HAH. You'll never guess what I did today! Okay, I gave it away...I spent a very enjoyable two or so hours having lattes with OS's own "Brassawe," aka Steve Dos.
Steve returned to Iowa to a town fifteen minutes from my house just before Thanksgiving for his father's funeral. His father was ninety-two, and had been very sick for a number of years, but according to Steve, lived exactly as he wanted until he became sick. His death, as are many, was a blessing to him and those who loved him. Death is not always the enemy. It was also a blessing to my father when he died in January 11, 2008.
Carol and Steve Dos in Croissant du Jour in Iowa, with snow outside and pasteries just behind us. Dec. 2, 2010
Steve is the one who came up with the idea of taking our picture to prove our meeting, and of course, I being the consumate journalist and in general, the lucky sort, happened to have my camera in my oversized purse. I tagged one of the lovely young ladies seated next to us and asked her to take our picture, explaining that Steve was from Mexico (NOT Mexico, Missouri!) and was a writer and we had never met before today. The two young ladies were very gracious, and actually very good at taking pictures. Of course, I had to have a few extra taken because my hair wasn't quite right in the first one....not that I am vain.
Taking the pictures in itself was fun, but spending time sharing stories in person with such an intelligent, articulate, sensitive man...who COULD NEVER, in my estimation, personally harm kitties, even though they are near feral kitties. (I think he may have exagerated his kitty animosities, though they can be/are a problem.) I nearly missed meeting with him over this kitty concern, my being an avid fan of all kitties, including troublesome ones. So I am happy to report to other kitty lovers, that while we did not speak of kitties at this meeting, I don't see him as a kitty-killer unless it were absolutely necessary (ie: rabid, fatally injured etc. kitty).
We have agreed to meet again next week, or possibly at the Londoner for live music Sunday afternoon, with it being my treat this time. Steve was quite a gentleman, springing for two lattes and a pastery for me. I am so spoiled!
Thank you very much, Steve for a lovely morning coffee!!! And How the Heck do you trim these dang pictures down??? bbd???
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Comments
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Thanks for this...
fernsy, I love meeting fellow OSers...come on down.
Larry, What wallet? I was looking for a hanky!
rita, It is good to be a help to fellow OSers. I am always glad to.
Just coffee and conversation has been good for me.
Joan, Thanks for coming by.
Barry, Thanks for coming by...you don't think I should have cropped the bottom of the pic?? Hey--I wanta see you and your lovely wife in Dallas sometime. I'll let you know when I'm in your town again. (I have family there...)
Marty's H, It's so good to hear from you. I think of you and Marty often.
Walt, You DO know Iowa! Not many people familiar with West Des Moines...nope, Croissant du Jour is in the Second Largest City in Iowa, not the Largest City In Iowa.
Brassawe....Ah, but did you check for your hanky?
Lea, I knew that I would have to put in a plea to 'save the kitties' if we met for coffee. I just have to keep saving things. I can't help myself.
I may have to start buying them real catfood, too, but don't tell Steve. They probably eat birds because they need bird vitamins.
Y Heron, Yeah. I love kitties too. So does Brassawe's mother. Good to see you here! Keep writing truth.
Sheila, Glad you stopped by.
Bernadine, OS meet-ups are indeed tre cool. I have never been disappointed by one. We are a beautiful, intelligent, articulate lot!
BUT...does your Midwestern croissanterie make croissants like the Parisians do? My three breakfasts in Paris consisted of big fat buttery crispy tender croissants like none I've ever had....at least since my last trip to Paris.