A SENDOFF FOR JOSIE

​We had a “looking back” session last night as we sent off Josie. She rented out her big house and downsized to a condo quite  close to our subdivision but not close enough to be able to walk with us regularly

 

I met Josie right after Tess left for Rotterdam in June 2020, pandemic time. We were both glad that we found each other since she was new in the community while I had no one to walk with regularly. 

Yesterday, I went through our photos back then while I thought back to those days and I felt sad. I recalled the happy times we walked together. She is a natural in photos; she always wanted to take photos while we walked. 

After sometime I was happy that Dolly whom I often met along the way decided to walk with me too and eventually with Josie. Soon Dolly offered breakfast in her beautiful home and we started to have fun. 

When Tess came back after the Pandemic, we were a foursome walking along the beautiful streets of Bayanihan. 

Then Tess started inviting us for breakfast 

Of course we took turns giving breakfast but Tess invites us almost everyday 

We were awed when it was Josie’s  turn. Her breakfast was over the top. We can’t even call it brunch but a full-blown lunch which was served in her beautiful garden. She is a plantita, she says that gardening got her through the pandemic. 

Soon our group grew and blossomed into a close-knit bunch of 10 that it is today. 

Last night was palpable; Tess’ home turned into a place out of time and space; filled with chatter, laughter and banter. Even our moscato tasted happy, like a celebration. 

The atmosphere was playful and relaxed as we enjoyed dinner elegantly set by the pool; the food we all put together tasted delicious. 

Juliet brought Josie a delicious caramel cake and Celine gave her an elegant bouquet. 

More selfies below:

Then the upbeat music was played and they started dancing. No one wanted to end this perfect night but we are wives and Moms who have responsibilities.  But Josie and Joy lingered awhile for a nightcap. 

Finally after all was said and done there is nothing more to say but thank our host,Tess, the ever gracious lady of the house. She even gave instructions to her staff to wrap whatever leftover food we wanted to take home, our “sharon” as we call it in  the local lingo.