making notes

I think it is important to know the likes and dislikes of your guests, before they arrive.
Not always possible, but worth looking into.
I just like to be prepared.

One group of friends seems to inhale sparkling cider
another not so much, but loves coffee, lots of coffee.

There are some things you cannot predict or even prepare for
and
that is what is calling me to write tonight.

In brief
August is the month I try to catch up on hospitality.
Last Wednesday I had a brunch on the patio. It was a beautiful day and I had sunglasses and sunscreen on hand.  
What I was not prepared for:   bees.   One of them seemed to really like Martha and "ouch". But she did not complain.   And no one else was attacked.   
Hubby is now on pest control.  

This week,  the weather was wet. My brunch group were seated around my dining room table. 
What I was not prepared for:  chair with a weak frame.  Betty was simply trying to scoot away from the table so she could hand little one back to his Mama, but the chair legs did not move. Just the back of her chair "leaned back" with her and little one going down..   I was right there to grab crying little one and other ladies rushed to help Betty get up and onto a new sturdy chair.  Betty was all smiles. Little one settled down
Hubby took care of that bad Chair. Naughty chair !  Into the garbage for him !   

Notes completed.
I don't think I will forget this August, but just in case, it is now documented !

I do have plans for another brunch...but, think I will wait until September. 


( no photos.... for obvious reasons... do you have a mental picture?)



I live an exciting life.  

Festival of Lights 

They are celebrating in the mall   

These are the ladies that danced...

and free Henna 

But the big event for us, was the invitation to our neighbors to celebrate the
                                          Festival of Lights

Food...lots of food....good and yummy food and very gracious people.

The meal starts with dessert  ( on the left )
It is their way of adding sweetness to  the evening
Starting and ending with sweets.

Chicken, cashews, rice and mint...
They prefer spicy food.  Stronger than served in American food.
Tonight's entree was delicious

"We eat with out hands"
And he did..  and I did
Then   the crepes
dipped in coconut sauce 
and then...

Snacks..crisp..

The final course
Sweet and delicious   

We also learned about India. 
English is taught in all the schools and in college the classes are all taught in English.  British English.  So in the business world, the language is English.  Also, college education  costs less in India, much less.
There is great respect for family members, and friends. You do not call anyone older than yourself by their first name.  So, I am aunt to our host and hostess and Grandma to their little one.

Our host and hostess spoke very easily with us and we had a very special time 

Anticipating more opportunity to learn about our neighbors and appreciate our differences.



I live an exciting life