The Laughing Wolf

A Delightful Weekend

My friend Waldo came to visit this weekend, and I certainly enjoyed myself. I think the proof that we both needed some time to relax and unwind showed up in both of us taking a nap Saturday afternoon after lunch, and the fact that neither of us was truly game to get up early on any day.

She reminded me that we have now known each other for more than ten years. We met online, through an online writer's list that a friend forced me to sign up for at the point of one of my own guns. That's my story and I'm sticking to it... The list was full of interesting people and more than a couple of good writers. Indeed, a couple of the members have gone on to be published and successful authors (no sneer of mere midlist writer from me, and on the off chance the originator of that phrase does stumble by, bite me). That list also went from online to real-life, as some semi-regular meetings were held that brought in people from around the world. Some truly delightful people, ones I miss seeing to this day. The catalyst for the list departed, and it is a mark of how special it was that the list not only survived, but remained robust and productive for several years after.

All such good things end, and a good bit of the weekend was spent playing catch-up. What have you heard about so-and-so, where's Waldo (couldn't resist), and who is the latest to be published. A lot of good memories to go on top of a nice weekend, icing on the cake indeed.

Saturday was largely spent talking and resting, and Sunday found us outside picking up limbs and burning up my brushpile. Lunch was s'mores made with bittersweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate, for a delightful and healthy lunch. At least it was by the time we got through justifying and rationalizing. Supper was hamburgers cooked on the grill, and I sent her home with some smoked chicken breast (chicken marinated in orange juice from Friday night to Sunday morning, then covered with macadamia nut oil and a bit of truffle oil, then a spice mixture) and some beef (brined in molasses, water, salt, vinegar, and a touch of spice for the same time, then a good rub applied) smoked for several hours (and brushed with macadamia nut oil on the odd occasion). We both picked up a bit of sun, but it was worth it.

Add to that various bits of good news that came in (friends safe, my relative E finding out that the cancer has NOT spread to the brain, etc.) and I shed some stress. I hope Waldo did too, even if she did find the house a bit cool for her tastes. Hey, I was nice, I finally did cut the heat up.

This weekend: just what was ordered.

LW