'17 In Review - Friends

This has been a year for many shared “Escapes”.  

Joanna and Ron 

I started the year with a trip to Montreal, which meant meeting a really super friend.  We traveled the downtown, went shopping, went to museums, attended a major traveling Broadway Show, and then saw the ballet. Thank you, Ron. Also while there, I have the immense pleasure of meeting fellow Blogger Joanna of Musing From My Everyday Life. Two super dinners and conversations.   


That same trip took me to the mecca of shopping malls, The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. It lives up its repetition of being the biggest and most interesting mall in America - 4.2 million square feet to cover, more than 500 stores, a theme park, an aquarium, a movie theater, a wedding chapel and lots more. Ellie, thank you for an interesting lunch in the Twin Cities.

Art Show Dinner 

The spring brought my museum photo exhibition in Virginia. After last year's high school reunion, this was another opportunity to introduce Rhonda. I had an opening night wine and hors d'oeuvre party and after the opening, an invited guest dinner. The next morning a public “meet the artist” lecture at the museum. Everyone was wonderful, open and accepting. Again, so very proud of my small town Virginia roots and my friends there. 

MJ helped me arrange the events for the museum opening and was a great help. Gloria, Bett, Vicky, Nancy, Gus, Wayne and others, thank you for being such a good friends, attending and supporting me.

Ray
                                                   

My childhood best friend that I had not seen in over 40 years attended along with his wife. I was not sure he would attend, however when he walked in, I nearly lost it. I recovered quickly but still had tears streaming while attempting to continue my presentation and be composed. Ray, I apologize for not giving you more warning – By then, I thought the whole town knew about Rhonda - (it is a small town). You are the best friend anyone could ever wish for while I was growing up. You were my friend when I need one most.  

There is much more to that story, but is is suffice to say that Ray help normalize my life after my mother's extended illness and death. We were kids together and did kid's things.  I am forever grateful to you. 

Marie

After the museum exhibition, came work in Atlanta with outing and dinners with Marie. What a super and welcoming person. She is finding her beautiful way just a little later in life; Marie, a classy woman.

There was a lull in travel until a trip to San Antonia Texas in July. I stayed in the River Walk area and explored The Alamo. San Antonia had some of the best Tex-Mex food in the world. That week was hot, crowded, and exciting. Cool, casual dress was the order of the day and night. 

My Eclipse Photo

Next was Asheville NC for the eclipse of 2017. The report was: "Fifty-thousand people on the Clemson University (SC) campus craned their necks skyward at 2:37 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, to gaze at a natural phenomenon that hasn't happened in the United States for 100 years: a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse".  What a memorable sight and so happy I finally got to experience the totality in person. The magic of seeing the sun go dark, mid-afternoon is incredible. If you have never experienced a total eclipse, make it a must-do event.     

Rhonda’s last trip was to Portland Oregon and I stayed over the weekend, traveled around and enjoyed the city. Thank you, Marcia, for two evenings out and sharing your transition progress. You were a wonderful host and so good to see you again. Happy escapes as you negotiate your new future. 

Scott with me at the MB Club Lunch

Locally, I worked with PJ on several non-profit events and explored Palm Beach with Caitlin. I took part in the Woman's Trump protest. Just for fun, I joined a local Mercedes club and attended events – more new friends. I attended classical piano concerts at my local Steinway Gallery and enjoyed chamber music at the Flagler Museum, Palm Beach.  Thank you Roe.  

Harvey At the Piano

Charlie's second Sunday meetup group has grown this year with mixers at various restaurants around town. Harvey you and your piano music are beautiful - Like Stardust Memories. Tom's Palm Beach Business Group has provided great evenings out, interesting presentations and cocktail receptions. Scott, you are a very fascinating and fun person. I never worry about you - another success will find you. 


  
Thanks to all of my friends. As I look back on '17, I remember a wonderful fun filled year. Now, looking forward - I hope to have many more fun ESCAPES in '18.  Stay tuned and be included.   

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“Never let the hours escape you without enjoying the moments.  Escape when you can and while you can.”  

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