we hang together...

That is the name of the company my mom and her friend, Sandy had back in the early 80's. They worked together side by side hanging wallpaper for all the up and comers of Orange County. I remember how much fun they had, going out and trying to build their business, then getting excited when they "landed" the cute little cottage down in Laguna Beach or the office building over in Newport. I think what they really liked most was that it was a creative outlet, and the fact that they got to make their own hours and wear shorts to work every day. I mean who wouldn't love that? Back in the day when wallpaper was popular, I think it was definitely a skill to have to be able to measure, cut and paste. In other words they were busy and sucessful. "We Hang Together..."

Those days are lone gone; wallpaper has come and gone, (and quite possibly back again...) my mom has passed on, and Sandy now lives in Hawaii. They were such good friends for a long time and I've tried hard to maintain contact with Sandy all these years since my mom passed. I know my mom would be pleased and it does make me smile. It just seems like when I get a nice card from her or an update on how she and her family are doing, it makes me feel closer to my mom. Sandy and her husband, Harry, like I said live in Hawaii now, but they also live near here in Dana Point. How lucky are they that they get to travel back and forth? They are retired and living the life for sure.

This past weekend, we spent a nice evening all together. TL and I went to their lovely home and got a "tour." We're talking GRAND. It's all nestled up on a hill surrounded by eucalyptus trees, with a 180 degree view of the Pacific ocean, gorgeous sleek asian decor and a Japanese garden that sits right in the middle of their U shaped house. I was in awe. And even though it occured to me that Sandy and Harry are pretty much everything we're not; clean, organized, well off, oh and not to mention cute tiny people, we really just had a fun night with plenty of laughs and giggles. We also enjoyed a wonderful evening out at the Salt Creek Grill where I enjoyed the King Salmon Steak stuffed with Crab and Scallops... (um, slurrrp....)

It meant the world to me to get to see them both, and spend time talking about the "old days," and getting caught up on the new. It was just a great night all around. Sandy and Harry are on their way back to Hawaii for a few months, but I look forward to seeing them again in the fall when they return.


"Thanks for a lovely evening guys...
I hope we can 'Hang Together' again real soon..!"