SOLSC '16 Day Twenty: These are the days

On a blustery, blue-sky, cold-snapped spring morning, three friends ventured on a road trip to meet a fourth.  For the three, the tradition of meeting in March had started because of their shared birthday month, but the fourth was such a beloved friend that she naturally became part of the spring ritual.  

This year was special; an invitation to meet in the country was extended, and the three Pisceans happily agreed.  Road trip! 

There was much catching up to do on the road.  Major life changes, hair color changes, job changes.  Missed exits, U-turns, and spilled coffee.  And laughing; so much laughing among these friends.

After another U-turn to pick up breakfast tacos, they finished the last leg of the journey and pulled into the gravel driveway of their friend's glorious, rustic country home.  Small talk and tacos were had at the dining table.  The story of the house, and all the amazing details, kept the friends enthralled.  The first hummingbird of the season was spotted through the window, sipping at a flowering bush. Laughter bounced around the table, and memories of shared work experiences were rehashed, vented, and packed away once more.

There was more to be seen on the grounds.  Rain barrels and water storage tanks, two fur-babies roaming their well-sized dog run, trees in various stages of blooming.  Black-and-white and red chickens were scratching in their coop.  Fresh vegetables were snapped off at their stems and passed around for tasting; who knew asparagus could be so tender, or that red carrots were still orange inside? 

The afternoon was winding down with quiet conversation in the front yard.  Pictures were taken to remember the gathering; though not said aloud, these women know that times like this must be treasured.  Thank-yous and hugs were exchanged, gifts of fresh eggs were given, good-byes were said.  Then it was back on the road for the three.

Only one missed exit this time.  And laughing; so much laughing among these friends.