Good Time, Good Friends, Good Memories

Yes, the roads downtown are still bumpy with snow pack from our recent storm. What melts during the day turns to ice at night. Still, it was my 73rd birthday (is that possible!) and we wanted to celebrate at a restaurant downtown. The Alley Rose has no problem with my many and varied allergies.

Our waiter even recalled many of mine from our last visit with family in December. Also recalled what I ordered. Now that is quite the waiter!

Friends since college days, Jeff & Gloria Geiselman, treated us to supper at this nice restaurant. It was fun to meet and share food, fellowship, and the evening together. The atmosphere was subdued. No blaring music or loud voices. We could actually hear each other speak--even though hearing isn't what it once was.

Afterward, they helped us get to our car with leftovers and a more slippery sidewalk than when we arrived. Still, we got in the car safely. (I slipped and Jeff had to grab me and heft me onto the car seat.)

A simple night out with friends, not exactly. It was a time to celebrate not only my birthday but also a friendship that has lasted through time (since college), raising kids, celebrating our kid's marriages, and welcoming grandkids. It has been rejoicing together in good times and grieving together in times of loss.

Our friendship has grown over time. Good friendships do. I am thankful for dear friends who have our backs. Who lift up, not tear down and who encourage.

Right now, I am thankful I can store new precious memories in my heart.

(c) 2023 Carolyn R Scheidies

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Blog Bio Trip, a surprise and Star trek

Keith had an idea. He wanted to surprise Jeff and Gloria Geiselman who’ve been our friends since college. Whenever we’ve needed help, they’ve always been there. It was more than that. The surprise had to do with an interest we all had in common. It included a special trip after Jeff retired. Once we knew when he was officially retired, we booked the trip—many months in advance. “Save the date,” Keith told Jeff and Gloria.

Late August we packed everything into our car and headed out. They knew we planned to eat in Omaha, so Jeff drove that first lap. Keith took over after that stop. We headed mainly east on I-80. I knew Gloria needed to know how to pack, so I’d already shared we were headed to a Casino Resort with a pool, hot tub and spa.

We talked, laughed, remembered incidences and friends from the past. Back in college, I was in a wheelchair and the guys took good care of me and included me. After my extensive surgery and relearning to walk, Jeff and Gloria were always ready to lend an arm when I needed more support. Now we’re geezers and Keith isn’t as steady on his feet as he once was.

Eventually Keith told them we were going to Riverside Iowa. That didn’t ring a bell and he asked them not to check on their phones. Even when we arrived and settled into very nice connecting rooms, they had no clue. We were all Star Trek fans. Before and after we married, we got together to watch episodes of Star Trek as well as shows that came out of that original show.

Keith revealed the secret. We brought them to the future birthplace of Captain James T Kirk. In the series, Kirk always claimed his home was Iowa. Riverside became that home. The next day we headed to the Star Trek museum with all things Kirk and Star Trek. No one else was visiting so Alex who was in charge spent his time talking to us and showing us around.

We took pictures of the command chair, the transporter, and much more. Alex even came outside with us to take a picture of us in front of the large mockup of the Enterprise. It was so much fun to share that experience with our friends.

This was also Amish country where horses and buggies were not uncommon on the road. We ate delicious ice cream at an Amish creamery, shopped at unique stores, and later enjoyed supper at a steak house. By then we were ready to return to the resort, I was out of steam, but the others grabbed their swimsuits and went swimming in the indoor/outdoor pool.

After long days, it wasn’t hard to sleep. The third day, it was time to head home, which we did after breakfast. After all, it was a 6 ½ hour drive home. On the way, we found some unique eating places to take breaks and eat. By the time we drove by exits for Grand Island, talk had died down. The only sound came from the radio.

We were tired and ready to be home. We gave thanks for a safe trip, a fun trip, and time together with good friends. We made good memories and took lots of pictures. I am glad we were able to do the trip and surprise our friends. Now we can look back, remember and smile.

What can you do to make good memories for family, friends, or even a total stranger? Try it. Make some good memories of your own.

(c) 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies

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