Last weekend I returned to Indy for BQ’s graduation from IU’s Master of Social Work program. BQ has been a kindred spirit through the past few years as we have both been working on our respective degrees. She started working on the degree part-time while working full time–back when she was still single. Since then she switched to working on the degree full time, got engaged and then married. She excelled at the program she chose, and has worked hard to prepare to be a social worker. As we sat on her front porch a few weeks ago, we laughed about how we have both just finished another batch of schooling and are preparing for what we hope to be fulfilling, though not highly lucrative careers. So here is a shout-out to a kindred spirit who got to wear a fantastic robe, cap, and hood last weekend!

Tags: friends, graduations

The day after I returned home, I had a lovely brunch with two of my girls: RC and SR. It was delightful! For those of you who have followed this blog for a while and know the third ‘girl’, LL, she was on her way back from the Kentucky Derby. Fun times for all!

Tags: friends, road trip, south bend

When KJ and I lived together, Saturday morning tradition was waffles or french toast, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea. 9 times out 10 KJ would wake me up by loudly starting to pull pans out of cupboards or by the smell of coffee. We resurrected the tradition… I think we will always be breakfast buddies. 

We went wedding dress shopping, but just in case she chooses one of the dresses tried on for her July wedding, I figured I should keep the photos of KJ being beautiful in white safe on my computer. Instead, us after lunch.

Tags: athens, friends, road trip

For some reason I was not shutter happy this trip and so things that were done but not captured on film, or really, sd memory card…going downtown to Broadway for live music and drinks, friends I stayed with and their lively and imaginative four year old daughter, Lebanese and Ethiopian food.

Tags: friends, nashville, road trip

Enjoying a beautiful afternoon on the front porch with BQ (formerly BT). BQ got off work a little early, so we indulged in some food with addictive properties and a couple games of cribbage. Once again the husband, JQ, was missing thanks to work… 

Tags: friends, indianapolis, road trip

The road trip has been great thus far, which has left little time for blogging or writing about it. Instead of holding out on photos for a time when I might or might not get around to tossing in details, here are a few images from the road of the people I have seen.

Antiquing with JD. (Husband CD opted out of this excursion to do the responsible thing and write a lecture.) 

Chilling with SM & CM. For those of you who know SM, she is doing great and sends her greetings.

Tags: friends, road trip, upland

On my way from Tanzania to the US of A, I spent six days in Germany during which I explored three cities: Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden. A friend lives in downtown Leipzig, so most of the time was spent in Leipzig where I could wander the city from his place. An absolutely brilliant location to live topped of by the bakery in the building being a source of delicious breakfasts. During my time in Germany I wandered old cities, learned some history, managed to stay warm, drank some good beer, and met some fun people. It was a perfect stop between Africa and America.

Berlin: A Holocaust monument 

Dresden: 4 photos in 1

Dresden: me & WDK 

Leipzig: Can you believe 5 minutes before this photo was taken it was almost a complete white out from falling snow?

Leipzig: One very traditional German meal.

Tags: friends, germany, travel

Yesterday afternoon we went to an island just off of the coast of Dar. It has a lovely beach and good snorkeling, so is a delightful way to spend time. The water near the beach was quite nice, but a little ways out, where one would snorkel, there was a strong current and all sorts of things in the water that were more than happy to sting any exposed skin. Not sure what little creature was stinging us, but it was enough to drive us towards the shore. On the upside, much fun was had while floating in the warm water and relaxing in the sun (or really the shade). It was all topped off with fresh fish and chips.

Yesterday I also found out that Bethany (she and her parents are with us for a week) and I share our birthday, though separated by more than a few years. Needless to say, we have become fast friends. However, I have to admit that she wins in the speaking department as her posh English accent is far more fun to listen to than my boring American one.

Tags: friends, ocean, tanzania

This past week I got to enjoy the company of friends in Denver—I was traveling there for a conference, and got to spend three nights at their house. I spent the days at the conference, and the evenings were spent with friends. This meant we shared meals and conversations. I got to go to dinner with them, several of their colleagues, and 12 Japanese medical personnel that were visiting for the week. On Halloween, my last night, I got to help Mimi host the same group of people (nearly 20) for dinner. For the Japanese, it was their first Halloween, and everyone loved helping answer the door to hand out candy and take a few pictures too!

One of my many conversations with Mimi during our visit centered on hospitality and opening one’s home to friends and strangers alike. Mimi spoke of Salt, a town in Jordan, where there are no hotels. The people of Salt saw no need for hotels as their houses were open to all passing through. If your car broke down, and it would take a day to fix it, you were welcome to stay. How incredible it would be to live in such a place! It is a simple thing—giving someone a place to lay their head, a meal to fill their stomach, and conversation to fill the air and the heart.

I have stayed on floors, in beds, on couches, and in rooms with young children. Every time I have been thankful for a home to lay my head and grateful for new memories made with friends. I have no idea what the future holds, but I hope that it includes being able to provide a place for friends, old and new, to share a meal, to rest their heads, and to create memories.

Tags: denver, friends, hospitality, jordan