Here I am, back home from a fun late afternoon/evening with Joanne and Christine. Jo invited me to a "mixer" at Eagle Landing, a neighborhood very much like Eagle Harbor, and is, in fact, developed by the same people. My former company has several homes for sale in this community, west of my church in an area called "Oakleaf Plantation". At first, I sort of wrinkled my nose about the prospect of going out there, but then I thought, "Why not?" Christine, my lady friend who has attended the Writer's Conferences with me in the past plus a couple art classes, is now associated with Joanne at RE/MAX, another triangle relationship.
This is Christine, whom I met in 2000 when she served us "pulled pork" when Brenda W.'s dad catered Justin's Confirmation party. Wow, a long time ago!!
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I expected to see many people I knew at the mixer, some I might not wish to see, but took my chances. Right off the bat I got to say "hello!" to Beverly whom I have known since the E. H. sales office was in a trailer at the entrance, plus several other Realtors who have hung in there through the crumbling housing market. Bev and her hubby were among those who cleaned up the dishes and such from our dinner the night Timmy died, while we were all at the hospital.
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Some of the Realtors were of the feeling that a turn-around in the housing market is already taking place and for that I rejoice and praise God. I did get to see a former agent whom I had been close to years ago, around the time Timmy died, and she just happened to be in town and joined the fun. The last time I had seen her was with Justin at UNF at a function in the arts building, cannot remember the entertainment any more. (Since I wrote this, Justin reminded me it was to hear Newt Gingrich speak at UNF).
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This photo of Brenda N., was taken at Justin's graduation party in 2006
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Another couple people I got to see were the group where my friend, Brenda N. is working. Their staff, except for Jimmie, were well represented. I knew Brenda was coming and kept an eye out for her. She, too, worked the room as she tried to drum up business for her company. Her bosses, John and Linda, enjoyed telling others the story of how they had never taken an Alaskan cruise before, and when they did, who did they run into, but me!!!!! Wwaayy over in Alaska! On the ship, I had stood up to wave my arms so the rest of our group could find us in the theater, and all of a sudden a man's hands were on my shoulders from behind----of all people, John Long!!! He spotted me waving my arms, subtly, of course, and had to come down to say "hi"! Great fun, great coincidence!
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At the mixer, we three ladies got ourselves a drink from the bar before working our way to the dining room for the food. After all, that is what we came for, right? Wow, what a great spread they put out for us! Some of the foods, of course, were not my favorites so I passed but the stuff I did like was marvelous. Joanne's name was called for a door prize and when she went up to get it, it turned out to be Christine's card. She won a gorgeous baroque-looking candlestick and candle, which, when we got back to the office, they decided to give to me because it suited me so well...awww!
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The spouse of one of the Realtors was there, sitting at a table in the bar room, and I went to greet Mike. We had built a house for Mike and Carol umpteen years ago and we formed a great friendship which has remained. We used to see each other with some regularity at the E. H. Longhorn when I'd go with the Rosses and others but it has been a while. Mike would be there with his group of buddies but now he, too, is selling real estate and has no time to go out to eat with his friends any longer. Mike had me sit in the club chairs and pulled one up so we were knee to knee to chat. Mike was speaking first with a man named Jeff, who used to go with one of the women from our office years ago, and he also gave me a hug. Anyway, Mike and I had a nice time catching up, and he was incredibly complimentary to me, doing wonders for my spirit. I felt like my feet were off the ground after talking with him, he was so sweet to me. His wife is on vacation in China so I asked him to say "hello" from me, although I do get to see her now and again in E. H., often around Great Hang Ups.
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One of the superintendents with another builder, formerly a salesman at a lumber company we did business with, recognized me. His wife is also named Kim, and used to prepare our weekly floral bouquets which we used at the cemetery after Timmy died. I still have one made up with artificial flowers from when she closed her shop. Kim knew we liked the exotics so made the large arrangement from her leftovers. She was not feeling well last night so Bill was alone. He gave me a big hug and filled me in on family news, etc. His building company is keeping busy with some remodeling work and other projects, getting through the tough times any way they can. Many people, the Realtors and other builders, asked about Justin and were happy to hear that he is in college, although many cannot believe he is this old already. When we started in E. H., Justin was only about 7 or 8, and that is the way many still picture him. Lots of history, good times, and some not so good, with our E. H. connections. They really came through for us when Timmy died, something I hope we never forget.
