Two nights ago Ed and I pulled ourselves together and went down to this little duplex near the big road, the less pricey part of the island. I cleaned up nice, not shorts, and wore earrings and little heels. Ed parked in the road and snarled when I told him to instead pull into a nearby driveway where I knew the owner.

Except for us and two others, the guests were the family of Leeanna, the hostess – her three sisters, two husbands, one nephew, and her dad, a widower. Leeanna said I was just her dad’s type and if I hadn’t shown up with a husband, he probably would have hit on me.

It was also a celebration of Leeanna’s birthday. The siblings brought presents, there was a lot of love and hugging, quite a nice change from warring families. This bunch seemed really close-knit.

Unfortunately, it was an overcast night, with intermittent rain, so there was no moon. We had some wine and stayed for the spaghetti dinner. Then Leeanna’s sister wanted to do her moon rite and Ed who is so definitely not New Age didn’t want to stay for it, so we left. Still he had been a very good participant, talking with everyone. He tends to be aloof with new people so I was pleased to see him so outgoing.

Sorry I couldn’t let you in on an arcane and mystical evening, but it really didn’t have that quality to it. However, Leeanna told me that Toni, a close acquaintance from across the road, who stopped in briefly, was a bona fide by gosh witch but I shouldn’t say she told me. Leeanna said if I wanted her to confide in me, perhaps I should just remark on all the symbolic items she has in her house. Maybe I will. I have dabbled in candle magic and a few simple rites involving easily obtained items, no eye of newt or anything. Has it worked? Well, Ed, who was a truly elusive fellow when we first met, is now my husband and I am not willing to say a candle and a verse had nothing to do with it. (He seems pleased with this arrangement although he does remark from time to time that he thinks I am squirrely.)

xx, Teal

P.S. Leeanna’s nephew told me during the course of the evening that I reminded him of his grandmother. I am assuming that was Leeanna’s dad’s wife. I didn’t say, “Steve, quit while you’re ahead.” Sheesh. Grandmother. The next day Ed and I went to BJ’s. I turned my cart into an aisle blocked by two good ol boys who were Crocodile Dundee types. One elaborately cleared the aisle and said, “There you go young lady.” So I told him I was pleased to have him call me that in light of yesterday’s reference to someone’s grandmother and that his remark helped even things out. Anyway, just in case you ever have illusions about yourself, get into a room with some young people. Ouch.