In February, we were treated with a visit from our charming friends, Allen and Nick. I love these two men.
Our friendship began when I met Allen as a co-worker at a language school in D.C. He and I bonded over similar teaching techniques and a geekish love of grammar and reading. We were honest with each other about the challenges of teaching ESL, and I was comforted every day by his sense of humor. I don’t know if it’s a regional thing or what, but the more I move around the States, the more I see how easily Southerners laugh, or how humor is a strength in people who have lived in the South.
Allen introduced me to Nick, and Nick teased me that same day. It was D.C., so of course, the conversation around the table turned to politics, specifically voting, or remembering which presidential election was our first. Being the oldest at the table, I hesitated sharing. Nick noted my hesitation, looked at me and said, “So, Nixon?” I retorted with a phrase I will not post here, but I was grinning as I said it. I grew up with brothers. Being teased was a measure of acceptance. I looked at Allen and said, “Ok. I like this guy.”
As we got to know them better, I saw how Nick and Allen could make each other laugh, and this was beautiful. Our friends were married last September, and Benjamin and I were lucky enough to attend their wedding. So much fun! Great food, fun dancing, and most of all, lovely people. We felt lucky to have been a part of such a memorable celebration.
Also, through a course of other lucky events, Benjamin and I were next door neighbors with Nick and Allen. Around their dinner table, or in their living room, we had many, many conversations. The ebb of flow of these numerous topics included: excellent food and beverages, travel dreams, tree houses, good books, good TV, families, and friendships.
On this February visit, we sipped French 75s. I attempted to make shrimp stew and a cherry pie for dessert. The stew turned out just ok, but thanks to Nick’s help, and a handy mashed potato masher, the pie was delicious! Nick and Allen met our new friends and neighbors, and as usual, they contributed their intelligent wit to the conversations. Our new friends were charmed indeed!
Later that night, a snowstorm forced our friends to leave early, but we brewed some coffee for the road, hugged them, and four hours later, they were home safe. In a few weeks, we will see Nick and Allen again back down in D.C., and we are counting the days!
