Smart Friends

We are lucky to have smart friends. Diva Bob knows who to call for tree problems. M and Destroyo know how to start businesses. And E, best pal and Fairy Queen soul sister for a quarter of a century now, knows this: when you go to an appointment, doctor, dentist, optometrist, manscaping waxer or whatever, BRING TREATS. I believe E books her doctor appointments at lunchtime and brings sandwiches for the office. I admire this behaviour, but had never followed suit, until this summer.

My motivations were many. For one thing, our house was overflowing with treats, a result of a berry picking and baking binge.

Raspberries, boysenberries (BIG ones!) and a few token blueberries for Phrodaux and dogs.

Berry scones, unintentionally pink.

Mixed berry hand pies, not gorgeous like the picture in Bon Appetit, but it was a hot day for pie dough.

But also, it was time for my annual eye doctor appointment, the only remotely medical experience I actually look forward to. I've been seeing Dr. Rock & Roll rarely but forever: once a year for more than 20 years. His kids are all grown up, his band disbanded, the office moved, but still, he and his lovely wife have shared their practice all this time. Once each summer, I sit in the big chair and we catch up amongst the eye charts and fancy equipment. This time, he calmly pointed out my bleeding head wound, which turned out to be raspberry juice above one eyebrow, the result of some last minute confectionery to add to my little basket of sweets.

Weird looking but good...melted bittersweet chocolate, toffee bits, and a berry.

When I first arrived for my appointment, the nice office ladies seemed taken aback by my "Hi, checking in, and I brought you some treats."

But as I sat reading magazines, I started to hear, "Look at that!" and "Did you really make these?" They gleefully announced the arrival of snacks to Dr. R&R but then tried to convince him that a) he might not like them and b) there might not be any left.

Overall, I felt like a rock star and they seemed surprised, pleased, and nourished. That, my pretties, is why we cook (well, not the rock star part) and why it's good to have smart friends. Thanks E.