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!

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