I took a quick trip to So. Cal to visit with friends that I hadn't seen in years. The reason for my trip was a class reunion, which you can read about HERE. But I wanted to make the most of my stay, so I planned a whirlwind few days to enjoy the company of some long lost friends.
My first evening was spent with my high school friend, David. We reconnected over Facebook, and I'm so happy that we did. He planned a fun-filled Culver City evening. We started at our old high school Culver City High.
Appetizers and Cocktails were next on the evenings agenda, at the old Culver Hotel. It is the hotel that housed the "Munchkins" while filming "The Wizard of Oz" at MGM in the late 1930's. The hotel had fallen into disrepair YEARS ago. In all the years I lived in Culver City, I had never stepped foot it. But they've completely refurbished it and it looks amazing.
Next we had dinner at "Ford's Filling Station", across the street from the hotel. It is owned and operated by Harrison Ford's son. Really yummy meal. I loved it.
I had so much fun with David. He planned a great evening for us and we laughed the night away. I look forward to the next time we can get together. Hopefully he will come to visit me the next time!
The next day I got together with some great friends - Colleen, Lamarr and Vartouhy - we used to work together in the 80's.
I haven't seen Colleen since her wedding day 12 years ago. And Vartouhy and I haven't seen each other in probably 20 years. What a fun time the four of us had together. And, it was a really great meal too!
Lamarr and I were fortunate to have seen each other last October - but it's always a giggle fest when the two of us get together. We all kept the family at the next table quite entertained. What a great few hours we had and so wonderful catching up with everyone.
That evening I drove to Orange County - THE O.C. - to see my "cousin" Steve. (Steve was my Godfather's Grandson... so we've always referred to each other as cousins.) I haven't seen him since I moved to Oregon 15 years ago.
He and his wife Kerri took me to a delicious dinner at a wonderful Italian Restaurant - Capone's. His son Tom was able to join us. I really enjoyed getting to know Kerri and spending time with Tom. The last time I saw him, he was just a baby.
Kerri is really sweet and funny, and a beautiful pianist. I am happy that she and Steve found each other and have begun a new life together. I truly enjoyed my evening with them and hope it will not be so long before we see each other again.
The next morning I was able to have a fun and laugh filled brunch, at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Rey, with my high school friend Hope. As with David, we reconnected on Facebook and it's been years since we saw each other. I hope she will come visit me in Oregon this summer.
Because it had rained the two previous days, this was a truly spectacularly gorgeous day. The sun was so bright, sky so blue, and the air so clean and clear. That is Catalina Island that you can see in the distance. Having it be so clear and visible is a somewhat unusual occurrence.
My friend Carol and I had a lovely lunch with her son Jack the day after the reunion.
My last evening was spent with another long lost friend that was found on Facebook. Conor and I met for a nice dinner filled with lots of reminiscing and good times. I had such a good time that I totally forgot to ask the waiter to take a picture of us. Oy!
So, this entire weekend was pretty much brought to me by Facebook! I think it is a wonderful phenomenon that so many friends have been able to reconnect because of it. My weekend was perfect - I just wish it wasn't over. It was pretty special to see so many special friends that I share such fantastic memories with.
