Exactly four years ago today when I was in Budapest, I sat in the Great Synagogue waiting for a tour.  Soon, a solo woman – around my age – sat next to me.  Thus began my friendship with Pamela. 

In fact, here’s what I posted four years ago on Facebook!  “I went to the Great Synagogue, the second largest in the world after Temple Emanuel in NYC. At the synagogue, I met a fellow solo traveler, and following the tour she and I went to Gellert Baths. From the Gellert Baths, we climbed the Citadel Hill – with hundreds of locals and tourists – for the BIG fireworks show launched from Chain Bridge in celebration of Hungary’s founding (similar to the US Fourth of July). Sitting with us was a young couple, she from Iran [I’m still in contact with her!] and he from Germany (they met in Milan!) – fabulous and fun hanging out with them. AND the fireworks show was spectacular! Thirty minutes of amazing fireworks!”

Why am I saying this?  Because this morning, Pamela and I had breakfast together in Seattle!  It turns out that she, her boyfriend Carl, and I were all in Seattle at the same time!  Surprising on many levels – most impactfully, Pamela and Carl live in British Columbia, I live in California.

After leaving Pamela and Carl, I headed to Bainbridge Island to see two other very long time friends (and my younger son’s godparents):  Judi and Lee.  Judi and I figure we’ve known each other for about 40 years.  We met after a funeral in the kitchen talking about bras… 🙂

I wish I could spend more time with them, but with our busy schedules we had a delicious late lunch before they headed off to their evening event – during which time, I “dogsit” their 15-week old puppy, Tafi, and played photographer.  Their backyard, with fun lawn art, water access, and a sunset view, kept my camera and me busy.  Working with the smoky skies and red colors added a new challenge!

Unbeknownst to me, when they got home from their event, Judi snapped this picture of me…taking photos!  Note Tafi by my right leg.

A clearer shot of Tafi!