I needed that

My favorite!

My friend Kathleen and I went out for dinner Tuesday night. I don't know what inspired her to call me, but I'm glad she did. We shared a trio of appetizers -- dates wrapped in bacon, sliders and spinach/artichoke dip -- had cocktails and caught up. It's the first time I've seen her all year.

I've been a little worried about her husband. He lost his mother at the tail end of last year. He had moved here nearly 30 years ago, while his mother remained in England. The family here saw her once a year and kept up with her by phone and email. I met her several times over the years and know his mother felt involved in  their lives. It's just I know he must have felt bad that he wasn't with her more as her health declined.

Kathleen seemed to be touched by my concern. Her husband can be a prickly sort and can alienate people. I don't care. I think he's interesting. And besides, I can be prickly and can alienate people, too.

It was nice to fill her in on what's going on with me. I feel that lately I've been so surrounded by sad and worry. It was refreshing to concentrate on me for an evening, and to laugh.

We promised to do it again in a couple months. It inspires me to reach out to other friends I haven't seen in a while. I must get in touch with Mindy, Joanna and Barb.