Better together
Friends a little bit of sunshine
Y T
his fun group of ladies was sitting at a table near us at Panera recently. The voices of loud giggles were heard across the room. We had to find out what was so amusing. We discovered that this group of eight ladies was just part of a bigger group of about 15. They call themselves the C.E. Party. “C.E.” stands for “Continuing Education.” Just between us, after we visited with them, we referred to them as “The Sunshine Ladies” for two reasons. Thirty-nine years ago, a few of them started meeting at the Sunshine grocery store cafe. They referred to their meeting as a “diet group.” What really happened was deep friendships were born. Over the years the group has grown along with their purpose for meeting. They only have one rule: No gossiping about each other. If someone can’t attend, then talking about them (gossiping) is off limits. Faithfully, every Friday morning they meet and talk about life, make
plans, and share experiences. They mentor and minister to one another. When LaVonne lamented that she had a black thumb when it came to gardening, Marylee (who is a master gardener) stepped in to tutor. LaVonne’s yard has recently been on the Tour of Gardens. They’ve walked together through Camille’s breast cancer, “celebrated” losses with hot fudge sundaes, took turns housing one of their members who was in danger, and taken spectacular vacations together. Sometimes they invite their husbands along for trips to the symphony or getting together for potlucks. This band of women vary by decades in age and background but they all have a passion for living and, more importantly, a passion for each other. With the way they light up lives, it’s not hard to see why we call them the “Sunshine Ladies.”
ou may have to be over 50 to remember a time when gas stations pumped your gas, when restaurants served made-from-scratch pies, and when food wasn’t exactly like anywhere else. In South Sioux City, NE you’ll find such a place. Although the gas station is modern, if seniors let them know that pumping their gas is a struggle, the attendant will come out to do it for them. Inside the cafe you’ll find people stopping in from all over. Truckers and travelers brag about the coffee, their favorite breakfast item (like the sticky buns or chicken fried steak), and one visitor referred to their bacon as “legendary.” The main attraction is always their mile-high cream pies that are made from scratch daily. Stop by and have a piece of pie, some coffee, and conversation. It’s like a good memory. 4601 Dakota Ave South Sioux City, NE
Part of the C.E. Party above (L to R): Front row: Camille, Ruth, Marylee, and Joann. Back row: LaVonne, Bonnie, Sharon, and Charlene. Oct / Nov / Dec 2016
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