Such great folks

Eric and I have been so thankful to spend time in the past several days with wonderful people. Life can be crazy and up and down, but we've been trying to make time for each other and for other folks that make us happy and give us energy. Saturday afternoon was winter beer-tasting at Delilah's with Josh, who just finished got PhD in bio-medical research but dreams of opening his own brewery. We determined that attending this event with him would be like going with Eric to a film festival showing documentary trailers all day. Josh was really happy. And thankfully, they let everyone in, even those of us who don't like beer :).

When the beer tickets had run out, we wandered up to Cousins Turkish restaurant, with the low tables and cushions all around, and plenty of room to recline once your belly gets too full to sit up anymore. After the appetizers and vegetable Mousaka, we sipped some Turkish coffee to get us going again.

We were already in the same neighborhood as the church, so we then wandered back down the street for the Advent party at the parsonage (where pastor Trey lives)--which happens to be directly above the church! It was so great to visit with folks over good food and mulled cider, and then squeeze into the living room, gather around the piano and sing carols. There are so many great singers in our church--I am truly amazed! I love singing in a group when I can't hear myself!

Sunday evening, while Eric worked, I went to the Women's Group Christmas party at Linda's house. There were 12 of us and we ate incredible artichoke dip and salads and other delicious things--including chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream (Bryers natural). This picture is of Linda with the cake and the trophy she won in 7th grade for the recipe (she is very proud). The cake contains an entire can of Hershey's syrup.

A few folks had already left, but here are most of us at the end of our lovely evening.

Last night, Eric went to a going-away party for Eddie, a co-worker who will return home to Mexico in just a few days. I couldn't convince him to take the camera with him (is there something not cool about taking pictures of your friends??) but he had a great time and I know Eddie really appreciated that he was there.

Usually (on Tuesdays at least) I just get up and go to the gym and then to work, but this morning, because Andy's friend Sachako is visiting from Japan, I stopped by his place. And from there, I met Joey at a coffee shop before we both took the train downtown. We always run into each other Tuesday mornings, so we though that today we would actually plan to meet!

We are so thankful for all of our new friends from church and work and old friends from all sorts of different parts of our lives. And of course for those who are far away, but with whom we have a deep, sustaining connection. We love you all!