I Met Romeo at Ghirardelli

I have always enjoyed people watching...noticing expressions, interactions, wild outfits, colorful hair, beautiful (or outrageous) clothes, you name it, I take it all in and wonder about people's stories. I think I got that curiosity and eye for people from my dad. And now that he isn't here, I feel a heightened sense of wondering about the stories behind the stories.

It's really just a matter of taking the time to notice others and absorb details.

The other day was a day like that, full of taking just a little extra time to notice people, engage in conversation with them, ask questions, smile, make eye contact, encourage...and be encouraged.


No trip to San Fransisco would be complete without a trip to Ghirardelli. The prices for sundaes have always struck me as outrageous, and as such rubbed me a bit the wrong way, but those kinds of things never really bothered my dad. (To a fault...as much as my mom is tight, my dad was loose...well, maybe generous...) At any rate, it just seemed like the day to splurge on sundaes. In fact, Nicole ordered a banana split. I found edible nirvana in an espresso chip hot dark chocolate sundae with gobs of whipped cream, the real kind swirled on top. YUM. There was a group of older gentlemen who entered just ahead of us and were seated off to our right at the next table. It did not escape my notice that they were having FUN...just pure, unadulterated fun. Laughing, eating their hot fudge, and just having a good time.

I couldn't resist. I had to ask what their story was. And, they told me they are all ROMEO. (And old enough to be my dad...it made me miss him terribly).

Retired Old Men Eating Out. And today they chose treats involving ice cream and chocolate. Smart move. But what really struck me was the camaraderie, fun, and connection they had. For them it appeared to be all about relationship. And that is as it should be.

Peace.