Dinner with Friends

At long last Friday has arrived and Jeff and I had dinner with a couple of compadres. Promptly at 6 p.m. we pulled up in front of our friends' eggplant colored house. (Several years ago it was painted a dark chocolate brown, but the relentless Arizona sun has faded it to the color of a roasted aubergine.) This makes the house easy to spot in the line of beige and desert sand hues, and seems to fit our friends well.

Upon arrival we were greeted, hugged, and introduced to the family dog - a plenty cute ragamuffin creature that one of our cats could eat for lunch - which proceeded to be my best friend for the evening. (It seems small, furry things generally like me, so I guess it's a good thing we don't know anyone with tribbles.) While Trish put salmon on the grill, her hubby gave us a tour of his lush, green yard. Two medium sized trees flanked an in-ground spa and were surrounded by stacked stone planters encompassing colorful ground covers. One side of the house sported a water feature and koi pond with a three step mini bridge leading to a park bench. The other side of the house had a lattice shade structure covered in pale green climbing vines. A small fountain added to the ambience of the outdoor eating area. After the grand tour, we adjourned to the kitchen for liquid refreshment, and then on to dinner seating.

The dining table was a straightforward, square, wooden affair with bar height seating. We took our places around the table laden with a bowls of herb and butter rice, fresh mixed fruit (strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe), steamed assorted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, carrots, and mushrooms), warm bread, and a platter of delightfully cooked salmon. Our hostess doused the fish with butter and fresh lemon juice before wrapping it in heavy foil and putting it on the grill. The product of these ministrations was a delicious salmon that was pink, flaky, and tender with a slight crust on the bottom. Dinner began with holding hands and saying grace, a warm and welcoming tradition for all who dine with our friends. As we conversed and ate, I found the food so wonderful that I could barely restrain myself from heaping my plate with far more than my share.

After practically licking my dish, I was not even allowed to help clear the table or wash the wares. (Have I mentioned I LOVE eating at other people's houses?) Conversation continued over a lively game of hearts which was accompanied by the brownie cheesecake dessert we brought. (This is really great, and I found the recipe in an ad for Philadelphia cream cheese! Begin by making a batch of brownies - from a mix or scratch - and baking the batter for about 15 minutes. While it bakes, make a cheesecake batter, too. Pull the brownies out of the oven; pour the cheesecake layer on top, and put the pan back in to cook. YUM!) The hours passed quickly and we finally found ourselves standing at the door bidding our friends goodnight and thanking them for a lovely evening.

On the way home we talked of how lucky we are to have friends with whom we can laugh, play, and eat. We also talked of people we'd like to be closer to, and wished they had time for such frivolities. Finally, we reminded each other that making time for joy is what life is about. Taking every opportunity for fellowship and laughter becomes more and more our priority. We have learned not to allow work to rule our lives as much as to use it as a tool to accomplish our goals (both personal and financial). We know work will still be there on Monday - the papers will get graded, next fall's music will be chosen - but we will be better equipped to complete it because we made time for our friends tonight.