The Social Whirl Begins

Since Alejandro has been up to Ohio to visit me on two previous occasions, he has already seen most of the places of interest in the area.  However, we do have a very busy social calendar since all my friends want to see him.

Yesterday we drove out to the city of Hudson which is located between Cleveland and Akron.  There a group of my retired teaching colleagues met us at a nice Italian Restaurant called the Tomato Grill.

 

At the left is Jane, who taught Spanish with me for many years.  Next to her are Nancy and her husband Fred.  Nancy taught math at my school. (Those of you who have been following my blog for some time, will recognize Jane, Nancy and Fred.  I played "tour guide" to them in the Yucatán last winter.)  Next to Fred is Carol, who taught French and who, for a number of years, was the chairperson of our the foreign language department.  On the other side of the table are Alejandro, of course, and Phyllis, who was a guidance counselor at my school.

 

After a leisurely meal, most of us then went to Jane's house for dessert... and a special treat.  Jane still had some Xtabentún (a Mayan honey liqueur) from her trip to the Yucatán.  So we enjoyed a unique after-dinner drink.  (Xtabentún is difficult to find outside of the Yucatán... even in other parts of Mexico.  I have only found one place in the United States that sells it, a liquor store in Chicago.  I will be going to visit friends in Chicago in December, and I will have to buy a bottle for myself, and a bottle for Jane.) 

 

 

(photo taken by Jane)

(Nancy is holding Jane's "puppy", Ollie)

 

The weather was gray, rainy and chilly yesterday.  It was the perfect day for staying indoors and enjoying good food and the company of good friends!