We met our new old friends the Goldsmiths - Paul and Leslie (Alternative Paul and Leslie) last night. You may recall we first met them last fall after some twenty years of hearing of and being mistaken for them.
It's funny - in my own mind, I thought we'd finally meet these name doppelgangers and that would be it. I'm sure they probably were also thinking along those lines. We could then each say, "why, yes we have met them!" when someone asks if we knew there were another pair with out name out there.
When we finally did meet last fall, at Lakeside Casino in Osceola on a work/school night (LG is a teacher), I felt like we didn't have enough time to talk! The couple hours we sat in the bar went by quickly and was filled with conversation. We related OPL (Other Paul and Leslie) stories to each other. Told about each of our histories and families - kinda like a first date! But there was no embarrassing stilted conversation (or worry about a first kiss!).
After our meeting, LG and I continued to exchange emails. You may notice she posts comments on my blog sometimes. We decided we needed to get together again sometime - on a weekend when we didn't feel the need to rush off. Neither of our PGs put the kabosh on the idea. My Paul (aka Pablo) was rather enthusiastic actually. How many people can say they've become friends because of their names? OMG I believe we've become friends with ourselves!
LG and I made plans to get together this weekend as they were staying in DM last night so she could get up and walk with friends in the YMCA fundraiser Red Flannel Run. We ended up meeting at Court Avenue Brewing Company - it was a busy weekend due to Val Day so reservations at a decent time were hard to come by. PGG and I had thought about staying at Joan's (we even had Lila lined up to get Odie), but decided our own beddie bye sounded better so we wanted to eat fairly early (we're ever so old).
We took off from Ctown around 3:30 PM, our drive up was filled with work talk - explaining our challenges at our jobs - stuff we don't take time to talk about while at home. PGG and I got there around 6ish after stop at Jordan Creek so Paul could have visitation at Scheel's with the new archery bow he thinks he wants but isn't yet willing to pull the trigger (bow string??) on. $600, so I'm not pushing. I figure that's a very personal purchase - like the thrill of tracking down the perfect shoes. Shopping is half the fun. I got 2 pairs of socks for $14 - you know I do love socks!
So we got to the appointed place a bit early and had a drink whilst we awaited their arrival. Though we do love our Friday nights with our mateys at A&G in Creston - it sure was fun to be someplace new (a without yellow ceiling tiles from 1978, and we nice restrooms). We even scored a table - Paul had a nice Pale Ale and I went with Vodka Tonic. (I already knew from experience that CAB's lemondrop does not measure up to A&G's) Plus I didn't need that much liquor - my Creston friends are used to me, but I'm still trying to make a good impression with these new friends...)
The GSmiths arrived shortly after we got our second drinks and we sat and chatted until our table was ready. If you're in Iowa, you may have heard what PMG is up to this week - a tragic shooting in Lucas County, where he is the County Atty. A twelve year old boy (as a teacher, LMG knows who he is but he was in 6th grade and she's a Jr. High teacher - I know, that says a great deal about her fortitude!). So Paul was understandably a bit frazzled from that tragic turn of events. We discussed the situation some - Paul threatened to give the press my Paul Goldsmith's cell number as a contact! Man they would have been confused when he started talking about soil!
The GSmiths are heading to Fort Myers for spring break to take advantage of Spring Training there. Both the Pauls enjoy the Twins. I filled LG in about the fab outlet mall there - Miromar. Columbia outlet store - need I say more? The evening again passed quickly! Both P and I like hanging with these folks - and I think they like us too. Hell - you can't have too many friends, can you?!? Especially during a rough winter like this one. Friend up everybody!
It's funny - in my own mind, I thought we'd finally meet these name doppelgangers and that would be it. I'm sure they probably were also thinking along those lines. We could then each say, "why, yes we have met them!" when someone asks if we knew there were another pair with out name out there.
When we finally did meet last fall, at Lakeside Casino in Osceola on a work/school night (LG is a teacher), I felt like we didn't have enough time to talk! The couple hours we sat in the bar went by quickly and was filled with conversation. We related OPL (Other Paul and Leslie) stories to each other. Told about each of our histories and families - kinda like a first date! But there was no embarrassing stilted conversation (or worry about a first kiss!).
After our meeting, LG and I continued to exchange emails. You may notice she posts comments on my blog sometimes. We decided we needed to get together again sometime - on a weekend when we didn't feel the need to rush off. Neither of our PGs put the kabosh on the idea. My Paul (aka Pablo) was rather enthusiastic actually. How many people can say they've become friends because of their names? OMG I believe we've become friends with ourselves!
LG and I made plans to get together this weekend as they were staying in DM last night so she could get up and walk with friends in the YMCA fundraiser Red Flannel Run. We ended up meeting at Court Avenue Brewing Company - it was a busy weekend due to Val Day so reservations at a decent time were hard to come by. PGG and I had thought about staying at Joan's (we even had Lila lined up to get Odie), but decided our own beddie bye sounded better so we wanted to eat fairly early (we're ever so old).
We took off from Ctown around 3:30 PM, our drive up was filled with work talk - explaining our challenges at our jobs - stuff we don't take time to talk about while at home. PGG and I got there around 6ish after stop at Jordan Creek so Paul could have visitation at Scheel's with the new archery bow he thinks he wants but isn't yet willing to pull the trigger (bow string??) on. $600, so I'm not pushing. I figure that's a very personal purchase - like the thrill of tracking down the perfect shoes. Shopping is half the fun. I got 2 pairs of socks for $14 - you know I do love socks!
So we got to the appointed place a bit early and had a drink whilst we awaited their arrival. Though we do love our Friday nights with our mateys at A&G in Creston - it sure was fun to be someplace new (a without yellow ceiling tiles from 1978, and we nice restrooms). We even scored a table - Paul had a nice Pale Ale and I went with Vodka Tonic. (I already knew from experience that CAB's lemondrop does not measure up to A&G's) Plus I didn't need that much liquor - my Creston friends are used to me, but I'm still trying to make a good impression with these new friends...)
The GSmiths arrived shortly after we got our second drinks and we sat and chatted until our table was ready. If you're in Iowa, you may have heard what PMG is up to this week - a tragic shooting in Lucas County, where he is the County Atty. A twelve year old boy (as a teacher, LMG knows who he is but he was in 6th grade and she's a Jr. High teacher - I know, that says a great deal about her fortitude!). So Paul was understandably a bit frazzled from that tragic turn of events. We discussed the situation some - Paul threatened to give the press my Paul Goldsmith's cell number as a contact! Man they would have been confused when he started talking about soil!
The GSmiths are heading to Fort Myers for spring break to take advantage of Spring Training there. Both the Pauls enjoy the Twins. I filled LG in about the fab outlet mall there - Miromar. Columbia outlet store - need I say more? The evening again passed quickly! Both P and I like hanging with these folks - and I think they like us too. Hell - you can't have too many friends, can you?!? Especially during a rough winter like this one. Friend up everybody!
2 comments:
Hey-PMG and I loved meeting you again, too. ..and it isn't just the name, it is that we are alike in many ways. I had a great time at the Red Flannel Run and then we met Rebecca at The Continental--gay Valentine's Day so we got lots of compliments on our shoes, bags, etc.! Let's stay positive about this winter and I promise we will meet again in the sunshine!! LMG
I like the Continental - glad the run went well. Hope PMG got to sleep in - rough week for all of you Charitonites. Can't wait to hear how your spring break trip went...
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