My friend, Shelley, suggested a sweet, little movie titled “The Hollars”. All year I’ve checked both Amazon Prime and Netflix with hopes for a freebie with no luck. We decided to rent, then sat back to watch.

The main character’s mother has a brain tumor, so he returns to his childhood home in Middle America from New York City. While “home” he learns his mother is borderline diabetic and the family plumbing business is failing. When he expresses shock and dismay to his brother, the reply is, “You need to call home more.”

This reminded me of a conversation my sister and I had last June.

Sandy mentioned that I haven’t participated in annual outings that we’ve always done together. Instead of hearing her say, “I miss you”, I became defensive, as usual, (insert loud and accusatory voice) by pointing out that she travels extensively. She’s been away anywhere from a weekend to an entire month, sometimes completely unreachable. Adding to that, she’s so busy, then “exhausted” after rattling off all that she’s done that day, that week, that month. I feel like I’m interrupting something important.

Somehow, and almost without my noticing, we’ve drifted apart.

I WILL MAKE AN EFFORT TO CONTINUE OUR ANNUAL OUTINGS

We can’t grow apart! I need her — not only for big things like love, honesty, and support but for the little things, as well: to teach me how to make gravy; repair a complex spreadsheet; hand sew my sweater; organize Christmas decorations and, as I like to say, use her “magic” to publish this post.

So, what happened? It’s not physical distance. We’ve survived my moving five hours away. It’s not a lack of time. She’s retired and I’m semi-retired. Earlier in our relationship, we both worked, managed households, had spouses and children, but every Thursday night at 11 pm her phone or mine would ring. We’d share our excitement, disbelief and sometimes anger with the latest Knot’s Landing episode.

WELL, I CAN CERTAINLY CALL ON A REGULAR BASIS!

There’s less meaningful items on my calendar that trigger me to act. I water my plants on payday; I plant seeds on St. Joseph’s Feast Day; I have a cocktail at 4:00 pm. Calling regularly will not be a hardship.

I have noticed, though, that when we are together we work. Even fun things turn into a chore. We shop—for items to re-sell; we share a cocktail (or two)–only to take photos and write a blog post; we laugh—then create a Facebook post. Instead of seeing the Nutcracker, we spent six days together working on producing eighteen tee shirts for our family Christmas celebration. Perhaps this is part of the problem?

WE WILL HAVE FUN!

We’re not the mani-pedi type, but we do like to eat, drink and shop. Here are some suggestions for the next time she visits.

• Fort Thomas Antique and Design Center, suggested by my friend, Natasha, has everything we enjoy—antiques, bourbon, wine, and coffee.

• Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub where servers wear kilts. On the menu is Scottish-American fare that Sandy is allowed to eat! Scotch egg anyone?

• Sweet Buy and Buy in Dry Ridge, KY is another suggestion from Natasha. You have to pass chickens to get to this farmhouse and barn that is chock full of antiques and vintage items that will satisfy tastes from cottage to industrial decor.

• 16-Bit Bar+Arcade where you can enjoy a whimsical drink and classic arcade games are free to play.

• Sugar Whiskey Sis (fitting, right?) Moonshine Room was described by friends, Teresa and Lindsey. Opened at the end of 2018, it’s a coffee and moonshine bar. Along with the extensive moonshine menu, you can enjoy a snack or dessert while playing games (including Monday Night Bingo).

AND…WE’LL HAVE FUN IN GLENDALE, AS WELL.

When I visit, I will be less noncommital when asked, “What would you like to do?” Well, I can suggest a visit to Morton Salt River Ranch, discover a new town or add another stamp to my Bourbon Trail Passport.

WE’LL MEET HALFWAY TWICE A MONTH.

We can have lunch and resume our knitting lessons in LaGrange, KY. 

All of this is to say, “I’m going to be a better sister”.