Last night I attended a St. Patrick's Day-eve party at my friend, Peggy's, home. When I had told Justin about the invitation, he said, "YOU don't go to St. Patrick's Day parties..." Yes, dear, I know I don't, but was sure this would be a 'safe' event for me to attend. I loved being included and was interested to see a real St. Patrick's Day party.
We were asked to wear green, or green would be thrust upon us, and to bring a potato dish, or some other Irish dessert. Thursday night I was making a shepherd's pie for dinner when Justin came in to ask me to Mellow Mushroom. I took the casserole from the oven and away we went. My donation, then, for the party, was my shepherd's pie! Easy peasy...
I made sure to arrive at Peggy's right on time, being among the first to arrive. This ensured me a good place to park, not too far to carry my covered hot dish, and afforded me a smooth exit when the time came. She was still flying around making things ready and urged me to introduce myself to folks already there, which I did.
Jon had put on a power point 'show' of their trip to Ireland which was set to Irish music so I watched that from the living room. Another couple came in, a retired couple, the lady having worked with Jon years ago. They had also been to Ireland so could point out various features and landscapes. Nice, nice folks. They all were, in fact, very nice.
The table was laden with food, including Peggy's corned beef brisket which she told me last weekend would start being prepared on Wednesday. Wow! I found real mashed potatoes, plus my shepherd pie, homemade soda bread which was fabulous, and the brisket.
Later, Jon came to find me on the porch (yes, nice enough to sit outside!) to make sure I found things I liked. Guess I made an impression last weekend with my picky eating at the Wounded Warrior event. He said he knew I was not a big drinker but offered me an Irish coffee. I refused because I don't drink coffee. Ugh, I am the worst guest! Believe me, I managed last week and again last night to find enough to eat. In fact, I left without even having a green cupcake!
The whole lower level of the house, and the patio, was decorated for St. Patrick's Day, complete with a door wrap. Most festive! After chatting with folks on the patio, it was time to depart. I was home by 9:00 pm but I was not the first one to leave. They are gracious hosts with very pleasant guests, and I appreciated being included.
Fortunately, CSPAN was still carrying the CPAC programming (all those initials!!!) so I was able to catch a speech or two missed earlier in the day. I had missed part of Dr. Carson's speech when outside with my camera so caught it in full last night, plus a question/answer portion I somehow missed at the end. I do know how to have fun!
All day I was wondering how Justin and the guys were doing on Ron's move. At last, something was getting moved into the house! Justin told me today that he did some painting at the house besides helping with the move, this time doing the dining room. Evidently the lady of the house found the original color to be too green. Justin describes her as being the 'Lady Gaga of interior decorating'. This makes me laugh. He has said more than once that Sarah just needs to come over here and look around, so she gets an idea on what works, how things work together. She has troubles visualizing things, no 'picture eyes', like Justin has!
It was so good to see him come through the church doors this a.m. I have not seen him since Thursday night and wasn't sure he'd make it to church. But he did! He was tired from moving Ron's stuff, and from painting.
He is not sleeping all that well at his dad's house so his sleep is off. My guess is he will go to bed early tonight. Justin has to sleep one more night over there and then he is back home to get a good rest, and then ready things for our guests. Today, after lunch and spending some time here with me, he headed back to the house to help Sarah unpack boxes. Such a guy! If anyone knows how to pack a box and unpack them, it's Justin! And his mama!
I made sure to arrive at Peggy's right on time, being among the first to arrive. This ensured me a good place to park, not too far to carry my covered hot dish, and afforded me a smooth exit when the time came. She was still flying around making things ready and urged me to introduce myself to folks already there, which I did.
Jon had put on a power point 'show' of their trip to Ireland which was set to Irish music so I watched that from the living room. Another couple came in, a retired couple, the lady having worked with Jon years ago. They had also been to Ireland so could point out various features and landscapes. Nice, nice folks. They all were, in fact, very nice.
The table was laden with food, including Peggy's corned beef brisket which she told me last weekend would start being prepared on Wednesday. Wow! I found real mashed potatoes, plus my shepherd pie, homemade soda bread which was fabulous, and the brisket.
Later, Jon came to find me on the porch (yes, nice enough to sit outside!) to make sure I found things I liked. Guess I made an impression last weekend with my picky eating at the Wounded Warrior event. He said he knew I was not a big drinker but offered me an Irish coffee. I refused because I don't drink coffee. Ugh, I am the worst guest! Believe me, I managed last week and again last night to find enough to eat. In fact, I left without even having a green cupcake!
The whole lower level of the house, and the patio, was decorated for St. Patrick's Day, complete with a door wrap. Most festive! After chatting with folks on the patio, it was time to depart. I was home by 9:00 pm but I was not the first one to leave. They are gracious hosts with very pleasant guests, and I appreciated being included.
Fortunately, CSPAN was still carrying the CPAC programming (all those initials!!!) so I was able to catch a speech or two missed earlier in the day. I had missed part of Dr. Carson's speech when outside with my camera so caught it in full last night, plus a question/answer portion I somehow missed at the end. I do know how to have fun!
All day I was wondering how Justin and the guys were doing on Ron's move. At last, something was getting moved into the house! Justin told me today that he did some painting at the house besides helping with the move, this time doing the dining room. Evidently the lady of the house found the original color to be too green. Justin describes her as being the 'Lady Gaga of interior decorating'. This makes me laugh. He has said more than once that Sarah just needs to come over here and look around, so she gets an idea on what works, how things work together. She has troubles visualizing things, no 'picture eyes', like Justin has!
It was so good to see him come through the church doors this a.m. I have not seen him since Thursday night and wasn't sure he'd make it to church. But he did! He was tired from moving Ron's stuff, and from painting.
