Party On!

I fed 17 people last night (one dropped out). Yowza!

The menu:

Soup duo: cilantro soup with a bullseye of gazpacho, garnished with creme fraiche and toasted pine nuts

Broiled salmon accompanied by whole wheat couscous with peas and a citrus relish

Peach sorbet with blueberries and cookies

Wine: pinot grigio

I moved two armchairs and a coffee table out of my living room. I had to borrow three folding tables and 10 chairs. Preparation took the better part of three days. Placemats (on top of the tablecloth) were stylish mousepads, which also served as party favors for people to take home. The decorations were sunflower-themed.

My apartment is now festoned with flowers. I mean, there are flowers everywhere. I've never had so many flowers. They look and smell great.

Some people brought presents even though I specified 'no presents but your presence.' I have very generous friends.

It was a lively gathering. A majority of the people already knew each other, and the others mostly had overlapping acquaintances of one kind or another, so there was a lot of lively conversation. It made me so happy to see (and hear!) everyone chatting up a storm and enjoying each other's company.

AF was an absolute and total brick. He helped me shop, he helped me organize, he helped me get and arrange the furniture, he helped me plate and serve the food, he helped me clean up afterward. He was cheerful and uncomplaining the entire time, and he did it all out of his own volition, without me asking. I could, maybe, have done it without him ~ but why would I want to? He is wonderful.

I am blessed with lovely friends. I am rich in every way that counts.

Today is my 45th birthday.