Another Summer Visit from my Sister Friedl
Today was the day my Hal and I were driving to Sea Tac to pick up my sister Friedl who was arriving with Pan Am from Germany. This is the visit we will go shopping to replace her pretty dress. We were not able to find a replacement during the last visit.
What we have to realize is that styles have changed, and we are of course older now than when this all happened (stubborn berry stains on our dresses). I put feelers out before Friedl arrived and found something she would really love.
My Hal will join us too, he took his vacation this time, the two weeks Friedl will be here and so did I. After a day of rest for Friedl, due to Jet lag, I called my sales lady at I. Magnin that all was set, and we could come. We arrived at the second floor and when we saw the sales lady we decided to greet her, and introduce Friedl. Hal and I sat down in comfortable chairs right by the dressing room. Janet, the sales lady left and came back with several beautiful silk blouses and slacks. All by Armani. Friedl came out of the dressing room giving us a little style show.
The first one was a bit sporty I thought, and I could see on Friedl’s face she was not too thrilled either. Oh, the second one was beautiful and Friedl was happy, I could tell. The white, silk blouse had a Russian look, it closed to the side with a standing collar, long full sleeves with French cuffs. The slacks, also white, were light-weight wool in a beautiful fit with belt. We had to agree that this was very elegant and made for Friedl. While Janet saw to it that it was put into a garment bag, we went to the shoe salon and found a beautiful pair of white high heel sandals.
All three of us were happy with the purchase and ready to have a wonderful lunch. We picked up the car in the parking garage and drove to the Old Olympic Hotel parking garage and walked across the street to the Olympics Georgian room, where we had made reservation.
My Hal ordered a bottle of fine champagne for our little celebration. We thought one of their seafood salads with green goddess dressing, made in their own kitchen would go very good with that champagne and would allow us some of their delicious desserts with an espresso.
When we arrived home, we packed our little suitcases, so we could start our journey to the Oregon Coast right after breakfast. We had this trip planned on one of Friedl’s visits, but had to postpone it because Hal had to work. By the time we arrived at our first destination, Lincoln City, The Spanish Head Inn, we enjoyed a walk on the beach first.
The air was awesome, so was the sun going down and the scenery. We will enjoy the sound of the ocean during the night with the window open. It was time to get a table by a window, candlelight and a wonderful dinner with a fine wine. My Hal would have no difficulty finding one in the “Captain’s Wine Menu.” After enjoying two days of walking along the beach, good food and relaxation we were on our way to the “Otter Crest” Condos. They are sitting high on a cliff above a beautiful cove. Hiking down a path it is beautiful to see the old pine trees, sculptured by winds and weather to have the look of Bonsai trees.
We stopped on the way and did shopping for our dinner, so we could have a relaxing evening in our condo with a fire going in the fireplace. I set a nice table with two big candles, I purchased on the way and started dinner in the kitchen, while my Hal and Friedl listened to music and rested.
I had purchased a piece of beef tenderloin, which I browned on all sides in clarified butter and then put into the oven to finish. I made in that roasting pan a beautiful brown, shiny sauce with Jack Daniels Whiskey. On the side I made a nice salad of greens, tomato and cucumber slices with a Ranch dressing and grated parmesan. I served the tenderloin in nice slices and put them on a bed of my delectable sauce and the salad on the side. My Hal brought from home in his attaché case a bottle of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Private Reserve. It was time now to call my loved ones to dinner.
Bon Appetit!
Friedl has such a beautiful smile in the picture for her loved ones, and her white silk blouse, wool slacks and sandals look so stylishly understated and timeless. Ilona and Hal really spoiled Friedl during her visit, having scouted out beautiful fashions, secured reservations at plush restaurants and lodging on the scenic Oregon Coast, and even bringing a special bottle of wine to complement Ilona’s fabulous cooking. I can feel lots of wonderful love within this trio.
Whew! I am so relieved to know the outcome of the stained dress story. What a happy ending. Yes, Friedl look happy and beautiful. And so does the doll. I love these stories, especially the “sister” ones. Such a close and loving bond, the radiance of it leaps off the page to shine on all of us. And of course, the mouthwatering food, described in such an inviting way. I want to join them on the coast of Oregon and watch the waves against the sunset. Such a lovely vacation. Such a lovely family. Hospitality in addition to their love for each other is the hallmark of their lives.