Make New Friends, But Keep the Old ...

Friends really are silver and gold.  

Guess what?  It's way more challenging to make friends in your sixties.  In the past I met potential friends through my employment, my husband's job, the neighborhood, or even our daughter's school.  I was a big time volunteer when she hit third grade (my hubby was making enough to support all of us and preferred that I not work).  (Twist MY arm).  

My life is big and productive in Oregon.  We lived in the same house for 27 years.  Ralph worked at the same company for 26 years.  We had our daughter, our grandson and our pets.  Then we retire to Maui.

Making friends with a partner in crime is a little easier.  We had each other in the meantime.  Now I actually have to make an effort.  We had two couples in our Maui neighborhood who became our best buddies.  We met via the disgusting poop issue of the free roaming cat problem within our subdivision.  

Such fun we had!   Once or twice a week we'd get together.  One person in each couple has a major health issue, so we would all understand if there were last minute changes or cancellations.  The first couple have lived here 11 years.  They are both artists and designed a beautiful rock landscape for their front yard.  Couple number two created a rock yard this winter (after living here two years ... and having a major issue with their irrigation system).  And we followed suit.  

Two days after Ralph died, Couple #2 had to move back to Alabama for her health problems.  Couple #1 took great care of me, daily, for several weeks.  Phone calls, drop ins, invitations to a movie or a meal.  Saved my life!  Still are.

But I didn't want to wear out their friendship.  I'm going out of my way to talk to people wherever I go.  Guess what?  It's working!!  The young lady who designed my new closets and I seemed to hit it off.  To celebrate the beautiful installation, we shared some wine and conversation.  I visited her at the local Farmer's Market (she's a gluten free baker).  She's a newlywed.  He works second shift so she has free time in the evening (my hardest time).

I invited them both for dinner.  We had a wonderful time.  Lots of laughter.  A few tears (they had never met Ralph).  Great wine and good food.

Not even one awkward moment.