Not a typical weekend

The party
When I received the invitation to my friend’s birthday party - I was very happy. Some friends are just wonderful gems and Dee is one of a kind. We met ages ago at work but that now seems like a distant memory. However, it was an important time for us: the start of our careers and also the start of a great friendship.

The birthday bash was “Ladies Only”! There were 26 ladies who could attend. They were all wonderful ladies whose presence adds joy to Dee's life - in their own unique way. She had friends from all walks of her life: basic & high school, work in Amsterdam & New York and her closest friends from her neighborhood.

the private area of the restaurant where we dined

On Friday evening, we met at a most charming location. The restaurant owner is a friend of Dee’s - therefore special attention was given to all details. The restaurant had the right ambiance to match the mood of all present. We were welcomed with “bubbles” and soon everyone was chatting and laughing together, even those who met for the first time. We did not need time to get to warm up to each other. We had the celebrant in common and that was enough. If she loved us enough to invite us to this intimate gathering - then we knew that we were truly amongst friends already. Therefore, although libations were not needed to aid socializing - it was welcomed anyway. The hors d'oeuvres were a great accompaniment too.

The best and most entertaining start to the evening was when our wonderful friend, Dee, had a few words to say about all of us. It was a lovely and perfect way for everyone to get the “back story” about our connection with her. There were many jokes and laughter. Soon it was time to be seated.

The meal was delicious. A few people changed seats after the main course - so we could truly mingle. With great food and company what more can one ask for. We made new connections and decided to keep the WhatsApp group which was created for organizing the presents open. I am sure we will have subsequent meetings with subsets of this group. If you are curious about the present: we gave her a jewelry gift card and her own “glossy magazine” with fun photos and interesting stories from all her friends. In addition, the hired photographer will make a nice album to commemorate the evening.
Needless to say, Dee had a fantastic time. We all did.

The new place
I got home in the wee hours of Saturday morning and slept like a baby thereafter. I needed to re-charge well as the rest of my weekend would require my energy. My oldest child finally found student accommodations - starting 1 December. She's already in her second year of university - but better late than never. We are ecstatic. The 4 hour commute on some days - took a toll on her. Finding a place to live is always a challenge, so it is necessary for students persevere in order to have the full experience of student life.

With the table(desk) and a chair already bought from the previous occupant - the most important thing was a new bed. Hence, off to Ikea we went.

This type of shopping is my worst nightmare (story for another day) but it is handy for these purposes - as often everything is available to take immediately.

inside Ikea

Time was of the essence, so my daughter had already done her “research”. It kept my husband and her focused on the detailed list instead of buying non-essentials. We got the bed and bed clothes, packed up the car and headed to her new student home. It was time to assemble the bed. If you've never done an Ikea bed -it feels like a zigzag puzzle except that there are labels and instructions indicating which pieces fit together.

It took quite some time to clean the room, then put the bed together. During that process, 2 of my daughters' new roommates invited us to join them for homemade pumpkin soup and bread.

It will keep us warm inside which is a nice contrast to the icy cold outdoors. The soup was delicious and it gave us a chance to talk to the roommates present. Afterwards, the assembly continued. Finally, it looked like a bed - yay.

The bed should be aired for at least 24 hours. We left and returned the following day - Sunday. With new and freshly washed bed clothes and pillows - the room is coming together.

Although there is still lots of work to be done to personalize the room and to make it cozy, it will be possible for my daughter to stay here this week. Mission accomplished.

Thereafter, we set off for the capital - we had a 1 ½ hrs drive back home. As we drove through the sleet and snow, I was feeling very good about myself. I had a very nice weekend indeed. My activities were quite different from each other but that made them special. I had a great time at Dee's birthday celebration and also a good time helping my daughter to get settled in the unversity town.

All is well.

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All photos are my own