IT’S THE FRIENDS YOU CAN CALL UP AT 4:00 A.M. THAT MATTER -- MARLENE DIETRICH

Once upon a time, seven young ladies met at Baylor University --- 20 years ago (there are a few more of us but we have a core group). Some were from the same state and some were from the far reaches of the US.  We were all so different (and still are), we should never have been close friends.  Fashion design, accounting, education and journalism were just a few of our majors.  But we all had a common sisterhood bond -- we could have a good time anywhere (and we have a better time when we are together). 

We have had many adventures together in college -- Hookers and Hoodlums, Safaris, trips to South Whidbey Island, late night gab fests at the Centre and Rivercrest....  Our after college adventures started with a small backpacking trip through Western Europe fighting off very aggressive homeless men in the Vienna train station and homeless women in the Frankfurt train station.  An icy New Year’s Eve in Paris, or was that at the hospital?  Really getting picked up in the ambulance, only you sweetie.

Our starter trip to Seaside set the tone for our future trips.  We got closer sitting in the rooftop alcove enjoying the nighttime air.  Lots of relaxing time, visiting time, good food, meeting interesting people (who might have been scantily clad), and photos to convict the guilty.  

Upward and onward -- Las Vegas and the beach at Mandalay Bay (the first time).  Did we meet an entire troop of Marines?  I wonder where Vanilla Ice came from?  On that trip we definitely wore out our dancing shoes.  

Atlantis was a treat, and very cozy.  Brittney Spears might have been there but we were the exciting crowd not her.  A little beach time, a timeshare presentation and Charlie’s Angels in the fancy house -- one of us got really lucky that night. 


A True Cajun wedding spectacular -- a Friday night crawfish boil complete with the washboard and zydeco music, introducing our Yankee friends to drive thru liquor stores (they drove through a few times, just because they could), and dancing the night away to our songs -- Eve was the first.... 

Chicago during the spring is special when spent with sisters -- pizza pizza, Frank Lloyd Wright and shopping on Michigan Avenue.

One’s hometown -- an animal festival -- baying is a sport in some areas.  Visiting over yearbooks and the internet can be dangerous (no those “party pics” do not belong on facebook).  Yes, the airplane ride is worth it ladies.

A second trip to Vegas, where we did the Vegas Marathon (well half of it anyway), the House of Blues jazz brunch, and stayed at Mandalay Bay again. No dancing this trip, we were barely walking after our weekend this time. 

Newport, Rhode Island during yacht week.  Only one of us could score a late night tour of a $20 million boat -- you go girl!  Lovely hike along the coast, beautiful old mansions and a great brunch (even with the bees).  


A Beautiful July 4th San Francisco wedding on the bay where you sic a sweet, good hearted, very talkative mechanical engineer on your gullible friend ;)

Any days spent in West Hollywood are good for the soul -- and hopefully for the spirits.  I am glad I could come help.  Stay strong out there, we are pulling for you ;)   

Texas weekends in the Hill Country, great restaurants in Dallas, a day off the train in Connecticut, antique shopping in Indiana, and relaxing in a beautiful home in Birmingham -- anytime you can see your sisters is a good time. 

Our latest adventure was in Malibu -- during Navy weekend..  ah a man in uniform, they didn’t know what they were getting with us.  Straight off the airplane we made a splash -- really a cowboy hat on the plane -- you looked adorable.  And I scored a client, just by being me.

They gave us a minivan -- I thought I was going to get a rash driving that -- my goodness are we old?  Oh yeah, I forgot this was our “40”th birthday celebration. 

We spent a lovely evening at Della Terra on Beverly.  Is that a casting call for Streetwalkers of LA downstairs?  Our morning stroll through Beverly Hills was exhilarating - lots of fun sites.  Dupar’s is a great choice.  Farmer’s Market is always an interesting place, especially early in the morning.  At the Grove, we saw Mario Lopez and got some sexy jeans. 

yes, this was my grandfather's father's day present ;)

some things are just creepy

After collecting another of our party we hit the PCH North.  Missed our turn for Santa Monica, so we ended up running into Jay Mohr at the Taco Bell gas station.  

Moonshadows was a great place for lunch -- green soup.  The views are awesome.  I can see why Mel Gibson liked this place (it’s one of the places where he got arrested).

After a quick stop at the grocery, we found our 5 bedroom rental -- not on the beach, but that is why we have the minivan.  The gate we would be fighting all weekend -- Prof that is your job, I am the driver.   Found a very cold perch to watch the sunset over Zuma Beach.  Then a phone call summoned us to the bigger party at the Mexican Restaurant. 

You know those big tables of women -  who talk too loud, who laugh too much, and can have the time of their life over beans and rice --  yes that is us.  Back to the house for cards and a late night PJ party -- camera shy....

You evil vixen leaving these out for us.  I can't remember if we took them out of the cabinet when we left, whoops..

We really need more than 2 nights to catch up sufficiently (and to teach one to play spades).  

That time change got us good.  On my first trip to beach that day, a brisk early morning walk/run on the beach.  Those lifeguard stands are closed FYI.  A short jaunt up the cliffside led to beautiful homes (even those under construction for those of us who are brash).  

The next trip to the beach was a harder walk because the sand we walked in was deeper.  And we were a little intimidated by the high school soccer team training (but their coach was in really good shape and easy on the eyes). We took our shoes off for this trip -- early morning surfers on the beach had their wet suits on (it was a tad bit cold out).  

Our exciting lunch was at Gladstone’s.  Yes, the waiter loved us, even when one of us gave him such grief (and we love you for it, please don't ever change).  He was an actor and good at putting on.   We found the only shopping area of Malibu -- not our speed or price range -- we can afford it but are not dumb enough to spend it.  

one of my favorites

something is just wrong with this picture...

Geoffrey’s is a great place to get dressed up for and we are glad everyone joined us.  The views were amazing and the food really tasty.  (Why did it seem we were always eating?)  
Birthday night 

An early morning drive through the Canyon led us to the Burbank airport -- a change of flights.  But it’s a treat to hit Magnolia Drive’s It’s a Wrap Production and their trendy antique stores -- my dream stand up jewelry box was there, but no way to get it home :(

Santa Monica Promenade for the sites, then off to the beach to ogle at the surfers and lay on the sand.  Good times were had by all.  And we almost ran over a very rough looking Val Kilmer.  We tried three times.

One last meal at Duke’s with our UT waiter -- everyone has their skeletons in their closets - bloody Longhorns ;) Go Bears!  We were busted at the valet when the young hot guys cracked on our ride.  (But it held us all -- I can drive a minivan for a few days.)  

Spades and the Tony awards.. what a combination.  Our last few hours together, not enough time..... and yes, I like to get to the airport too early -- deal with it.  

One of the best trips yet -- sand in our toes, brisk walks through beautiful scenery, celebrity sightings  --- long talks with our soul sisters.... 

Hugs, love ya  AOTXXXX  We might make New York City yet.... Missing ya'll already 

Here’s to more trips with the KD Ladies I will never forget, spending nights I might not remember (but you know me, I remember lots --- $500 worth -- just kidding, a good dinner will clear the bill).  And we lived happily ever after....