A glorious weekend

After struggling through massive cold, snow, and life's speed bumps, I finally was given a reprieve this weekend. We gathered a group of 13 women to celebrate the life of Julie Gwynn, who was the driving force behind these great friendships. Granted, we are all a bit older-partying until 4 AM simply doesn't happen anymore (we got to 1 30 AM-I thought that was pretty good). Some have aches that deter them from walking long blocks (yes, those long nights of bar hopping just don't seem to be in the cards. it takes less time to get ready to go out however (no more make up sessions, hair accoutremounts, and sexy club clothes). And food and alcohol are what's important..in that order.
We had a lovely dinner at the Helmund Friday eve. We drank copious amounts of wine and hoofed it back to the hotel to continue the party. Granted there were a few who cabbed it-either due to too much wine or a bothersome knee joint or foot. We woke up early (ish) and walked, ate lunch at the Rusty Scupper, and took a water taxi to Fells Point for more afternoon cocktails.
Highlight was a great dinner at Regi's American Bistro (hooray for restaurant week), where we had a delicious meal and a very kind compassionate gentleman who heard the reasons for our gathering, sent over 3 bottles of very expensive champagne in honor of Julie. Many toasts and a few tears. We know she was there in spirit....
Nightcap at Mum's in Federal Hill, where we all had a shot of crown royal, followed by a nasty liquor the bar in known for (our very cute waitress gave us shots on the house). We left her a very healthy tip, for which she responded with, "That you so very much. Thank you for FUCKING very much!!!" We paid it forward....
With our pilgrimage completed, we headed back to the hotel for some pillow talk, Marvin Gaye, dancing, and truth or dare. Which was not very successful, as one member started the game out by asking a a 'truth' question- "What do you hope to be accomplished in 5 years?" Now hold on...truth is about how many men (or women) you have slept with or where was the most interesting place you had sex....not your life goals. So much for secrets...
We kissed goodbye the next morning and promised we would revisit this occasion again in the very near future. Our bond will always be there, thanks to Julie. And sister Lolita is now part of us. How fortunate I am!

I've had it

I am a big fan of winter. I spent my early years in Syracuse New York, where snow was a norm.. It was simply packed down and you drove on it. Life never stopped. In Maryland, it is always a roll of the dice as to how the snow removal will go. 3 years ago when we had 2 storms within days of each other equaling 4 feet of snow, life was paralyzed for 2 weeks.
Our winters have been mild since that massive snowmaggedon, but this year it has been a bit of a challenge. Not only dealing with getting in and out, but the library has taken a beating as well. No surprize there-every time we get substantial snow, we have to worry about our roof.
On the up side, I have remained on my feet as I navigate ice and slick walkways. Another positive is that I managed to squeak out a few days off from work thanks to bad weather. And never mind the bone chilling temps we have dealt with. So, no snowman for me. We are supposed to go snow tubing the second weekend in march. I might need to sit in the chalet with hot toddies.
Come on spring....