Today I am remembering friends old and new. David Graifman was one of those old friends, lost in the WTC. The funniest thing I ever remember him saying was a comment in a heated family debate during the Subway Series of 2000, “Well, at least the Yankees’ fans [John and I] brought beer.” (David was a Mets fan, as is his wife, Cousin Christine, and that whole side of the family). It stopped the debate, we all laughed, and continued to watch the game and enjoy each others’ company. Sometimes that’s all it takes. One line to define a day, a moment, a remembrance.

This past weekend I made my second trip to Columbus, Ohio. Friend Van retired from the military. An old friend, with whom we have great memories, both happy and aggravating. It was our distinct pleasure to be there with Van and Danielle and their 5 kids to watch Van’s life change to civilian status. Of course there was more to it than that! There were plenty of laughs and stories told and things remembered and new friends met. I was charmed and humbled by his emotions following the “official” portion of the ceremony.
Danielle and Van with their twins and us, relaxed after the ceremony.

A total bonus for me was that I learned an old friend lived in Columbus and we were able to have brunch with her on Saturday. I shared with her my need to eat at a locally owned joint and she picked a winner, Explorers Club. Nice pick Lisa! House made sausage and chorizo? Yes please!
Lisa and I outside Explorers Club

House made chorizo gravy and biscuits.

Like most of the nation, today I am remembering the events of 9-11 and the way our world has changed since then. A condition of fearfulness and watchfulness has replaced blissful ignorance. In much the same way that everyone old enough remembers where they were and what they were doing on 11-22-63, my generation will always remember 9-11-01. It is a defining moment in our history as a nation. Take time to remember today. The good and the bad. The old and the new. And most of all remember your friends. As a military family we never know when or where we’ll run into old friends (like Lisa in Columbus), or if we’ll get to see them again. Your friends are your past and your present and your future. For a military family, they stand in for biological family in so many instances. And while you are remembering today, take a moment to thank a service member, a police officer or a fire fighter and remember those who served (like hubby John, and Friend Van) and continue to serve.

Here’s a partial list of old friends remembered today:
David Graifman
Steve Tate
Janet Salazar
The BC
Mary Gloster
David L Turner
Kim Keily
Tom & Sue Reynolds
And so many others…

As I think about my friends, I can’t help but sing the song I learned in Girl Scouts and from my Mom, “Make new friends, but keep the old…” We always sang it in “the round” and didn’t do all of the verses, but the point is, old friends started out as new friends. Keep them all.

My Food Memories this week are dining with old friends in new places, checking out the beer and cocktail culture in Columbus and just BEING with my main squeeze.

Until next time – go out and make your OWN Food Memories!