Feast ... or Famine??

"Tis Monday, and I feel as though I've gained at least five pounds - just from the week's meal invitations!! Was very determined to wear sackcloth after receiving my ashes on Wednesday; but seems that after the sun shone full force in all its splendor, and the chilly weather began to subside, I kinda started thinking of ... hmm, pina coladas, frozen daquiris, and FOOD ...

First of all, on Tuesday night, we went to a really nice Macaroni Grill to get ready for the fasting regimen of Lent (at least, P & L were being nice in acknowledging the approaching event). Of course, pasta with shrimp or chicken parmigiana, we ate "ample sufficiency" ... went on home for our leisurely sip of wine before "dooms day" arrived.

Earlier in the week, Larry received an all-inclusive invitation from a lady he had worked with at Oak Brook Hills Marriott to come have lunch at her condo. She and her husband come down after Thanksgiving and return to the Chicago area around Easter. It's an area in Boyton Beach (near West Palm Beach) called Sterling Village - a retirement community for persons over 55. Paul had to work; but, far be it from Larry to turn down an invitation!! Took us about an hour to get there ... found the place with no problems ... parked in a guest- space ... went to find her condo and a gentleman asked if perchance we were looking for Maura Carr. It was her husband, who was crossing the lawn from a morning walk. Maura & her husband are from Ireland ... have the brogue, the lilting laughter, the constant humor - makes one feel as if we were all life-long friends.

Patrick led us to their place and when we entered, there was a roomful of ladies - all seated in a semi-circle; all smiling; all evidently anticipating our arrival. (Larry & I thought we were having sandwich & salad or going to a local restaurant.) Maura introduced Ann, Maureen and Bridie - all originally from Ireland; all from the Chicago area; all had prepared this HUGE (light?) luncheon for us. Larry & I were really dismayed. First of all, the condo is small - tiny kitchen barely allowing one person to cook - small dining space just off the kitchen - living room about the size of my TV room ... They had prepared beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, sides of caramelized onions and big, fresh sauteed mushrooms and arugula salad with fresh strawberries. There was a pitcher of ice water to refill our glasses; and, having been offered wine or beer when we came in, we took our beautiful goblets to this table. It was beautiful - white linen table cloth, delicate china with butterfly & floral motif, sterling silver placed very formally along side our plates ... Felt as if we were at a high-price hotel luncheon ... and yet, the ladies were so relaxed, so talkative and fun - it was a great time. (Poor Patrick - tall, slim, white hair & glasses - so very Irish, but so quiet...of course, with all those gals gabbing!!) The ladies, by the way, were all cousins of Maura. I thought, at first, they were her sisters; but, they were sisters to EACH OTHER. Maura said they ARE more like sisters to her than cousins - she sometimes forgets and introduces them as sisters.

After the dishes from the meal were cleared, out comes apple upside down cake with Irish custard topping, a "heavenly hash"-type dessert , and an assortment of cookies

accompanied by coffee, tea or more wine. Everything, by the way, was homemade ... the bread, currant muffins, desserts - absolutely fantastic!!

After the meal, Maura, Larry, Ann and I strolled around the area ... then we climbed into the car to get a more extensive view of the ocean, parkways, AND these gorgeous homes along the causeway. They have limited building rights on the ocean front; so the ones who are there have a beautiful view; green, green yards and exotic plants plus more space in general. Maura and Ann say they walk the Intercostal pathway everyday...it's a long distance, I asked if they sort of strolled along to get a closer glimpse of the houses, etc. They replied "no" - that if they did that, it would take more than half the day - and they go early!! (Guess I'd better get to power-walking on my trips to the Jewel!)

We dropped our passengers off, bid farewell and headed home, our tummies full. While recounting the day and our astonishment at the meal, the ladies who prepared it (plus the two who stayed back at the condo and had everything cleared and spotless) and sighing with"too-full" discomfort, we realized that "poor Paul" would be hungry when he came home. We couldn't even think of food ... "poor Paul" indeed!!!

I think that's enough to get your mouths watering! We had another invitation and Paul was to go this time; so-o-o, until I think you are ready to readjust your vision, I'll wish you happy Olympic viewing (what about that Naperville gold-medaler!) and gnashing of teeth over that last Survivor finish ... Oh, yes!! US hockey vs Canada - Canadians weren't too happy with that outcome either ...

Just got to thinking, perhaps some of you TV viewers watch other shows of various ilk - Project Runway for Emily; A Good Wife for Jane; Brothers & Sisters for Karen; QVC Home Shopping network for Bern; Family Guy for Jason & Wade; American Idol for Paul, Larry and Jen (JJ); Traveling Europe for Hillary; entire movie channel for Jonferes and Mary Beth; Brian B & Sheila are firmly entrenched in Survivor (as are Bern & Christopher) AND, Kristin, Jas, JJ, et al ALWAYS tune in the food channels - so, what the heck, I'm outa here before one of you comments ... (which would be nice!)

Marma