Getting together isn’t that hard – End of the Day for May 31, 2014

The summer must be arriving, as we were out for another evening tonight. As usual for us, it was even free! Our friends, Keri and Michael, have been holding movie nights in their backyard for the last several years and we always make a point of going. It is a great evening of friendly conversation, good food and good movies. We jokingly refer to it as introducing Joseph to the most important film canon for the last 50 years or so. Tonight’s film was Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a collection of absurd humor and source for so many cultural references it seems a touchstone, even to the current generation. “It’s only a scratch. Message for you, sir! Go away before I taunt you a second time!” We smiled. We laughed. We repeated dialogue and sang along with songs. We even each had our own set of coconut shells to make the appropriate horse noises.

As I often say, it is the simplest things that can bring the most joy into your life. We didn’t need to spend hundreds of dollars of expensive dinner and drinks, drive halfway across the state or make reservations months in advance. We made lemonade, some of my classic cornflake and marshmallow “shrubberies” and brought along some wine and snacks to share. This is an event that anyone can do. It takes little money, planning or time. It really only involves inviting your friends to share some time with you. You would be surprised how willing people can be to visit, if you only give the a little excuse.

What small event can you put together? Who can you invite to join you? Who haven’t you seen in a while? Pick a date. Give them a call. Pop up some popcorn and enjoy! What a great way to start the summer.

Previously on End of the Day: