Good times, they were had.

 Today started off fantastic. It always amazes me how rukusho  and I can go months upon months without talking, and yet when we get together we pick up right where we left off. That there is an excellent friendship. we discussed our stalkerish ways, as we both read and never comment on each others internet presence/posting,  but hey, at least we know what is going on with each other *laugh*

We laughed over the fact we met through FMA, and now with that series done with, it was kinda neat looking back at years of lj chatting, which led to actual meeting up, which has led to general awesomeness ever since. And people say there is nothing valuable that comes from fandom.

After that added bonus to my trip home, the insane cooking prep for Nana's 80th continued. Salmon was smoked for hours. Chicken was smoked. Pork was pulled. Potato salad prepared. Salad mixed. Cake baked. A decadent fruit and marshmallow concoction known affectionately as Grandma's Glop was whipped up. Food just started...materializing. And then the eating. Oh, the eating.

It was such a heartfelt celebration. So many people came to honor this fantastic woman.

And I got to sit back and listen to her stories. Those are the things you never think about missing, but as a writer, I thrive on them. I adore hearing how different it was for her growing up, and how similar, all the living, loving, losing. I want to soak in those stories, memorize them, so I can pass them on and she will never be forgotten.

Happy birthday, Nana.