From Painting Fails to Friendship Wins: My Tri-Cities Adventure with Penny Eggers

Moving to the Tri-Cities was a whirlwind. One minute, we were settled in familiar territory, and the next, we were here, leaving everything we knew behind. In your early 50s, meeting new people is like trying to find the last clean spoon in a messy kitchen—difficult and often frustrating. But sometimes, life throws you a bone, or in my case, a Golden Retriever.

Enter Penny Eggers and her family. We met because of puppies—two little furballs named Moxie and Tula, who we just had to take home. But as it turns out, the real treasure wasn’t the pups (although they’re pretty awesome), but Penny herself.

Now, let me tell you about Penny. She’s the kind of friend you don’t see coming. She’s funny, kind, loving, giving, and let’s be honest, she can drink like a fish. We’ve shared more laughs than I can count—mostly at ourselves, because, well, we’re ridiculous.

Take our paint classes, for example. Picture two grown women, sitting in a room full of hopeful artists, brushes in hand, and ambition in our hearts. And then...well, let’s just say our finished products look like they were created by five-year-olds with a penchant for abstract art. But who cares? We don’t go for the art; we go for the belly laughs and the memories.

Penny, you’re the friend I never knew I needed. You don’t want anything from me, which is rare and wonderful. You’re just...there. And that means everything. Thank you for being the kind of friend who shows up, who laughs until we cry, who paints with the enthusiasm of a child even if the results are questionable. You’re a true gem.

I love you, Penny. Thanks for being the kind of friend everyone wishes they had, and I’m lucky enough to call mine. Here's to more painting fails and friendship wins. Cheers!