Time with Stephanie

My friend, Stephanie B., was unable to attend my birthday party earlier this month because she was visiting her mom in WI. I was sad about that, but now am glad because her mom, Jean, has returned to JAX for a couple months' visit with Stephanie and Erica. Yay!! We made plans to get together today for lunch at my choice, 4 Rivers, so Stephanie could compare her favorite bbq place with mine. We had her retirement party at Monroe's bbq which was voted JAX best. I beg to differ!

Stephanie picked me up around 11:30 and we headed to 4 Rivers, hoping to beat the rush. What I didn't take into account was the fact that it was national holiday so there was that much less activity today. The base was closed, school was closed, too, which accounted for more families than normal during lunch. We could sit and talk for a couple of hours and not be holding up the show for other diners. She was waiting to hear from her next appointment in OP, as long as she was over on this side of town, so we just talked and talked and talked. 

Stephanie, Erica, Jean, and me at my house for dinner a few years ago.

When the lady hadn't called after a certain point, we opted to come back here and talk some more. Her mom was expected to join this fun but decided to stay home, saying she wasn't feeling well, and wanting us two ladies to have our 'alone time'. I do appreciate that but also would have liked to spend some time with her, too. Before long she will be heading back to WI and we'll have missed our chance. That time goes by so quickly! Stephanie, besides buying my lunch, presented me with a Packer scarf she made with a ring on it made using Sharpie markers on a plastic cup, then baked. It makes into different shapes when it melts (the cup) and the one that became a ring worked perfectly on my scarf. Glad it's cold enough to wear a scarf these days. 

What I loved the most about our time together, besides the brisket!, was another day spent with a friend during this special week in January. I can't say it is planned this way or if it simply happens naturally, but I appreciate it all the same. Greatly!