Susan Cramer’s Stories

Well known is Sarah’s legendary hospitality, infusing occasions with enthusiasm and making memorable connections. These are two of my favorites.  

In the late 1970’s, before we had children, Sarah drove me to Tijuana for a girls’ afternoon of shopping and lunch. Then, it was safe and easily doable to cross the border and return in a few hours. Sarah adored Mexican arts and crafts and she took me to her favorite colorful shops for lovely embroidered clothing, leather huaraches, and beautifully handpainted dishes and pots. We planned our day’s festivities in the right order, shopping and then chips and tostadas. The mistake was shopping again after the pitcher of margaritas. Many hours later after lunch, we were ready to drive home, but I had purchased a double load of souvenirs. It was pure fun.

On the occasion of one of Sarah’s birthdays (I am not certain which one), she invited a few couples to dress in 1920’s-1940’s outfits (dark colors. of course) for a round trip train ride. We boarded Amtrak at the Santa Fe Depot downtown for the gala evening of celebration. I borrowed my mother's vintage thick black velvet headband, complete with a touches of black veil and feathers. I often thought of Sarah on that birthday as we ate and sang silly songs, ever young at heart, always embracing the happy crescendo in moments together.