it was a delicious lunch

This morning, bright and early, I got up to start the stirring, kneading, chopping, slicing, shelling and dicing all over again. This time it was for bread, tomatoes, avocados, eggs, shrimp, and chicken. Put the focaccia in the oven at 11 AM, shot through the shower, and was ready for guests who arrived promptly at 1 PM. The 3rd floor was a Martha Stewart dream space; colorful oilcloth covers on the tables, tiny flower arrangements to signify Spring, my wonderful colored plates and napkins. It's really looked quite bright and festive.


Mr. C and I, plus some very helpful guests, carried up to the 3rd floor all the salad fixings and drinks. Here's what the buffet table looked like.


Everybody dug in and, by the time it was all over the only things left were enough fixings for our dinner tonight. We had a bit of a problem with the strawberry ice cream; the freezer was so over taxed that it was a tad slushy. But not to worry. The guests loved it ~ how often do they get home-made strawberry ice cream?? ~ and it was all gone in a flash. Much conversation, lots of laughter ~ just what a hostess hopes for. By 4 o'clock, they had all gone home and, I hope, were happy about how they had spent the afternoon.


Then it was time for the hostess to have a quiet moment to reflect on the warmth and delight experienced in the company of these 16 wonderful women. Some are here year around, some are here for only a few weeks, some for several months.

No matter how long we share this town it is always special when we can get together. I am very, very grateful that I know all of them. One of our group is moving away to Puerta Vallerta. When (if) I do this next year, perhaps she'll come back to see us all.

I sat upstairs for a couple of hours to unwind from the job of being a hostess. I realize, however, that it is in fact a fun and satisfying thing to do, to entertain friends, to have a nice place for them to gather to eat and drink and be merry. The weather was perfect and the view was sensational. It was a lot of work but well worth it. Next year perhaps dinner?