Never let 40+ years go by without seeing someone special.
Mike and I became friends during a study-abroad program in London, way back in 1981. That’s the late 1900s, or before time was invented if you’re Gen Z, or Alpha, or whatever you are.
It wasn’t for lack of trying. It just seemed like wherever I landed in life, he was already there and gone. At one point, we lived nine blocks away from each other without knowing. (This was before the internet was in our pockets… kids just wouldn’t understand).
So, while one day isn’t enough to make up for list time, we made the most of the entire day.
He had adventures planned from morning till night, so I had to start the 2 hour drive by 6 am, in order to keep us on track.
The day started off with a delicious feisty breakfast at Breakfast B!tch. It’s true to the theme, from the “hello, b!tches!” greeting to the murals by the bathroom.
I had the “boujee b!tch” (Lobster, Egg, and Spinach, on a Croissant with Cilantro Lime Sauce)… because… we are what we eat.
We followed that up with a stroll around Tortilla Flats, with their kitschy shops and prickly pear ice cream.
After miles of winding roads and dozens of tourist shops in Scottsdale that have seen better days, we ended up at one of his favorite Italian restaurants for lunch.
With good food, good AC, and a good view, it was worth the trip.
He hinted at an event in the evening, so I opted out of an afternoon in a museum so we could rest and refresh.
“Rest” is relative, considering his adorable chihuahua rescue, Yahtzee, has no off switch. My heart was full of joy, and my t-shirt was full of dog hair, by the time we needed to get ready for the evening.
The surprise was “Forbidden Broadway” at the Phoenix Theater.
Four singers, one piano player, and small space created the intimate atmosphere of a jazz club. It was just delightful!
The day and our energy now spent, we hugged in the parking lot and promised to get together again much, much sooner the next time.
I told him I’d swing by with the van and a portrait of Yahtzee since today is Mike’s birthday.
Happy birthday, young man!!
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