Day 26 -- It really turned out well

Today was  supposed to have only one event -- and a first for my new life: Dinner with the Crislip's.  I had been anticipating this first outing with a couple that Margaret and I had spent time with over the years.  And, since they are also part of the Couple's club, I knew it would be a good test of how I would handle my single self with a friendly couple.
I didn't get much chance to obsess about whether I could handle myself.  Harman had called and asked if he could bring a form by that he finally got from the Insurance company.  And just as he left, Lee called -- on the way to work, but coming by here first.
There were some "from now on" issues we had to discuss, and I was comforted that our conversation was on a new level -- very much special friend to special friend.  Best of all, he quickly showed me how to get slide shows embedded on this blog -- and you will see (to the right) a scrambled title for Margaret''s Committal Service.  I worked on it late in the night last night, and am very pleased with the way it turned out.  If you look at it, and choose to comment, I will welcome your suggestions and reactions.
So after getting the slide show the way I wanted it and posted on the blog (took two tries -- just had to tweak the timing). I just had enough time to get ready to go to dinner.
What a marvelous evening.  I got to see John and Betty's new condo, and was in awe of how they have made it so much their home -- and in such a short time  We had time for really good conversation -- and I did pretty well -- just minimal mask slippage that was welcomed by me and graciously understood by Betty and John.  The dinner was scrumptious, well served, and delightfully prepared.  Because it was in the Dining Room of Canterbury, there was no interruption of our conversation in meal preparation, or course changes.  Best of all, John did not have to do the dishes -- but he said that he never did that anyway.  We went back upstairs and again I was so impressed how they have quickly adapted to their new quarters and made the new space (to them) as much their home as was the house on Platt Street.  I had a lot of fun watching the two of them taking full advantage of the  new living style they are in -- and enjoying the great view of the bay out their balcony doors.
Margaret was a part of the evening -- either through my reference to things I am having to learn to do without her, and Betty getting updated on Margaret's illness.  Occasionally I would choke up -- usually remembering my loss, and found patient support upholding me at those times.  John and Betty were really champs, and as I left, I thanked them for being my first outing with an unrelated couple in this new single life.  They were both gracious and affirming, and we all three endorsed the idea of getting together again -- outside of Couple's Club.