She married her high school prom date

They'd only had one date in high school--to the prom. Each had married someone else. But because the school was small, and the class close, they knew of each other's activities over the years. She'd been a widow for over 20 years and he was recently widowed when he called. But she was busy with a rich and active life. They made a date for lunch in September and were married by January, about seven years ago.

Banners

Yesterday at Panera's I noticed a banner that should hang in every church: Refresh
Restart
Renew

Small, small world

I'm in a book group that meets at Panera's and a very sweet school teacher was in our spot by the fireplace (no school because of MLK day). I watched and as he got up to leave I saw a handsome young woman come through the door, and I thought I saw her glance at the coveted seat. I grabbed my books and slammed them down on that table faster than you can say "crazy old lady."

After I'd settled in with my coat, purse, books, etc., I peeked around and saw she was sitting within 4 inches of me where I had been sitting. And then I saw it. "Edible Columbus." "Is that a new magazine?" I asked. "Yes, but it isn't out yet; I'm the publisher." I thought I'd swoon. I'm a first issue collector and here I was about to see a birthing! [No website yet, try this for Edible Brooklyn.]

So we chatted a bit--she's a former New York chef who discovered a "series" of Edible. . [insert name of city or region] magazines and she bought the rights for Columbus. She explained the concept--it will focus on locally grown, sustainable sources with seasonable eatables, great traditions, recipes, related items like gadgets and ingredients, day trips, and events. Some of these events will be held in her mother's newly opened tea room which has room for classes! Right here in Upper Arlington. Swoon twice--a new place to go for coffee or lunch. This will start as a "free-circ" and I suggested she get it in the local public libraries as part of the serial collection to be sure it gets cataloged.

As my group started to arrive and her friend sat down, she asked me my name. When I told her, she said, "We live in your former house!" Small, small world. I don't like what the previous owner (from whom she bought it) did to the kitchen, but it will be great for a chef.

Some parts cross posted at my other blogs.

Maybe he's watching Mad Men

There was a young Asian man at the coffee shop this morning in a dark suit, white shirt, tie, gray overcoat, and hat. Must be a fan of Mad Men TV show.



Listen. The theme of "A beautiful mine" is from "Autumn Leaves" lead in.

Coffee shop regular

I can't even remember when I first saw this couple--I think it was long before I started coming to this coffee shop. Slim and trim. Biking. Jogging. Lately she'd been alone. So while I was refilling my coffee I stopped by her table and asked, fearing the worst. I'd recently seen him and he looked very frail and hesitant in his formerly athletic step. It wasn't a stroke. Or ill health. He was hit in a cross walk by a teen driver. When she told me, I put down my coffee and hugged her. Still don't know their names.