One Vanilla Java Porter Later

I just got home from "time with Jean." I kinda feel all gushy on the inside. Like when I get to the end of an episode of Little House on the Prarie. She tried to call, but that didn't work. She tried to work my door bell- out of order. She made her way to my neighbor's and got let in and up to my apt. door, and says.... I have to do something in town, but let's get a few afterwards.
I jump at these moments. There is no plan too big to give up, no reason to not go. "Time with Jean" is precious. We head out to a bar that is offering jobs. I ask for the application, she hands me the pen. I show her the beer on tap across the way, she get's up for a closer look.
We are talking before we get out of the car, all the way into the place, on our way to the table, past Dave, who's kinda nice looking, talk. Italy, finances, Italy, (tell the waitress we don't know what we want like three times.) Eat casually, drink even more casually, Italy, making French Onion Soup, making Tiramisu, Friends, Road Trips, Italy, Loosing Weight, Sofa stories, just when we talked about the time (and I'm thinking she means to go), Jean puts her feet up on the empty chair from the table next to us... whew, Italy, exercise, Mom's birthday, Mammy paying for help around the house. And we pay and we talk all the way out (no City newspaper by the door). She was called Momma by the waitress and we laugh and talk about that. (About how whenever we go out, people think we're mother and daughter). And we share places in our lives where we ask God to be with us, and when we just need Him to be there, maybe with us not realizing or asking. We talk. And by the end, my heart is glowing, and I feel enriched, and privileged and glad Jean is my friend.

Clear

It's a really clear night out. You can see the stars. Yup, they're still there. Kinda constant. I mean, each one dies eventually but for me the common man, I find that the consistency of them being out there is good enough. I like that. Something is constant, something I can rely on. It's no Aurora borealis (but the picture is cool, isn't it?) One day all this beauty will be gone. But there will be a new earth. And man... I can't wait. (I mean, obviously I can...) but can you imagine... newer than this one, more crisp, more clear, brighter, lighter, cleaner. Let the light come.