Our hosts had so much to celebrate Saturday afternoon – Labor Day, a slightly belated birthday, the end of summer, a three-day weekend, good health and happiness – that they encouraged us to embrace them all without settling on a party theme.
This gave us ample opportunity to scarf down the goodies without the sometimes awkward preamble of candle blowing or toasts.
So we dug in, paying particularly close attention to a strawberry banana trifle so delicious I felt noble when I stopped at just two heaping helpings.
Fat apple and pear trees lined the driveway just begging to be picked, and an energetic group of little people happily obliged. The neighborhood’s founding couple held court, while some of my favorite people enjoyed the afternoon sun.
Granny Thelma looked as youthful and energetic as ever as she shared the swing with her great-great granddaughters Hailee and Laylah. At 86-years old Thelma still fishes a couple of times a week, cooks better than almost anyone, and relishes her role as the center of a giant family.
Like everyone, we live with an increasing appreciation for the fleeting nature of life. Leaves change, children grow and, eventually, your spoon scrapes the bottom of the trifle bowl.
That’s why it’s nice to sit back on a sunny Saturday and soak in the contagious joy inspired by a gathering of friends.
Thanks Laura! We’ll have to do it again soon – Vince needs more time to play with Hailee and Kendall! Plus I need to try Ameera’s trifle recipe!
…or you could just invite Ameera to all your parties.