I realize as I write today that last week I did not take time to blog.  Literally… I did not TAKE time.  I was a busy woman with so many other things that writing fell to the side.  I also realize, as I write, that I enjoy being able to share my thoughts and experiences… thinking out loud.  One of the things I have fallen prey to over the years is taking on too much day-to-day.  I end up with so much on my plate that I start pushing things aside.  Not intentionally, mind you, but pushed none the less.  Given that, I have gone for years without taking time to go visit some of my oldest and dearest friends.  My road trip with Katie Q in the fall reminded me of my desire to travel.  Mindfulness that life is short reminds me that I need those road trips that lead to reunions.

This past weekend, I journeyed to Maryland to reconnect with one of my oldest friends.  We met during my first decade as a nurse, working in Virginia.  We both left the hospital there over 20 years ago and went our separate ways.  Although we have kept in touch, we have only physically seen each other a couple of times, and both of those visits prompted her to come my way.  This time, I finally made it to see her!

She was kind enough to provide me “back door” directions to get to her home on the fringe of Annapolis, avoiding MOST of the scary traffic.  Look, I am used to dirt roads and Amish buggies with a few traffic lights when I venture in to town.   Driving towards Baltimore on a Friday afternoon is interesting for this country girl, at best.  Despite the six lanes of traffic, I was glad the ride did take me past Fort Meade.  I have not been on or near an Army base for a very long time.  I could hear something as I drove by.  I lowered my window and was able to hear a bugle sounding out over the speaker system. It was 5:00 PM (or 17:00 for my military friends), playing “Retreat” and “To The Colors”, signifying the end of the day and paying respect to our nation’s flag.  On the busy highway I was in no position to stop, however I stopped my thoughts long enough to remember how grateful I am to live in this country, and how thankful I am for those who have and do serve to keep me safe.  After getting through the short, busy/scary highway stretch of driving, I arrived unscathed and our weekend was fantastic.

My friend, whom I fondly call “Fancy”, is a long-time resident of Maryland.  She is full of information and history about the area.  Annapolis is rich in history and is the state capitol.  Interestingly, it is the only state capitol that has also served as our country’s capitol. We visited the Maryland State House. It is considered a National Landmark, and features the largest wooden dome in the country.  It is a thriving area.  Not only the state seat, it is home to the United States Naval Academy.  That deserves a visit all on its own.

During the weekend, we visited the downtown area.  We walked along the City Dock, and passed the Alex Haley Memorial. The memorial commemorates the 1767 arrival of Kunta Kinte, an African slave immortalized by his descendent, Alex Haley in the book and television series, “Roots”.

We spent time wandering through a display in Historic Annapolis Museum, depicting a small piece of the history of slavery, and spelling out brave stories of men and women who escaped the tyranny of that time.  I was proud of the people who took time to tell the stories… to remember… and to share them with people like me, far removed from that part of history.

We wandered around inside Saint Mary’s Church.  It is considered a Victorian Gothic structure, dedicated in 1860.  The hand-carved alter and stained-glass windows were breathtaking.  We paused in that sacred space.  I took my time there to say “thank you”.

We went to church, Saturday afternoon.  After, we traveled a short distance to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.  This church hosts a huge Greek Festival!  The festivities last four long days.  The days are packed with music, dancers, and activities for children, and of course, food.  Oh the food!  There was one area set up serving dinners.  We elected to go to the outside serving area and join the line for a gyro.  The line would end up taking about 30 minutes to get to the food area.  However, there were signs posted along the way to keep us entertained.  My favorite explained the difference between “Gyro” and “Gyro”.  “Gyro” was described as a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of angular movement…Inedible.  “Gyro”, on the other hand (pronounced “Yee-Rho”) was described as a delicious sandwich made with meat cut off a big cylinder of well-seasoned lamb and beef… Exceedingly edible.  The food and the celebration was fantastic.  I was amazed that volunteers from the church staff the entire operation!  Opa! If you are in the Annapolis area the weekend after Memorial Day, this annual event is worth your time.

We spent time on Sunday at a street fair, which included live music and an open air market.  We wandered around, looking at the arts and crafts.  We stopped for lunch at the Ram’s Head Tavern. Ahhh… Beer.  They have an amazing selection of brews from which to choose.  I elected to sip a local brew from the Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company.  The brewery was named for Benjamin Fordham, who was given a charter in 1703 by Queen Anne to establish a brewery in the heart of Annapolis.  Good brew, good food!

A tribute to fire and rescue took place in a memorial park in one area of town.  Two huge ladder trucks were supporting a giant Maryland flag over an amazing bronze statue depicting a rescue by firefighters.  There were at least 20 different fire trucks present from areas all over Maryland.  As we walked by, we looked at a temporary wall that had been erected, posting names, by year, of those who had lost their lives while serving Maryland communities.  I thought of them, their service, and their families. 

What was the best part of the weekend for me?  Just hanging out with Fancy.  We sat for long spells just sharing what has been happening in our lives.  Our conversation is always easy flowing. Despite the years between visits, it is as if we parted ways just days before.  Our long spells apart brought no awkwardness… It only meant that we had much more to talk about! 

I departed in the wee hours on Monday morning to come back to the country.  My mind was full of the flash cards of memories gained from those few days away.  I am already looking forward to the next visit with Fancy, here or there.  It was a joy to slow down and just be with my friend.

The week back home has been bustling.  I have enjoyed getting back in the swing of my day to day.     I have already been filling many days past “full”, but I will be taking time to stop. I smile when I reflect back on the weekend.   I smile because there are more reunions to come this year. 

Life is short.  Take the trip.  Enjoy the reunion!