GOILS

When you get to the ripe old age of almost (muffled noises) - you realize that over the years, the ones who have sustained you and supported you through thick and thin (mostly thick), for richer or poorer (mostly the latter) - are your female friends, God Bless Them One and All.

Today I enjoyed a comfortable lunch with 4 other women.  Beside the lobster salad which was really good - there is an easiness about sitting down with women friends. You can pretty much discuss Anything. There they are, listening, sympathizing, empathizing.  They Know.

The laughter comes easily.  With good friends you don't have to have your guard up. If you don't feel like talking you can sit back and listen. They will pick up the slack!  If you are down they will lift you up. If you are up they will be happy for you.  If you feel old, fat, unattractive, set-upon - they will tell you how nice you look and have you lost weight lately? The conversation drifts easily from kids, to the news, to travel, to hopes and dreams, to fears for the future, and yes to gossipy stuff too!  Information is shared on a good doctor or a great place to eat.  In my case boyfriends and ex-husbands have appeared and disappeared - but my good friends have soldiered on with me...and I love and thank them all!  You know who you are!

(Wish I had a picture of Judy, Lynn. Mad, Barbara, Sue, Jill, Leslie - and all of you!! xxxx)