Tonight was Pop’s 80th birthday. Everyone came over and there was a plethora of food. Too much food. Why can I not ever gage how much food a big meal really needs? We sent food home with people for their dinners throughout the week, and I still have so much food leftover it’s disgusting.
And of course, as always, the night before the big dinner, I decide that I’m going to be short and we need MORE food, so I added a dessert, and 2 appetizers.
Blech. We were all sick by the time we left the table.
It was a good time. It was a really good time. I was concerned as to how it would go. There is such a vast political spectrum in my husband’s family, from the staunch right wing conservative who believes and votes for all of it… always has… always will… never questions, to the staunch left wing liberal… who is so left wing that I wonder if they are secretly members of a Socialist party somewhere.
And I was concerned because in this day and age, rarely do you see both political factions co-exist peacefully, let alone with the vast extremists I was having in my home. With things so politically charged, with both parties acting like “You have to believe MY WAY to be an American”, I was nervous and anxious.
But, it was not only very peaceful, it was pleasant and fun. Politics NEVER came up and I had already decided in my head that no matter what foolishness was said on either side, that I would not take the bait. I would not voice my opinion. It is mine after all, and mine to choose to share… or not share.
And I had decided that if things were getting testy, that it was MY home and I would stand up and tell them ‘no politics’ or I would show them the door.
I was pleasantly surprised. It was family. Everyone had a GREAT time. My boys played with their uncles. They latched on hugging their aunts. We ate, we laughed, we joked, and we reminisced.
It was good. If there was one thing I would do differently; however, I would cook less food!
Hip Hip Hurray... and the weather was even on your side. ;-)
Posted by: vw bug at October 17, 2005 07:40 AMToo much food? I'm not sure that's possible. Ever.
Posted by: Ogre at October 17, 2005 07:41 AMSounds like my house. Mom cooks until the table is bowing under the load factor. I keep quiet about politics since I am the resident radical. Glad it went well.
Posted by: Randall at October 17, 2005 09:27 AMSounds perfect! Even the left-overs part. Mmmmm. And it's very sweet that your hubby is starting to share the family recipes withe the boys. I love that!
Posted by: Marie at October 17, 2005 03:38 PM