The Gift of Friendship Shared

My friend ConneMara's birthday is in December. We usually take each other out for lunch for our birthdays each year. Last month I was out of town for mine and scheduling just didn't work out. Last week was her birthday, but there again...scheduling was a problem, so we finally made the connection yesterday. It was a 'triple' celebration as we also usually try and do something together before Christmas and this was going to have to do. ConneMara's family start coming into town this weekend for Christmas so there was no other time. ConneMara had read in the paper about a new restaurant in town that got a very good review. So, since we like to try new places, we decided to go there. I have to say...the place wasn't easy to find as it is one of those little 'hole in the wall' type places. After three tries, we found it. Once there, we looked at each other and wondered if we should go in as the place really looked ragged ...or should I say scary on the outside and wasn't in the best area of town. We decided to give it a fair shake and got out walked inside. We were greeted with such friendiness and it was clean and pleasant inside. Our waiter was also so nice and helpful. The prices were unbelievably reasonable! We enjoyed our lunch, the food was good, and of course, so was the company and conversation. Normally in December we use to go up on the Lewis River to Pomroy House to browse in the shop there, or go to Pittock Mansion. Pomroy House no longer has their gift shop and tea room. We could have gone to Pittock Mansion, but the weather wasn't inviting for us venture off into Portland. Instead we did a Costco run and enjoyed browsing. It never seems to matter what we do or don't do, we have a good time and laughter is always a part of our day. I am grateful for such a good friend to share good times, traditions, and memories with.