Fall day with friends was satisfying

It was a beautiful morning when we set out for a long drive to Wilmington, Ohio, to attend the annual Artistry in Wood show.

It is also the time we meet up with our old friends, Barb and George. Barb and I worked together many, many years ago. George is a woodworker in his own right and makes unique belt buckles. He also talks to each and every artist about their remarkable work.

They had arrived shortly after the show opened while we didn’t get there until lunch time. They had gotten through about half of the exhibits before we arrived. We met and were seated at the restaurant on the premises.

Barb and George haven’t aged in the year it has been since we had last gotten together. I feel like hubby and I have aged 10 years during that same time period.

I find it fascinating that after so many years of living in different states that we have no trouble picking up where we left off. At one point George asked if Barb and I were sisters. My reply was, “Maybe.”

In the course of our working lives we meet many people. We work side by side with them for months or years. We celebrate their victories and mourn their failures. They become a family, at least for awhile.

Most of them fade into oblivion once we are no longer working together. I remember some people’s names but not their faces. Other people, I know their faces but have no clue as to where I know them from so I smile and nod when they greet me by name.

But a every once in awhile we meet someone remarkable who becomes a permanent part of our lives. We communicate via mail, phone, or in person. We go long periods with no contact at all. And, yet, these ex-coworkers or ex-neighbors are as close to us as are our real siblings. They have seen us at our worst. Maybe not worst but close. We have seen each other when we are on top of the world. And even when we disagree, we respect the other’s opinion. In short, we are friends.

It is because we are friends that our husbands are also friends. When we do get together we catch up on our latest projects. I find that Barb is making her granddaughter’s wedding dress. She is as much of an amazing seamstress as I am a lousy one. That was not me being humble, I really am terrible at sewing. We chat long after the check has been paid before going back in to check out the talent other people have.

As always, there were an amazing variety of projects. Bowls made from termite infested wood, exotic trees, or unidentifiable sources were intricate and beyond beautiful. Driftwood was shaped and polished to a deep shine. Many depictions of Santa graced almost every aisle. Lifelike fish and birds were abundant. Caricatures were the specialties of other carvers along with toys and kaleidoscopes. The variety of talent and imaginations was amazing.

Our friends had to leave the show early because Barb was entering a chili cook-off. She has won it at least three times before. Me, I brown some hamburger, dump in a can of chili beans and a can of tomato sauce and call it chili. I am positive that Barb’s recipe is far more complex.

We reluctantly said our goodbyes and parted for the day. I went home with a new knife and several pieces of chocolate that different vendors had handed out. I also picked up a toy soldier. The sign had said to take one in remembrance of all soldiers who make our way of life possible. It also said the cheap, plastic soldier would protect me just like the real soldiers do.

I don’t know which I enjoyed more, the exhibits, the old friends, or the beautiful but long drive home. It was a gorgeous fall day. Sometimes I wish every day was that satisfying.