FOR VAL

ONE MONTH AGO!

BLOWN AWAY

On March 27th - I finally got to see Darlene - she emailed me the night before - she wanted me to take a picture before I left my house - so this is it - THE DRIVEWAY! It was a pleasant drive to Elk Grove - I stopped once for a blended mocha - and as I got closer to my destination - I wondered how the visit would go - I had not seen Darlene since 1969 - We have had a good many phone calls with alot of laughs - we became instant friends - well when she opened her door it was just like a email or a phone call - we started talking right away and didn't stop! She had lunch ready to be warmed - we had pasta with chicken and garlic bread - and I had some red wine!
Wayne emailed through our visit - to see how everything was going - and I had some more wine!

Darlene shared so many pictures from her past and she had the best music playing - so many good songs all day long - I would say "I love that song" she would say "So do I" she had such a variety of music - from Rod Stewart to Carol King - The Beatles - The Beach Boys - songs I have never heard before from 7th Heaven and Irish melodies - before we knew it her husband Dan came home from work - and the party continued - all I can tell you is I felt their love for each other - they will celebrate their 30th anniversary in May! The way they talked about their life - their experiences - their son Erik - their cat George and their former King of Cats "Rocky"-

As the day went on - we took pictures and Dan burned CD's for me to take home and of course we didn't stop talking!

Five hours passed and this is what happens when you mix red and white wine and great hospitality!

I have two forever friends in Darlene and Dan - They are the sweetest couple - they made me feel right at home and we didn't want to part but I eventually had to leave and travel a short distance across town to my sister Jennifer's house to celebrate my Niece - Brianna's 8th birthday!

I had a wonderful visit with Darlene and Dan -

They give from the heart!

I was blown away by their kindness!!!!!!!!!!!