It will likely be our last Boston rendezvous before the official arrival of spring (cheers to that!) and as such an air of celebration and giddiness was in the atmosphere as I met up with Kira for a recent weekend in our beloved city. Peppered throughout this first part of the recap are quotes from Kira and bits of conversation that struck me as funny. You will likely be largely unamused, and to be fair you did kind of have to be there. No matter – it will crack me up writing them down again, so for my enjoyment, please indulge.
The weekend began with my arrival at precisely 3 PM, so as to procure an available spot in one of the coveted visitor’s parking sections of a few nearby side streets. I found one quickly enough, then paused in the condo bedroom to take in the very best part of the day there, and to take this picture.
After making a quick trip to Newbury Street to get my retail footing and some food stuffs before Kira arrived, I set up to lighting the candles and taking in the holiday decorations, which remained from our canceled Holiday Stroll. Yes – 2021 and Omicron finally dealt our decade-plus tradition a mortal blow after we trickily beat its curse in 2020, and the year passed without a proper Holiday Stroll. Rather than wallow in regret or sadness, we decided to put that tradition to bed for a bit and start something brand new: the Spring Stroll. Watch for that coming the very first weekend of spring (provided a snowstorm or pandemic doesn’t change plans, which is no longer the empty threat it once was).
KIRA: What’s wrong with my outfit?
ME: Nothing!!
Also ME: Are we parachute jumping today?
When at last Kira arrived to a condo filled with warmth and memories and the lingering coziness of Christmas, the Moroccan chicken dish I’d made for us had finished heating up, and dinner was promptly served to our weary selves. The preceding work week had been busy for both of us, and we relaxed into the luxury of a Friday night with a cherished old friend.
ME: Yes you are. Without the polka dots.
Catching up over dinner, we laughed and sunk back into the comfortable groove of a friendship going back well over two decades. Outside the wind whirled and scurried about in blustery charges against the brick, but within the condo all was glowing and warm as if Christmas had decided to come back for a quick second to see us through the remainder of winter.
KIRA: That’s why we wear hats.
ME: You’ve never been afraid to look stupid in a hat.
The spell of hygge had been cast, and its emboldening enchantment worked its magic on our souls, healing and rebuilding what had been broken and bruised through the sheer act of surviving. Christmas lights still twinkled in the corners, and the scent of spicy candles lended another layer of warmth to the proceedings.
We finished dinner, Kira had a spa shower, and we tried starting a movie but fell asleep before getting very far. Winter felt very distant at that moment, and the ills of the world felt miles away. One last quote from the next day, to give you a hint of what was still to come…
ME: Can you just fucking enjoy the moment?
KIRA: No, I can’t. I’m cold.
