“Let’s have lunch at Brewpub.”
When a woman who loves you makes a restaurant suggestion, you oblige without hesitation. It does not matter whether you have driven three miles or three hundred to reconnect after a lengthy period of being out of touch.
So we got in my car and drove the five minutes to the Brewpub. I’m not sure which was a stronger prop for her, my arm or the serious walking stick that had become her companion. We each had a beer (of the root variety); she had a Vermont Panini and I had a Cobb salad.
Our conversation was wide-ranging, beginning with a rundown on what family members were doing and continuing to a variety of issues, each lightly touched upon. The comments noted below, not individually ascribed, are representative of our topical interaction. If students of all ages had similar curiosity and interest in the other person in a conversation, it would be a step forward.
*The Supreme Court should have limited terms for the justices, maybe 20 years. Clarence Thomas is the most despicable man around, and his wife is worse. This animosity stems from the Anita Hill testimony.
*To succeed on Wall Street, one must work hard, read a lot, be curious, have a bit of luck, and regard the job as fun.
*Regarding immigration, people living on the border have a different perspective than those elsewhere in their comfortable surroundings.
*Biden is okay, especially considering his opponent. It is sad that neither party has identified a strong alternative candidate.
*Books being read included “War Diary,” “Paved Paradise,” “Lessons in Chemistry” and many others courtesy of Alexa.
*Tennis, her favorite sport of prior years, is on display at Wimbledon, a wonderful tournament.
Our extended conversation culminated with truly personal memories as she referred to her late husband (he passed in 2015; an exemplary teacher, his name was on a school scholarship for deserving students) and the many enjoyable trips they had taken together. She reminded me of my “walkabout” in my prior marriage and I remarked how fortunate it was that my ex-wife and I are friends.
It is July 17; 2023. HAPPY 97TH BIRTHDAY, AUNT MURIEL!!! LOVE, BOB