I’m back, my friends. Back from my long hiatus. I won’t say from my vacation. Ha. Because vacation is definitely NOT what it was.
Let me explain.
I flew to Fredericton early this month for what looked to be a delightful two weeks of reunions of various kinds with old friends and family and a bit of a road trip with my sister.
Some of that panned out. I had a wonderful reunion weekend with old friends and former classmates from high school. We graduated fifty years ago. I can hardly believe that.
This is me and my old friend Colleen below. Colleen and I go back long before high school. We met in grade two. And despite our lives taking different paths we’ve never let our friendship die. We keep circling back to each other. And I’m so glad we do.
Colleen lives in New Brunswick but not in Fredericton. So she stayed with Carolyn and me for the reunion weekend. That was so much fun. For all of us. A pyjama party. Just like when we were kids. We suggested that maybe Carolyn, being the big sister, could do our hair on the reunion Friday night just like she did before we attended our first school dance in grade seven. But that didn’t happen. Ha.
We still had lots of laughs. In fact I don’t think we even got dressed on Saturday. You know, I have a vivid image in my head of Colleen and me at her house on a Saturday morning in grade three or four. We’re still in our pyjamas, lying on our stomachs on the floor, happily colouring. There were no colouring books this time, though. But we did sit around in our pyjamas, and drank tea and talked until it was time to get ready for the Saturday night “Maritime Kitchen Party.”
So, yeah, the reunion was a blast. Friday night was a “Meet and Greet.” I talked and talked, and hugged, and squealed, and swapped embarrassing stories with tons of old friends. Meeting up with my two best university buds was a highlight. Shelley and Freda and I went to high school together, but we only became close when we took all the same classes at U.N.B. in first year Science. We were inseparable that year. Our paths diverged soon after, but clearly those first year antics are etched into all our brains. In fact, I’m smiling as I write this.
Saturday night was the “Maritime Kitchen Party.” There was live music. Some of my former classmates came together to form a reunion band, and played our old rock favourites from the seventies. I must say that we had a bit of trouble figuring out who was who in the band. Although one of the members had been a good pal of my friend Debbie back in the day, even she wasn’t sure which one he was. Ha. The lack of shoulder-length hair (among other changes) can make a world of difference. Thank goodness for name tags.
The FHS Glee Club (1974 edition) sang as well. I loved that bit. And an old friend, Joel, sang a beautiful song as we paid tribute to classmates who are no longer with us. That was moving. And, at times, surprising.
But by eleven o’clock, people, even I was tired of talking. Back in the day we’d just be getting started at eleven o’clock. Not anymore. Instead we headed out into the rainy night. Replete with memories recalled and new memories made.
Then came Sunday, and the crash.
Both my friend Debbie and I tested positive for Covid. And Carolyn who was still struggling back from her own bout from weeks ago was diagnosed with pneumonia. So. All ongoing plans were cancelled. The road trip Carolyn and I were to take to our other sister Connie’s home in Nova Scotia. And the reunion I’d planned with my childhood friend who also lives in Nova Scotia, and whom I haven’t seen since I was eleven. Carolyn and I were to travel to her home after we left Connie’s. We were both looking forward to it. Sigh. I was disappointed. But that’s life, I guess. And viruses.
The next week was all about coughing, tea with lemon & honey, soup, ice cream, and sisterly togetherness on the couch. Thank goodness for Netflix. We watched all of season four of Emily in Paris, among other things. Fluff and fashion were just what we needed. We yakked about clothes and hair when we weren’t napping, or coughing and trying not to pee our pants.
Then the other shoe dropped. My sister-in-law, my late brother Terry’s wife, passed away. Her death was not entirely unexpected. But it was too soon, way too soon. She’d only been diagnosed with lung cancer in June. But it was very advanced. And she’d recently been moved to a hospice facility where she seemed to rally a bit. I was happy I’d been to see her before I fell ill. And in the way that fate sometimes relents a little, I tested negative the day before the funeral and was able to attend. Still, it was a sad day. My nieces have now lost both their parents.
And on the heels of that sombre day, I flew home to Ottawa.
I desperately did not want to have to delay my trip home. You see, Hubby was leaving for his fall wilderness canoe trip very early the next morning.
Six days in the wilds of Algonquin Park, paddling, portaging, camping, and fishing. His spring trip had to be cancelled due to his bike accident. He was disappointed. The bush, and being in the bush, is such an important part of who he is. And at eighty, he knows that he only has so many of these trips left.
And if I’m not going with him, I’ve always, always been there to wave him off. To admonish him to be careful, and wear his lifejacket, and not forget his bear-guard. It’s as if I feel that not doing so will result in calamity. Or something.
So off he went. And for four days I’ve been all alone. And it’s been lovely.
The weather has been beautiful. Thanks to Covid, I’m not feeling up to walking the trail yet, I’m still coughing a lot and feeling weak, but I’ve been reading on the deck. A lot. With my morning tea, and with my lunch.
And in the evenings I watched all of the 1995 A&E Pride and Prejudice mini-series. Again. My mum’s and my favourite thing to do. I thought of her when I was watching. How we both knew it almost by heart. How we’d make sure the tea was poured when we heard the theme music. How she’d pick up the accent without knowing it and sounded exactly like Mrs. Bennet one evening, much to Hubby’s amusement.
I even did a mini-wardrobe-switch this week, and pulled out some of my lighter fall clothes. The main switch-over usually takes place after Thanksgiving, in early October.
Tonight is my last night of solitude. Hubby comes home tomorrow night. He’ll be a whirlwind of activity. Per usual. We are leaving for our fall camping trip next Friday, so there will be planning and packing for that.
And garden stuff to do. Since he’s been away, I’ve been doing my daily garden duty. Processing tomatoes, and freezing peppers, and even picking beans like a fiend. I know… me… picking beans. Gad, I hate picking beans.
So that’s the end of my reunion tale, my friends, some hellos, and a few goodbyes. I think I will end this post and go make my supper. Pasta with shrimp and fresh lemon. And gluten-free chocolate cake. Trust me, I’m not suffering. And tonight I’m watching Emma Thompson’s Sense and Sensibility. Again.
But first I think I’ll take my book and a glass of wine out onto the deck. It really has been a most beautiful week of weather. Just what the doctor ordered.
And maybe later, after my movie, when the moon has risen, I’ll go and sit on the deck again. And just sit. And be grateful. And just be.
Here are some links to what I’m wearing in this post. These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link I will make a commission which helps to pay for the blog.
Uniqlo light-weight merino crew-neck sweater, Paul Green loafers, mine are no longer available, these are similar. Everlane cashmere crew, Levis 501 white jeans, Stuart Weitzman loafers (mine are ten years old). Everlane ribbed racer-back tank, Everlane cashmere polo sweater (mine does not have buttons, I wish it did), Everlane small leather tote bag (they no longer have it in green), COS cross-body bag, Buffalo Mom ankle jeans.
43 thoughts on “Reunion Tales: Hellos and Goodbyes.”
Hi. Can I ask the make of the lovely green bag you are using in the last couple of pictures. It’s just what I’ve been looking for. Thanks v much
I just went back and put shopping links at the end of the post, Val. Hope that helps. 🙂
Every year I have a Jane Austen week where I watch every version of the movies and TV series back to back and I read the books every 2 or 3 years
Me too. And lately I listened to an audio version of both P&P and S&S with Rosamund Pike as narrator. I noticed the humour much more when listening than reading.
I just want to thank you for sharing your stories. I really appreciate them, and the time and effort you put into both the stories and videos.
Thanks so much, Judith.
Hey Sue. Glad you are feeling better. Glad you had a lovely 50th reunion…..and ,going slow this week with the beautiful weather we’ve been having. Sometimes just “being” and “being grateful” is just fine. Take care.
Thanks, Arlene. Having a bit of a set back now. We may have to cancel our camping trip. Sigh.
Love the green bag you have in the pictures. Can you share who the brand is. Just finished reading the new Richard Osman book “We Solve Murders”….highly recommended reading. Feel better soon
I am currently reading the new Kate Atkinson. The new Richard Osman is next on my list. 🙂
P.S. I went back and added shopping links to the bag and what I was wearing in the post.
So glad you had a lovely time catching up at your reunion. Sounds like it was great fun. I’m sorry you caught the dreaded bug but it was good you had your sister for company. I’m also sorry to hear about your sister-in-law’s passing even if it was expected. It tends to make you look at your own mortality a bit.
It was lots of fun, thanks, Kenzie. My sister and I have not spent so many hours in each other’s company since we were kids.
How beautifully you took us to the highs and lows of your time away.
Perhaps Covid was sent to give you time and space to process everything – you never know…
Take care and mend. Love your blog.
Thanks, Prue. 🙂
Autumn equinox greetings! A mixed bag of events, it would appear, the highs and the lows. I was considering Sense and Sensibility myself just yesterday, such a beautiful film. I find some Austen adaptations too mawkish and arch for my tastes but that is a stunner, a delight for the senses.
I agree. Some of the adaptations are dreadful, but that one is lovely.
Lovely to hear your Reunion Tales-I hope that you and both of your sisters are well
Combination of black and olive green is wonderful,classy and fresh
Enjoy your camping trip,nice weather and no bugs
Dottoressa
We are both slowly getting better. Hard to feel so dreadful when lovely fall is finally starting.
That was a good tale of two sides of life — sociability, and rest and contemplation. I enjoy both, although as an introvert too much sociability really makes me tired. I went to my 50th reunion too, expecting nothing but being really touched at the way people remember their own lives through those who lived the school years with them.
Here is to a good fall of nature and nurture!
I am always surprised at how many people remember me from high school. And I thought I just drifted through without making an impression on anyone. 🙂
Sorry to hear about the mixed bag of events when down east (particularly the loss of your sister-in-law). It’s nice to hear that you enjoyed the reunion beforehand.
I’ve always loved that version of Sense and Sensibility. The BBC Pride and Prejudice is also wonderful, as is Jennifer Ehle (especially in Possession and She Said), but I find the costumes and some of the acting a little bit over the top now and Ehle was perhaps a little bit matronly for the role of Elizabeth. I could say the same about Sense and Sensibility (perhaps Emma Thompson was a bit long in the tooth at that point for the role of Eleanor), but I have always considered the Ang Lee version to be beautifully a definitive movie adaptation of JA. One cannot argue with Alan Rickman. I have a funny story about that film, actually, in that I was living in Toronto in the mid-1990s when it came out, following university. I had a movie date night each Tuesday evening with my boyfriend at the time. I was too accommodating I suppose, as he would generally pick the films. We would go to the Olive Garden and then to the AMC which I believe had half-price tickets on Tuesdays. In any case, I remember being in the theatre to see Sense and Sensibility, stuffed with all you can eat garlic bread, taking in every beautiful moment in the dark and so happy to not be watching some forgettable action movie, secretly gloating that I’d made the choice that week.. Every tine I’ve seen that movie since I’ve had the same flashback memory.
Have a lovely camping trip!
Olive Garden and Tuesday night movies… that’s a blast from the past. We had cheap Tuesday nights here as well. I’d forgotten that Jennifer Ehle was in Possession. I loved that book to distraction.
Oh I agree. So good. Might be due for a reread!
Welcome back . Hope both you & Carolyn are over your health hiccups . Life has a way of poking us in the eye every now & then , just so we don’t get complacent . Nice to see you wearing my favourite green jumper & I’m liking Carolyn & Colleen’s hair styles too . Both very different but flattering . Hope your camping trip goes well & that the insects behave .
We’re still struggling a bit. I’ve kind of gone downhill since Saturday. Stu and I have to make a decision in the next two days if we are going to cancel our camping trip. It’s a lot of work to pack and set up for me to spend the whole time coughing and feeling miserable. I’m disappointed because I love fall camping. We haven’t been for two years due to fall overseas travel. 🙁
Life seems full of highs and lows at this age. Sounds like a wonderful reunion. Covid is awful…we still have residual coughing weeks past testing negative. And losing loved ones is so hard. My 92 yo mom says it is the worst part of aging. I agree. Take care.
Thanks, Laurel. Still coughing here.
Really enjoy your blog which is not always about fashion. It is about life. It is about the highs and the lows which we all go through. So sorry Covid tried to stop your plans; but knowing you and karma you made it through. The happy times are to be remembered. Hubby is doing exactly what he loves and good for him. Keep up the wine on the patio and reflect on your beautiful surroundings. Stay well.
Thanks, Shirley. I’ll do that. 🙂
A very moving post. Thanks, Sue, for sharing the highs and the lows. It really made me think.
I also found your sign off poignant… ‘when the moon has risen, I’ll go and sit on the deck again. And just sit. And be grateful. And just be.’ Beautiful
Thanks for the kind words, Genevieve. 🙂
I love your errand-running outfit. You’re approachable, confident, classy and just a breath of fresh air. No fuss or need to search for accessories either.
I stepped out the other night to capture a picture of the Harvest 🌕. It was so pretty and kinda spooky too.
You inspire us to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Thanks, Jan. I had on my watch and a bracelet and took them off. The outfit seemed to cry out for minimal accessories, I left on my small stud earrings.
Ugh! So sorry that the dreaded COVID had its way with you and derailed so many of your plans. But your reunion sounds marvelous (who doesn’t like a Maritime kitchen party?).
Love your easing into Fall looks. I succumbed a couple of weeks ago and bought the Cos crossbody bag – it’s perfect for some upcoming travel (hard to pickpocket!), and I’ve been using it here at home quite a bit – it holds the perfect amount for out and about, unlike my other crossbodies. I have several pieces in your green – must pull them out and see how they fit into one or more of my upcoming trips…
Thanks, Carol. I love my COS bag. You’re right; it’s the perfect size for a small bag.
So sorry about “the Covid”! Glad that you had some company to suffer through it with you, but there are better ways to bond 😉
Weather’s beginning to change here, and I have been thinking wistfully about all the fall clothes waiting for me back home. . .
Ah, but you must be having a wonderful time, my friend. 🙂
So sorry that you have been dealing with a bout of Covid, and that it may jeopardize your camping plans. I have been living a pretty cautious life in terms of possible Covid exposure for a number of reasons, but still ended up infected in August after a small family gathering. Not fun, and it certainly takes a while to bounce back.
Wishing you continued good reading and enjoyable viewing as you get the rest you need!
The camping trip has been cancelled. We set up the tent trailer today to clean and air it out and just doing that took so much out of me, we decided to ditch the trip. I’m kind of relieved. No more trying to will myself to feel better. 🙂
Sue what a wonderfully written post on the highs and lows of your trip back to NB. I am a regular reader but rarely comment, but I loved the photos of you and your friend. I too have a friend from early childhood who is still a dear friend, and she is tall and I am the short one! we are hoping to do a short camping trip next week.
I’m sorry for your loss, and I do hope you are soon feeling better.
Thanks so much. I always call my friend my “little” sister. 🙂
Loved this last line – sums up my life these days. “And maybe later, after my movie, when the moon has risen, I’ll go and sit on the deck again. And just sit. And be grateful. And just be.”
Thanks, Judy. 🙂
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