September 26

Valerie's annual cookie party was tonight and as always, it was amazing.

She spoiled us all with a charcuterie board and crudite from a local shop, and spoiled us even more with a dinner menu that featured shrimp cocktail, smoked prime rib, potatoes (with dill, which took me way back to my childhood), and green beans. And then she super mega spoiled us with a mixed berry pavlova (which was delicious) and a chocolate fountain. And --get this-- she did all of the cooking herself. Even the pavlova. (And if you've ever worked with meringue, you know how temperamental it can be.)

I was a wee bit taken aback when, after the dinner dishes were cleared and I was innocently chatting away with Winnie and Julie, she handed me a microphone and led me to the opposite side of the yard where a karaoke machine sat waiting, but I played along and we delivered a rousing rendition of "All Star" by Smash Mouth. (And I was surprised to discover that I still knew most of the words.) We're a fairly introverted group --it took quite a while for Steph and Winnie to get up the gumption to sing "Love Shack" for us-- so I wasn't surprised that Valerie targeted me to join her for the first number; as she told me, she knew I'd do it. It's kind of nice to be thought of as The One Who Will Play Along.

So now it's late and I'm back home with my tin of cookies and my personalized kitchen towel (which Valerie apparently made, according to the little tag inside the bag), reflecting on the experience. It was, to be succinct, a wonderful evening filled with laughter and stories and fun with ladies I've known for a number of years now. So for the blessing of friendship and for the way Valerie loves on all of us so well every year, I am grateful.