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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Summer ReRun On A Winter's Day

Remember when Sunday afternoon meant a leisurely dinner with extended family? In our house, it was usually leg of lamb studded with garlic, which roasted in the oven while we were at church.

I'm not as organized as my Mom was, but we often host family -- especially my father -- on Sundays.

But this Sunday I'll be spending a lot of time at the hospital, where my Dad was admitted for pneumonia yesterday. He's doing well, and when he's recovered, he'll be back at That Old House for his favorite Sunday dinners again.

Just like last summer . . . .

Join me for a trip down memory lane, courtesy of the Sunday Favorites blog party (links at end!).

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(August 2009)

Mmmmm . . . summer.


My 89-year old father has Parkinson's Disease, and last month was hospitalized with pneumonia. He was very weak afterward. I promised him that as soon as he was able to walk down the stone steps from our driveway to our house, he'd come for dinner.


He loves to visit, and he loves my cooking, so he worked hard to get better.

On Sunday, he was ready!

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As I prepared for my Dad, my sister, and brother-in-law, to come for dinner on Sunday -- a meal of
seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits, grilled chicken, and whole grains -- I took pictures:


I had planned to continue taking pictures -- of the finished food, the set table, the (hopefully) smiling guests -- but when my Dad and his entourage arrived, there were three extra people with them, and I had to switch gears from Dinner for Five, to Dinner for Eight.

Quick addition of place settings, removal of salad bowls and votive candles to make more room, another cup of brown rice popped into the microwave -- all done so the guests wouldn't notice it happening -- and a whisper to Howard to take only one small grilled chicken cutlet, or risk getting kicked under the table!

There went my plans to carefully record A Summer Supper in pictures.

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We had a lovely time. I thoroughly enjoyed squashing in three more people, especially my lovely nieces and a boyfriend, and as usually happens when your house spreads its arms and hugs a few more people, there was plenty of food. I have leftovers in the refrigerator . . . even some leftover chicken!

I think of it as the Loaves and Fishes effect.
He always provides. -- Cass

Quiz: In the Mosaic, can you spot Howard doing the most romantic thing a husband can do? Ladies, teach this to your sons!

Join Chari at Happy To Design for more Sunday Favorites stories! Click the logo!





18 comments:

  1. ha ha! i have been known to give a little
    kick when i was surprised by extra guests.

    sounds like a lovely meal.

    blessings,
    lea

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  2. Honey prayers are coming for your Daddy...Cass I'm here if you need me...Please feel free to email my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria ps you Daddy will be up those stairs in no time girl...wait and see...

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  3. Beautiful color to my eyes Your photos are so good, the pepper looked good enough to bite!

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  4. LOL! Surprises like that can really throw the one cooking dinner for a loop! College Son did that to us a couple of weeks ago when he popped in and brought 5 of his friends with him! Had to send hubby running to the grocery store for another package of meat (I was making sloppy joes, so it didn't take long to prepare) and another jug of milk.

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  5. Hi Cass!

    Your dad will be in my prayers for a quick recovery!

    All those wonderful fresh ingredients look so fantastic! I am so looking forward to fresh veggies!

    Hope your day goes greatfor you and your family tomorrow (Sunday)!

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  6. In truth, I'm better at 'rising to the occasion' than having everything perfectly planned, so I never mind a few extra bodies at the table/party.
    I hope your dad strengthens and heals and is up and about soon.

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  7. I hope your father is feeling better very soon!

    And how wonderful that you can spend time sharing your beautiful home and wonderful food with family!

    And the picture of your husband vacuuming made me smile. I have a "romantic" husband too!

    Kat :)

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  8. Yep! I spy Howard. Fisherhubby does that here too - - - just not often enough!

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  9. Sorry to hear your Father ended up back in the hospital.
    I remember this post. I have always been able to throw a little extra in the pot for unexpected guests.
    Enjoy your weekend.

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  10. Love the mosaic. Gotta laugh when I spotted hubby!!

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  11. Cass,

    What wonderful pictures and what a wonderful mosaic...And the pepper!!!

    I love a man who vacuums (and cooks and does laundry)

    Hope your Dad is better.

    Carol

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  12. Such a cute story and I hope your dad recovers soon.

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  13. Hi Cass,
    I spy a man with a vacuum cleaner! My DH does that job around here too.
    Your mosaic is wonderful,it really tells a story.
    All best wishes to your Dad for a sppedy recovery.
    ~Maggie~

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  14. Cass, my thoughts and prayers to your dad for a speedy recovery. My 88 year old mother just fell and fractured her clavicle but is doing great.
    All the fresh ingredients make me wish more than ever for warm weather!

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  15. Hello sweet friend...

    Ohhh no...I'm so sorry to hear that your Dad is in the hospital with pneumonia! Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers his way, my friend!!!

    Cass, you are certainly the most gracious and talented hostess!!! Your Sunday dinner sounded like it was a huge hit with all your company!!! The menu sounded divine! Loved your pretty photo mosaic and Girl, you are absolutely right about a husband vacuuming...pretty sexy!!! Hehe! Thank you so much for sharing this sweet post with us today for Sunday Favorites...what a treat! I hope that your Dad recovers quickly and will be back at your Sunday dinner table!!!

    Have a super Sunday, Darlin'!
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  16. Cass, your father and family will be in my prayers- keep us posted when you can.
    And tell Howard, I have always said, a man is at his sexiest when he's in the kitchen or vacuuming!
    xoxo Pattie

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  17. Great story! We still try to have Sunday dinner but your beginning with the leg of lamb took me back to my childhood and my mom's Sunday dinners where she almost always extended the table to someone at church who she thought needed to be invited to join us. Lamb must have been cheaper then. I hope your dad does well.
    My father used to say "FHB" (Family Hold Back) when we weren't sure if there was enough food to go around for everyone at the table!

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  18. Well my Sunday dinner is in the oven right now..my son came over and we are having pot roast! I've got one son who is sick with a stomach bug..so don't think he be eating...your mosaic looks so good with that clove of garlic! Yellow bell peppers are one of my favs! So glad your Dad is recovering!

    Miss Bloomers

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