A TALE OF THREE LADIES, (the rest of the story)

Two senior ladies checked luggage and cleared security at the Portland airport without any trouble. Though the young man announcing the flight was not happy we did not have “something blue” as proof of our need to pre-board, he let us by.

Jane wanted an aisle seat so I took the middle. The young lady who sat by the window took her seat, pulled out her iPod, plugged them into her ears, and leaned back to take a nap. The flight was above the clouds…and only about 50 minutes.

Anita was only moments away and picked us up in her little red car. Boxes and paper products were stacked to the ceiling in anticipation of Saturday night’s Chinese New Year celebration. After dropping our luggage at her house, we had lunch at the “Cracker Barrel.” I ordered catfish with sides of hush puppy and coleslaw. After lunch, I waited in one of the porch rockers while the others “shopped.” Did you realize that penny candy is now 15¢? Our next task was to trade the red car for one with four doors. After a brief introduction to Boise, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing, trying out a “simple” won ton recipe (with little success), peeking in our welcoming gift bags, eating dinner, and introducing our hostess to Canasta.

Saturday, We began the day with a devotion and prayers followed by breakfast and out the door. Anita needed to pick up an acquaintance to transport her to a housecleaning task. This drive took us by HP multiplex, also “fast-toured” a former church building now a bistro and a look at Boise’s memorial to Anne Frank. Then it was time to get Anita’s mother at the airport.

Now, we were complete.

After dropping Hilly’s luggage by the house, we were expecting to meet a couple who is very special to Anita; the woman was a nurse and a great support to Anita during her cancer battle. They were looking for a red car so we were a little late bumping noses. We were the first customers to be seated in the very ornate surroundings of the Thai restaurant. We were privileged to have an expert ordering our meal of duck and dishes of curry and stir fry and fried rice and steamed veggies. An abundance of food for our group of six left us with plenty to take home.

Speaking of which, the three weary travelers took naps while our hostess prepared scads of won tons for the Chinese New Year gathering that evening. Refreshed and wearing our appropriate red, we went early to help set up for the event. This is “the Year of the Ox.” Door prizes included a children’s book The Ox-Cart Man, stuffed oxen dolls and other thematic gifts. At the announced 5 p.m., there were three people (besides us), but by 6 the count was closer to 50; and by evening’s end, we figure about 80 people were present. The Asian community was well represented, and the dishes they prepared were from every imaginable eastern country. Red envelopes of gold-coin chocolates were handed out to the children and a movie was provided for them also. We left about 8:30. When Anita returned from taking us to the house, some kind souls had already cleaned up.

Sunday morning began with a devotional – more thanks giving for the purpose of our being together, Then it was time to pack for our trip home. We worshipped with the Grace Church of Christ. Then went back to the house to help polish off the leftovers from the day before. Another brief, scenic drive of the area preceded dropping us at the airport for our return home. Again, we were allowed to pre-board (though, truth be told, we still do not know what a "blue thing" is nor how to obtain one). We even saved a seat for a lady who had helped us up the banisterless ramp on our arrival only two days earlier.

So-o-o, how is everyone doing? Anita called to report her one-year checkup on February 5th came back N.E.D. (no evidence of disease)! And, just yesterday, Hilly sent this report: “Result of my bloodmarker test today CA19-9 is 13.5 that is normal. My last one in 2008 CA19-9 was 187.4.” And Jane’s oncologist says, “He sees no evidence of any cancer cells anywhere.”

THANK YOU, FATHER! And Thank you, Anita, for a fine visit.