Lo and behold Robert (my childhood chum) IM'd me last week with a proposal; meet for Dinner in the PNW (pacific north west). Good Stuff! Life long friends are the blessing of my life. Growing up in post 50's So Cal Suburbs was, in retrospect, ideal for being a kid.
I joined cub scouts and boy scouts and Met Robbie and Robert. We have been friends ever since. Even though decisions made have moved us to various places on the continent, two facts allowed us to re-establish contact. The first being we are Computer mavin's, the second is we enjoy gaming as a pretext for socializing. Over the last 16 years or so face to face meetings have been few and far between, so RBG's (Robert) proposal was enthusiastically accepted.
A few caveats were included, this may not occur and the timing may require flexibility. As Tina and I are most familiar with eateries along the I5 Oregon corridor I opted to hammer down the details. A quick chat with my better half afforded us maximum flexibility and a call to my sibling produced locations for the epicurious. The Taprock (pictured on the blog entry below) is a grand log cabin affair that is drenched in the best of Oregon. Even the sidewalk mimics a stream of copper salmon, various statues grace the grounds, Elk, Bear. It is perched along the bank and there is a warmth to even the cavernous interior. The staff is efficient but seemingly neophyte in confidence. It is a new restaurant, so you can give allowances. The double Decks overlook the Rogue river in a tranquil setting, the far side has a park with plenty of green and trees, which gives the effect that you are indeed in the country. The river itself makes small wet sounds that you need to be quiet to hear. The setting was a simple iron table with less then plush chairs.
RBG was able to confirm his sojourn into our realm and agreed with time and date. All systems ready for launch T-minus... Flash forward about a week and we head south in our conveyance towards the foggy town of Grants Pass, home of my Sister and various questionable civic organizations. We arrived early and scouted around a bit and was a bit surprised\worried that RBG had not arrived. The hostess confirmed she had received a phone call from someone lost. Next a cell phone call confirmed he was pulling into the drive. Curiously with a car from Idaho...
We got a place on the deck overlooking the river and got some pictures. Ordered food and set about several years worth of conversation, family, work, life, liberty, happiness (or said pursuit). The waiter was easily confused which provided me with some enjoyment. The food was good and the company was excellent. There is a degree of comfort that takes some time to develop, you are never quite sure where hidden bombshells or tripwires are, conversationally, that might lead to awkward pauses or worse the decision to become offended. When you have been around someone for 40 plus years, on and off. The foundation is pretty much solid and acceptance and tolerance is a given. Add to that 1/2 a lifetime of memories and commonality, you just "get along famously".
And so we did.
The dinner ended all to soon and Tina and I forced Robert into an after dinner death march, over the river and through the woods, through town as well. As time ticked on parental duty kicked in and it was time to depart. A bit of salesmanship could mean a few more catch-ups. So I hope he lands the contract for several reasons.
On a mixed note, I fully intended on getting the bill, but the expense account won over my frugal nature.
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