Up on the Roof

Our friends have a roof terrace atop their apartment building and last night they invited a few of us to gather there for dinner. It was a perfect evening, a gentle breeze stirring, various libations set out along with black beans and Spanish rice and Brazilian braised chicken and the most delicious salad I have ever eaten, with arugula, watermelon, mint and feta cheese, I even went back for seconds, and I am not a lover of salad.

And then the sunset came in, a blaze of orange over the river. Once it got dark we sang happy birthday to one of our friends, after huddling in the elevator alcove to light the candles in the night breeze. We sat a couple of hours longer, talking and relaxing into each other's company, and I was grateful after the work week that was, to be reminded that we have dear friends of more than fifteen years standing with whom we can raise a glass and tell stories and share history on a balmy summer night. That's a photo of the lovely birthday girl above. Another friend, pictured below, just texted me. "Last night was terrific," she said. "I felt blessed."