small dinner party

 Annabelle loves a pretty table but she hid when Harlow (bottom photo), my great grand dog, appeared last night. Samantha and Luke had many (many) photos of their honeymoon in the South of France and then neighbor Rob joined us for lasagne and salad and lots of happy chatter. Heidi is in Texas and we all missed her big time. Sam baked cookies for dessert and we all had a splendid time.

Mayor Breed

 Thanks to friends I do have a couple of photos from Monday night. This was a very good experience for many of us. And now my little home is back to normal and the fog has returned.

and the texts roll in

 Mayor Breed was impressive and warm and every vote counts so I think the event last night helped folks trying to decide who to vote for. We ended up squishing everyone down on the back deck which I had (thankfully) scrubbed and set up just in case a guest wanted some air. The food from Truly Mediterranean (bottom photo) was truly a hit and the middle photo shows that people stayed hydrated and is now one of my after-party tasks.  And yes, the heat wave is over finally and now it is 58º with a HIGH today of 71º, not 98º as it has been. What wonderful friends and neighbors I have to come out and support the Mayor and me. An unforgettable two hours.

belated holiday tamale party

 Of course you remember that I had the WORST cold ever in December and had to cancel the tamale party. The guests selected 1/21 as our celebration date and this was Bill's birthday so I wasn't alone and it was a lovely time indeed. Back to La Palma for eight pork tamales and gravy ~ my early morning walk. Neti brought rice and beans, Jeanine the salad and Pat her fabulous flan. It was late (for me) when the guests left so I am doing dishes this morning and feeling gratitude. 

the annual book club tea

 And coffee. We had a fine time yesterday afternoon at Chez Stein. Lots of food and champagne as well as a bit of book talk. Mad Rose was missing due to big family activities and we missed her. Annabelle hid in the garage because she needed to nap. 

best laid plans (and table)

 Last night was supposed to be the annual tamale dinner party here but I was forced to cancel due to this cold thing I developed. NOT Covid. The table is so pretty that I'm just leaving it up for a day or two. We have much needed rain here and I'm sure the guests were not unhappy to stay home and healthy.

we are so wasteful

On Monday after the GREAT SISTER PARTY, a volunteer from Food Runners arrived to pick-up the leftovers. They were grateful but I was delighted because I hate to waste food. Composting helps alleviate some guilt, but this felt so good. Too many hungry people, too much food surplus in America.

 

almost a wrap...

 I'm starting to calm down and concentrate on things other than THE PARTY, so these will be the final photos. It was quite a day ~ exhilarating and exhausting and unbelievable. Sister Jane just sent me a photo of her xmas tree and her glorious new Golden Gate Bridge night light. Joy abounds.

the answer is yes ~ more party people

 Ah, the after glow. Sister Jane and Tanner left yesterday and got safely back to Maryland late last night after a l-o-n-g day. My wonderful grand daughter, the newly married CC, is in the top photo with Emma my delightful trash buddy. The Blogmaid was also our photographer, bless her again and again.

party photos all week?

 I have so many wonderful friends, Finding a new sister is a GREAT reason to have a party. The food was from Bi-Rite and I was delighted with the quality and service. Sister Jane and Tanner leave today and I am already missing them. I'm getting this little house back in order and already loving the memories.

sister party ~ whoosh

 A wonderful day but this hermit-hostess is too exhausted to post anything. Tomorrow, however, you will be treated to tons of photos, thanks to the Blogmaid. Really, it was all very special and fun!

grilled cheese and pickles

 Heidi and Gini came for lunch yesterday. I used the "good china" hoping they wouldn't notice the lack luster meal. It's all about people, not cuisine, right? Good conversation!

dinner with rabbits and friends

 Ginger's dear friend, Bill, is here from Florida (a state worthy of our teasing) and we celebrated around my rabbit table last night. You can tell that Amy is Ginger's sister and that the four of us were just so damn happy to be together.

tamales with sides and friends and lights

 Neti took over the kitchen thank god and we had a lovely evenng. All I had to do was buy the tamales at La Palma a few blocks away in the morning,  Pat made the luscious flan and Jeannine brought salad and snacks. Annabelle was at her show offy best and only paraded around the table before the guests arrived. This is NOT allowed, so don't tell a soul. 

women celebrate friendship

Marsha, Hostess and Pamela

Marsha, Pamela and Larissa

Yes, it was a huge success in a warm and loving pot lucky way. Annabelle
wanted to be the center of attention and so she was, even though she is
not pictured here. I served my ONE easy pasta vegetable dish in the
new Salvation Army china bowls and we all had a delightful time. We
four were part of the museum retail crew ~ bonding as we sold post
cards and bitched about our bosses and the customers.

we do grief with color

The food was as diverse as our grief group at my home yesterday.
Vietnamese shrimp rolls, Italian bread, my Costco salad, Honey
Baked ham, home made quiche ~ it all worked beautifully. We
all felt free to shed some tears and talk about the ones we miss
even more (or so it seems) during the holidays. Oh, I had better
mention the banana cream and chocolate pies for dessert, right?
Excellent with strong coffee and tea. Annabelle was a hit too.
An unusual, yet successful pot luck gathering.

go with the afterglow

Birthday Carlini and Birthday Barb

Three strong women 

The star of our Carlini-fest

The after sans glow...

I need to do this. I'm glad I did this. Yes, it is work but I am so fortunate
to have these wonderful friends who brought most of the food. My
pasta soup was better than I (or the guests) expected and we all felt
Bill smiling and approving and joining in our laughter. I thought I
heard him say, "Fuck you, Carlini." Or maybe he just wanted to join
in the fun. Next stop, Thanksgiving.

party day

Today we celebrate ~ I spent yesterday doing all sorts of prep work
like table setting (fun) and cleaning thoroughly (not fun). My girl
cat let me sleep in until 6am this morning. Sweet. Ready.

baby widow steps

I have to learn how to entertain as a single person. We had some great
dinner parties and I miss the sound of laughter and chatter around the
fireplace and dinner table. So last night we three not-so-merry widows
(Neti included) gathered here to celebrate Pat's belated birthday. I
loved getting the house all clean and setting a pretty table with the
GOOD stuff. I confess I did not cook a thing. Grub Hub delivered
dinner from the Green Papaya and Pat brought gelato and I had a
small chocolate cake from Safeway. I missed my partner but I still
had a wonderful time and so did my friends. I think the key for me
is not to stress about gourmet cuisine and just to enjoy my home
and my guests. Annabelle had a lovely evening too and we both slept
in peace until 6am this morning, which is so civilized compared to
the usual 5am cat wake-up alarm. The dishes are being done now,
in between writing-fireplace-time. Life is good, trust me here.