The Girls of Summer (and Fall, Winter & Spring)

Recently my friends and I met for dinner. We try to do this once a month, but in the summer we get off track, due to vacations, etc. Although picking a date is a challenge, we always seem to make it work. We want to stay present and current in each other's lives. What an eclectic group it is! By way of introduction, here they are, alphabetically.
Christine is my personal beauty consultant. We met when our now senior college boys were only three years old. She is my easy fun friend - even if I don't see her for a month, it seems like only days when we're together. I would do anything for her, and I know she feels the same. She is hilariously funny, and since I love to laugh, we are a match made in Heaven. We call each other 'sugarplum' (don't know why), and it never matters who is 'sugar' and who is 'plum'. For birthdays and Christmas we rack our brains trying to find gifts for each other bearing a name with the word 'sugarplum' in it. Actually, we've been most successful.
I have known Darlene the longest. We met in church when our kids were babies and toddlers. We immediately clicked and a strong bond formed which still exists today. She was my first real friend in town, and we have shared and relished the complexities of our lives all these years. When our kids were young and in nursery school, we would play beat the clock and try to make it back from shopping in time to pick them up (1/2 day). We use to have afternoon teas, and Halloween parties, and birthday parties seemingly for the kids, but we always had a blast as well. She is fabulous, but in a quiet way - I wish I could be half as organized as her! If I could I would buy this loving caring friend a beach house.
Everyone and anyone that knows Louanne would agree, she is one of the kindest woman you will ever meet.. It is an honor to be her friend. There is so much to talk about whenever I see Lou; we are practically talking over one another trying to catch up. I really miss her when I don't see her for a while. She is the consumate 'home' guru - so talented around the house, but especially in the kitchen, which she loves. Some of the best baked goods I have ever had have come from Lou's kitchen. She is also my 'go to' dog expert. And since I have the puppy now, boy do I need her! Everyone is crazy about Lou, enough said.
Next on the list is Nancy. Our kids are close in age, and were only a year apart in school. We would sit and chat at many sporting events; our girl's softball games, our boy's soccer and baseball games, etc., cheering on the team. Nancy is most definitely 'the hostess with the mostest' when it comes to entertaining. She can throw together a menu like no other, and it is always fabulous. She is also an accessory style maven; whether it is wrapping a scarf a particularly cool way, or throwing on some great jewelry. We never run out of things to talk about when I see her, and I always look forward to it.
Pegs and I met when our babies became friends in kindergarten. There are friends and there are friends - Pegs is my savior friend. Whenever I am in some frantic state of "I can't find it", or "What time is that meeting?", or "When was that due?!" Pegs is there to bail me out. She is so so busy running around, much of it because she is such an outstanding mom; yet she always has time for her friends. When our boys have a game, she always offers to pick me up so we can catch-up along the way. No matter how far the drive is, the time just flys when I'm with Pegs. Words cannot describe how much I look forward to this time with her. When is that first game Pegs???
Susan is the first of our friends to become a grandma! We all relish in her stories, and her grandaughter is beautiful. Susan is smart and funny - but not everyday funny. More like dry, unexpectedly funny. Susan is an enigma - she takes crap from no one; yet she is soft and warm and has been known to tear up at the sight of a newborn in a stroller; or upon hearing about anyone's pain or sorrow. I had the pleasure of working with Susan for many years, and whether we were having a good day or a bad one, it was always okay because we were together. I miss those days now - she is a true gem as a friend.
I liken this group of girls to a string of pearls. Each one imperfect yet beautiful. Each one with a quiet classic luster. Each getting even more meaningful with age. Each seperated by a knot representing our own lives; yet held together by a common thread, or string. Hopefully, for many years to come they will remain my girlfriends. My pearlfriends.