PS and SP

I first met Elaine in 1970 at Washington University. We were roommates for the year and a half I was there. She was PS (pipsqueak at 4’8″) and me, SP (Susie pie, or something like that). I was a midwesterner through and through. Elaine grew up in Studio City, California. We became fast friends. I think I visited her once in LA in 1974, and then in Seattle sometime after that. We’ve followed each other on Facebook — friends from afar — and finally today, we got to hang out together. And, it was perfect. Breakfast was homemade challah and her favorite orange marmalade and lunch was homemade turkey vege soup. In between she helped me research my father’s family genealogy on Ancestry.com. This summer I am traveling to Lithuania. I know that’s where my Pa and Bubbi’s families came from, but that’s it. Now I know what cities they came from, when they were born, their parents and siblings names, when and how they ended up in Cleveland. When I get home, I will research more. Elaine is an absolute whiz at this!

After lunch Elaine showed me her art studio and then we hiked up the mountain across from her house, talking all along the way. I am so incredibly grateful that we were able to reconnect and all these years apart just melted away.

For the next few nights I am staying with new friends, Joyce and Eric. Our friendship began last summer in Iceland. Just before I left Ann Arbor, Joyce saw my post on Facebook about this trip, and generously offered to host me when I got to LA. And here I am, enjoying their gracious hospitality.

Things I learned today: 1. My family’s history; and 2. When I get home, I really want to take painting classes.