Geeking out at Storm Crow Manor with a pal

I took my pal F. out to lunch today for her birthday. We've known each other, both as colleagues and as friends, for decades, and over the years we've spent a whole lot of time socializing, dining, clubbing, and generally celebrating each other's special occasions.

( Talk of food, drink, and tentacles under the cut )

It was so good to catch up on life events and friends-and-family news. Somehow no amount of texting, emailing, or zooming can equal the sheer uncomplicated pleasure of sitting across a table from a loved one and actually using one's words.