Women's Weekend in South Haven

Last month the girlfriends met at NED’s (North End Deli) in Richland for dinner.  I said I would write the blog for this gathering and never did.   Now, I can’t remember enough of the evening to do it justice.   

Forgiveness.  That is one of the MANY attributes I LOVE about my Christian sista’s.  They are loving, kind and forgiving.  Thank you, God, for putting them in my life. 

On to the latest gathering….

Groceries at Bloomingdale's Bulk Food and Grocery:  $6.36

Lunch at Taste of South Haven: $18.48

Shopping in town: $60.00

Weekend get-a-away with Christian Sista’s:  Priceless!

Elisabeth and her husband purchased a condo in South Haven to enjoy in their retirement.  Since making the purchase they have been busy with updating the condo to their liking and helping plan and enjoy their son and daughter-in-law’s wedding. 

This fall things have slowed down a bit and Elizabeth invited us for a women’s weekend in South Haven.  Unfortunately, Anna is already out of state for the winter and Sarah had other commitments so they were unable to join us.  We missed them.

Elisabeth, Miriam and I met at Elisabeth’s house early Saturday morning and drove west, the back way, to South Haven.  It was late fall so most of the leaves were already down, but an occasional splash of color dotted the woods.  It was overcast and windy, but not too cold.   

We drove through Alamo, Gobles and Bloomingdale and Elisabeth said she wanted to make a stop at a quaint Amish grocery co-op.  We wandered up and down the aisles looking at spices, baskets and baked goods.  We picked up a couple of things to eat later and got back on the road.  The conversation continued from one thing to the next and it wasn’t long until we arrived in South Haven.

Elisabeth has created a warm, welcoming get-away.  The condo has two floors, the lower with two bedrooms and a full bathroom.  She let us pick which room we wanted to sleep in and continued the tour to the upper floor.  It has an open concept living room, eating area and kitchen.   It is a beautiful place to call home.  They will make many memories there with family and friends.

After getting acquainted with our weekend surroundings, we went downtown.  The main street is lined with great shops that have household goods, clothing, bakery goods and much more.  I always enjoy shopping out-of-town hoping to find a unique gift to give for Christmas.  This trip was no exception.  I bought…oh, wait!  I can’t tell in case my daughter’s read the blog! 
 
We had a variety of options for lunch.  Elisabeth suggested Taste of South Haven.  She and Miriam have eaten there before and enjoyed the food.  If I remember correctly, they both had Chef Joel’s signature tomato bisque with Parmesan cheese and a blend of herbs followed by Bay Scallop Scampi with garlic bread.  I enjoyed the corn tortillas filled with grilled tilapia, homemade creamy slaw, corn & avocado salsa.  We had no agenda for the weekend so we had a leisurely meal enjoying every bite as well as great conversation and a glass of wine.

We had a chance to walk to the beach just as the sun was coming out from under the clouds and setting in the west.  The water and wind were wild!  There were snow fences on the beach to help control mother nature later this winter.  The sand was blown through them and up and over the road.  The water swelled in the channel up and over the walls.   

The sand was dotted with clumps of weeds and shells from Lake Michigan.  From a distance they looked like sea animals on shore.  The wind pushed the water this way and that crashing onto the shore.  It was a beautiful display of God’s power and beauty.  I see why Elisabeth and so many enjoy the shoreline.  As the sun set we walked back to the condo and enjoyed pizza, a girly flick and more conversation.

One of the nicest things about being with my Christian Sista’s is that we can talk or remain silent and it is okay with everyone.  We had great conversations regarding our bodies and how they are changing.  We talked about recent events at church.  We shared family joys and sorrows.  It was a relaxing weekend that was much needed and much appreciated.   

Thank you, Elisabeth, for sharing your space with us.  Thank you, God, for friends.

As we come to Thanksgiving I was reminded recently at church to always give God thanks for His many blessings. 
“Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.

And in that spirit, thank YOU for reading my blog post!

Ruth

Amazing Blessings!

This past Wednesday, I had the honor and privilege to take my aging parents to one of our states’ most beautiful treasures, Mackinac Island. In previous discussions, my Mom had informed me she had never been able to visit Mackinac and we decided it was a trip long overdue! My Dad had been there sixty years ago, so he was also excited to observe the changes, including a “new” bridge across the straights.

We found a reasonable mid-week overnight accommodation at the Grand Hotel and although on Mackinac, “reasonable” has a different connotation, the reservation was made. At 86 and 92 years of age, I was concerned that the trip would be exhausting, so I prayed for God’s favor to help us to make the lengthy trip and have a fun time, and also for good weather to see the Island. He always provides!

We arrived at Shepler’s Ferry at 11:20 am, caught the 11:30 trip across and found the shops and town to be inviting, bustling with excited families, and somewhat materialistic. We had lunch at a recommended spot, Horn’s Bar. It was a very eclectic renovated landmark and our food was very tasty. We found the carriage to the Grand Hotel, an original old carriage restored to its splendor of old and climbed aboard. The ride up the hill to the Grand was relaxing and fun as we chatted with two families also happy to be there. The kids questions to their parents made us smile, “Do they have electricity here?” 


We were met in style on the red carpeted entry with door men and women directing us inside. The Hotel definitely earns its name, Grand, with furnishings, paintings and artwork to amaze all ages! Our room was not available yet, so we walked outside up to the top of the property and took photos of the grounds. We proceeded to the famous porch and sat in the chairs enjoying the view and watched the passerby’s. Our room was promised by 4 pm but was ready at 3:45. We walked the halls to the very end of the hotel and then outside the double doors as directed. 

To our amazement, our “room” was the Masco Cottage, Grand Hotel’s finest accommodation! We had to pick up our jaws from the floor to enter the most wonderful and beautifully decorated home which would be ours for one night.

The four of us walked around exploring the four bedrooms in two stories of luxury surroundings, thinking we would just stay forever. We found our rooms and brought in our luggage, toasted the amazing opportunity and blessing we had been given with a glass of wine and walked outside to enjoy the view below. Discovering a walk around porch surrounding the Cottage, an outdoor grassy area with lawn chairs, and even a deck with Jacuzzi tub and patio set, the blessings just kept coming!

Dinner was at 6:30 PM so everyone changed, freshened up, and we trekked our way back to the main dining room where we were greeted and served like royalty. We enjoyed seafood cocktails, onion soup and salad, salmon, and chose some pretty fabulous deserts: warm brownie with cherry ice cream, pecan balls with chocolate syrup, and cheesecake to die for! Calorie counting starts another day. Our servers made the meal truly special. We now appreciated the long walk back as the meal was wonderfully filling. Mom and Dad turned in earlier than my Sister and me so we chatted in the upper level in our media room and bedrooms. After a restful night, we awoke early around 5:30 for a beautiful sunrise over our balcony and were blessed again with gorgeous rainbow colors as the sky also awakened to a new day! Hot coffee helped us start our morning on the deck. God is good, all the time.

Breakfast was a selection of smoothies or juices, fresh pastries, selections from omelets to crepes or pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit and great coffee. Staff is so amazing, serving guests so efficiently and with great smiles, another spectacular godsend.

Perusing the many shops, smelling the wonderfully fresh flowers, walking the halls, visiting the Art Exhibit, walking down through the grounds to the Straights edge, and enjoying the carriages and horses going along the road encompassed our morning. It was quickly time to check out of the royal cottage we called home. Saying goodbye to our luxurious Shangri La was not easy, but we found ourselves awaiting a carriage back to the docks to await the ferry back to Mackinac City and our long ride home.

The four of us had to pinch ourselves to return to reality from the blessing we had just experienced on Mackinac Island and in our Masco Cottage. After a quick purchase of fudge, the road met us with another sunny day and fun conversation of all we had experienced. For a first and possible only visit to the Island, the Mackinac Grand really made our stay a spectacular family memory for years to come! 

Feeling blessed,

Anna

How Can it Possibly be Fall Already?

Wow this summer has certainly flow by! With such a l-o-n-g winter before it, and the Farmer's Almanac predicting an equally long, cold, snowy winter ahead, we are just a bit sad to see the leaves starting to turn.

Not that we don't like fall, it's just that we know full well what comes next!

It was certainly a fall-like evening when the girlfriends recently landed at Panera Bread on Gull Road in Comstock township for a bite to eat and some chatter.  Several sista's had last-minute work or family obligations and couldn't make it, so Elisabeth, Sarah and I held down the fort.

We chose to go to Panera because they serve wholesome food in an efficient manner and we were all very busy with summer's end activities. We were pleased with both the food and service as well as the fact that the evening was just warm enough to sit outside.

Honestly, we hardly tasted of the food, as Sarah had BIG things on her mind and needed to update us on her recent mentoring experience as well get our input on her upcoming business trip to Europe.

You may recall that Elisabeth wrote about Sarah's mentoring challenge in the last blog post. Check it out here to catch up.

Sarah sadly reported that the person she was mentoring is no longer in the program. Of course the details are private, but Sarah shared just enough for us to realize how difficult it is to work through the system to access the help that is available to those in need.

The conversation also made us realize how blessed we are and grateful for all we have and the health and well-being of our children and extended families.

In more exciting news, Sarah was preparing for Europe! Having never been "over the pond" and knowing that both Elisabeth and I had that experience in our pockets, she had many questions, mostly about money. For instance, should she purchase Euro's before she goes (not necessarily)? Are credit cards accepted in most places (yes)? How should she go about finding an ATM (there's an app for that)? Will ANYONE speak ANY English (absolutely!)?

As we chatted and shared our knowledge, Sarah began to relax and to realize that many things are much the same in Europe as here - especially the presence of ATMs and very friendly, helpful people!

After sharing lots of laughs about traveling abroad, we settled into a conversation about retirement - a popular topic amongst the girlfriends. As you may know, I retired almost 2 years ago and Elisabeth just retired a few weeks prior to our dinner! 

So, how is Elisabeth faring with retirement? Very well, thank you very much! In fact, I liked her attitude as we discussed developing a retirement routine "I'd like to have the chance to be bored first, then I'll start filling in the blanks!" exclaimed Elisabeth.

We chatted about volunteer opportunities and how to find them as well as how we might get more involved in helping both our church and its ministry of providing clothing to those in need. 

After quite a lively conversation full of information and laughter, we decided it was time to head on home to prepare for the excitement of tomorrow.

Every time the girlfriends get together, I am reminded of this Bible verse: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20.

This realization calms me and helps me know that He is listening to our concerns, prayers and petitions and that everything is according to His plan...  

Even another cold, snowy winter in southwest Michigan (but I can't help but hope the Farmer's Almanac is wrong!).

Enjoy the beauty of fall,

Miriam

Dog Days of Summer

I always love these last few weeks of summer when it seems everyone is relaxed, trying to soak up the last bit of beautiful sunshine, kids are not yet thinking about school, and summer vacations are at their peak.  

I fondly remember these days as a kid, basically just laying around.  Some days I would spend a good couple hours just laying on the ground watching the clouds, and trying to find animals or people's faces in the ever-changing puffiness.
  

Sometimes a dragon would turn into a elephant, or a person's profile would turn into a horse.  Always changing.   It was awesome and sometimes I miss it a lot.  

I've retired this past year, so I'm actually thinking of spending some time doing this very activity this week as the dog days of summer are surely upon us.  

This time of year, I tend to get a little nostalgic and sentimental, too.  Not sure why, exactly. Maybe because that was how I marked time in my small little life as a kid.  Starting school, new hair cut, new shoes, you know.  Looking forward to new adventures, excited, but nervous, and wanting to linger in the dog days of summer just a little longer.   

The last several decades have flown by, and my mark of time has somehow been lost over the years.  Once the kids were out of school, there was no longer a good mark of time, and it got away from me.  

One of my goals for retirement is getting back to basics, lingering a little longer in some places, and reliving some of those memories with a different set of eyes.  Though I love the excitement of new places and people, it always feels comforting to be in familiar territory, with familiar faces.

So speaking of the familiar, our girlfriend's dinner this month was also back to the familiar, back to basics, back to Richland!  We love our small little town and the basic food establishments that are dotted across the village.  We've traveled across the county and eaten at many wonderful establishments, but we all agreed we wanted to come back to  the hometown.  

Walking into the Richland Pub was like old home week for some.  We perched on the high-top table right next to the door amid other friends and families that came to enjoy good, hometown bar food.  

The Richland Pub has been "a Richland tradition for over 50 years" and never fails to deliver.  The Pub has been a long-standing local hangout for a long as I can remember.  I've lived in Richland just over 30 years, and though the owners and menus have changed, a number of things have stayed the same -  their cool retro cocktail sign, their burgers and their hometown atmosphere.  

The latest owner, Phil, has made it a favorite stop for car enthusiasts heading to Gilmore Car Museum, local teams, families, golfers and sports enthusiasts!  There's always a lively atmosphere.  

I believe we sampled the menu quite well! Sarah and Anna ordering the famous Pub Burger, I had the shrimp basket, Miriam chose a chicken wrap and Ruth had the French Dip.

Conversation with this group of women is never dull or boring.  We touch on so many topics, it's hard to capture everything, but this time we were very interested Sarah's story about her recent mentoring opportunity.  

Sarah is a person of great intellect and compassion, and has many pieces of wisdom to pass on to a willing student.  She entered into this mentoring program after much prayer, because it will take a considerable amount of her time, not to mention some fairly intense emotional energy as well.  She had her choice of students through the program, each with their own set of challenges.  

The students are given homework assignments, like making telephone calls to certain service agencies, or calling the bank to complete a financial transaction.  Things that may sound simple to the average person, but create a challenge for those who are struggling.  

Sarah says she prays for patience and perseverance, as the challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming, and she feels under equipped.  We assured her she is more than equipped to handle this and God will guide her through it, one way or another.   

Funny how we as Christians sometimes feel the same way when we are confronted with a "mentoring" opportunity on faith.  We feel so under equipped, and tend to step back from opportunities that may have a huge impact on someone's life and the Kingdom, just because we think we don't know what to say or do.  But God tells us in the Bible, don't worry, I will give you the words to say (paraphrasing, of course!).

Miriam made us laugh with a picture of her son, who is currently studying in China, enjoying a care package from home with all the candy, cookies, and sweet treats he is unable to get in China.  It shows him lying on a bed with a big smile on his face wallowing in all the packages of candy.  Priceless! 

Anna was excited to share pictures of her nephew's wedding and give us an update of one son's upcoming move back to the Midwest.  As parents, we are so happy when kids actually choose to move back to familiar territory, and be closer to family and friends. 

Ruth had lots of pictures to share also of her first and most darling granddaughter, born a few weeks early, but doing great.  So tiny, but so perfect!  I've always said if people want to see God's miracles, just look at a perfect newborn child.  It's amazing and almost unfathomable!  God is so good to us!  

Unbeknownst to me, we were also celebrating several birthdays that evening, with Ruth and Sarah!  

That is something else I have to get better at.... remembering birthdays and other special occasions.  You'd think with all the social media, I wouldn't miss a beat, but apparently I've not been paying attention.  I want to start sending paper cards in the snail mail, (along with all the electronic versions, I suppose).  I don't know about you, but I love getting a card in the mailbox.  Something about it just makes me feel good, like a person actually took the time to hand write a note, put a stamp on it, and walk it to the mailbox.  Back to basics. 

Here I go again, reminiscing, longing for some of the good old days.  But I guess it's that time of year for me so I'm relishing it!  Hope you all enjoy the dog days of summer!

Until next time,

Elisabeth

My Christian Sisters Help Me Weather Life's Storms

The past six months have been a roller coaster ride for me at work. My employer announced a major reorganization. At the time, I had little idea of the actual impact on me. In February I learned that my position would be terminated later this year.

Some days I have a level head. I know the decisions are for the business and nothing personal. I know I have my education and experience to help me in the hunt for a new job. I pray continually for God to show me His plan for my life. I pray that I will listen and be obedient. I pray for Him to open the door He wants me to take and to help me be patient as I wait for His timing.

Other days I don’t have a level head. It feels personal. It feels like the company doesn’t want ME. That something is wrong with ME. This is Satan. My prayer has changed to include that I recognize Satan and rebuke Him; that I don’t let him get a hold of my thoughts.

One day in particular I could tell I was not having a level-headed day. I cried out to my Girlfriends to pray for me. It didn’t take long and I knew each was praying. One reminded me to fight Satan with the Word. Jer 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declared the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’ 

I was encouraged by another with a written prayer just for me...

“Father God, 

Protect my sister Ruth from attacks by Satan this morning. Lord, it can be such a battle at times. He’s strong and powerful! He knows exactly where, when and how to attack us. We rest in the glory of your love – knowing that you are more powerful and that you know exactly what we need. We know that in this battle we are on the right team! Thank you God for being our Great Protector!

Let Ruth feel your power this morning. Bring her peace and comfort. Let her feel your presence. Put a smile on her heart knowing that ‘in the great plan’ for her life, all is good and right.

Lord we thank you and give you all the glory for all that we have and for the protection that you give us each day.

Thank you, Father.”

Within minutes I felt the weight of Satan falling off my shoulders. I was able to gather my thoughts and focus on God and His plan.

Another day, Miriam sent an e-devo that spoke to me about being patient and waiting for God. She has been in similar shoes and just felt the need to send the message. As it turns out, I was having another not-so-level-headed day and the message was exactly what I need to hear. I thanked her and she didn’t take any credit. God had put me on her heart and she was being obedient.

I believe in the power of prayer. I believe God answers prayers. I praise God for these Christian Sister’s in my life. I praise God my Sisters are willing to take time out of their busy lives to lift me up in prayer when I really need it. God is good. ALL THE TIME!

I am blessed.

Ruth

Congratulations Elisabeth!

Earlier this week, we broke bread (and toasted with a bit of wine) to celebrate Elisabeth's retirement from a very fulfilling 35-year-career! Her work as a project manager for a global company took her to various cities in the U.S. as well as other countries. 

Now she is looking forward to spending time in Michigan with her family and friends and completing some of those home projects that have been hanging out on her list for awhile. 

Desiring a festive location for this celebration, we chose to meet at the Wine Loft in downtown Kalamazoo which is owned by the Millennium Restaurant Group. This destination also fit into our goal of 'buying local' as the Millennium Restaurant Group was formed by a group of restaurateurs from the Kalamazoo area. The group owns eight other restaurants, each with it's own theme, mostly in Kalamazoo, as well as an event center. They also do catering from box lunches to fine dinners and are well known for their high quality food and service. 

The Wine Loft is nestled in the ground floor of the historic Haymarket Building and furnished with dining tables as well as cushy couches with coffee tables divided by curtains for more relaxed, intimate seating. The menu offers tapas for a light dinner or snack as well as salads, soups, flatbreads and full entrees. As you would expect, the wine list is extensive - both by the glass and the bottle. 

We arrived at 6pm on a weeknight, but the restaurant already had a scattering of guests. It's location, just a block from the Radisson Plaza Hotel makes the Wine Loft a natural stop for entertaining visiting business clients. After 10 p.m. it fills with the young and beautiful, dressed for an evening out and the music gets turned up a few notches. 

As usual, the girlfriends enjoyed hearing each other's latest news. Sarah updated us on her possible work trip to Germany this fall as well as her new volunteer opportunity to coach men and women who have been out of the work force for various reasons as they prepare themselves for new employment opportunities. 

Ruth shared some great photos of her trip to New York and the beautifully presented (and presumably tasty) food she and her husband enjoyed while there. We chatted about her upcoming status change to Grandma and how to balance helping with the new baby while giving the new mom and dad time to enjoy their new roles and bond as their own little family. 

We prayed for Anna who was not able to join us as she was busy nursing her mom back from a fall. We trust God to hear our prayers and heal mom as well as give Anna the capacity to show loving care during the healing process.

But what about the food? Ruth and Sarah each ordered a Flatbread which is much like a square, thin-crust pizza. Elisabeth and I were food twins, ordering the beet salad and crab cakes.

Beets are one of those things people either love or hate and you can count me among the lovers! With some smoked blue cheese, cipollini onions, honey roasted walnuts, beet juice vinaigrette and flat leaf parsley added to the mix, the salad was divine. The crab cakes were a perfect compliment, filled with blue crab and covered with a light crunchy coating.

To complete the celebration, Elisabeth and I ordered deserts to share. We parted ways on our desert selections. Elisabeth chose chocolate lava cake and I picked three Small Bite Cupcakes from The Cupcake Zoo, which is located just a couple blocks away from the Wine Loft. Both choices were delicious and paired with some decaf, they were a perfect ending to a great meal.

Once again it was great fun to fellowship with these Godly women and I can't wait until next month when we head back to the Richland Pub. 

Blessings until then,

Miriam

Flashback Friday with the Girlfriends

One of the great things about our lovely little community of Richland is that we are within a few minutes drive of Kalamazoo, home of two campuses of higher education, several theater groups, a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues as well as one-of-a-kind retail shops.

Tonight our destination was two-fold. Dinner at the University Roadhouse, followed by a play at Western Michigan University.

The Roadhouse, as the regulars refer to it, is operated by The Housler Restaurant Group which has been family owned and operated since 1989. The varied menu, lively upstairs pub and outdoor-patio seating make the Roadhouse a popular spot any night of the week for students, parents and townies.

With so many choices and a couple great-sounding specials, it was hard to choose our entrees. After much deliberation,

Ruth went with the Gyro and Sarah chose the club sandwich with sweet potato fries. Elisabeth was home nursing a virus (it’s been a long, cold, sick winter in Michigan) and feeling a bit puny as well, I chose the tomato soup and half a turkey sammy.

The food at the Roadhouse is consistently tasty and filling, although not award winning in the creative department. But that’s OK for three girlfriends more interested in the conversation than the grub.

And converse we did. Sarah and I caught Ruth up on our adventure in Florida and Ruth gave us a rundown of her busy week while we were away. While we were with Anna searching for sun, Ruth was spending a great weekend with her hubby and their three young-adult offspring.  We chatted up our past theater-going experiences and our familiarity with the topic of the upcoming play based on the 80’s movie Nine to Five.

After dinner, Ruth drove us over to the WMU Gilmore TheaterComplex, home of the “nationally award-winning department of theater” and we settled in to enjoy the play.  As the lights went down, the stage erupted into a rousing rendition of the musical theme song of Nine to Five. The costuming was a fabulous flashback to the 80’s with frilly to frumpy dresses, masculine-styled suits for women and BIG hair! As the play unfolded, it was entertaining to remember the days of typewriters and secretarial pools and at the same time disconcerting to see the womanizing actions of the top executive, Mr. Hart!

We laughed and booed and were amazed at the talent of the students on the stage and behind the scenes! No wonder this theater program is known as one of the best in the nation!

Before we knew it the lights came up and it was time to head home – well after our typical bedtime! We all agreed however, that it was a great evening and we must see what the WMU theater students are up to next season.

Until next time, when the girlfriends get together to break bread…

Blessings to you and yours.

Miriam

  

Girlfriends Dinner at North 11

Tonight the Girlfriend’s met for our monthly dinner.  Our number was down by two as Anna remains south soaking in the sun and Elisabeth had last minute plans with family.  So Miram, Sarah and I gathered together at North 11 for a nice evening of dinner and fellowship.

North 11 is located at 5585 W Gull Road in Kalamazoo, Michigan, about 4 miles west of Richland.  It is a great place to gather for food, fun and friends!  That is what they advertise, and they are right on!  The evening we met they were hosting a KalamazooWine & Canvas event.  Wine and Canvas is an entertainment event much like a concert, dinner theater or movie theater.   No talent or experience is necessary.  Their talented instructors will guide you step-by-step!  You will be amazed at your very own work of ART!  Or so they say.  It was interesting to observe....maybe a future evening together!!!

Sarah and I each ordered a different one of the pizza’s while Miriam had a sandwich.  The waiter gave us plenty of time to enjoy our drinks and a little conversation before our food was served.  Of course, I could eat pizza almost any time.  

I’m a traditionalist and had Traditional Old standby; marinara, pepperoni, mushroom, mozzarella and Parmesan. It was delicious!  I even had enough leftovers for lunch the next day.  Yummy!

Our conversations move along the same lines each time we meet:  family, work, and studying the Word.  In our very busy lives this time together helps us slow down and recall what is really important.  Life isn’t about the “what we do” or “how we do it.”  It’s about the relationships we have and how we do them.

I am truly blessed to know these Christian women.  I am blessed to call them friends.  I am blessed to have their counsel.  I am blessed to have them praying for me.  I am blessed to have them hold me accountable.  I am blessed.  

Thank you, God!

As I wrote this blog post, I couldn't help but think of the following Bible passages from Ecclesiastes (NLT)

⁹ Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ¹¹ Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? ¹² A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Blessings!

Ruth