It’s been a long time since I’ve been quite this social, and been this social for so many days in a row. In the last fortnight, I found myself reaching into a bank of
ways to be that I haven’t used in ages. The newness wasn’t surprising; the delightfulness was, though.
Today’s foray into the world included a gorgeous conversation in Bibliopub, a place that I’m coming to think of as “my local,” as the Brits would say. Yes, there’s alcohol, but the sense of home is made by the stacks of books, the perfect cup of tea, the couch that feels like an old friend and stretches long, inviting conversation to stretch, too.
Lori and I had passed more than two hours before I thought to look at the time, surprised at how comfortable we both were and how the conversation had taken a journey of its own. The pounding rain arrived just as we did, and did its worst while we were inside discussing road trips, band camp, life moments, good books, and the secrets to life, the Universe, and everything.
Once home, the red sauce that I had set up earlier in the day greeted me with a welcome that smelled savory and inviting. I haven’t made red sauce from scratch in a handful of years, and didn’t realize that this was what that was missing, the last ingredient needed to have the Loft feel like
home.
Geo and I set up the pasta and tossed together a salad while the noodles boiled. I taught them how to play Hand & Foot last week, and they are now regularly running the table. Tonight was no exception: they wiped the floor with me on the third hand. Conversation turned to anything and everything, with laughter and stories and Tales From Back When as well as delights from right now, and things that might yet be. This is the magic of cards, of meals together, of life simply lived.
We put the rest of the spaghetti away, glad that we had made a double batch, and looking forward to a slow lazy Sunday. We gamed together and called it a night. Saturdays are becoming my favorite once again.
