My Corner of the Village 