We had our oldest and formerly dearest Snow Belt friends over for dinner the other night. I say formerly dearest because although once we were very close, we have drifted apart over the past eight years. Lots happened to precipitate this: we moved 2,000 miles away for starters. Then they adopted two little girls from Romania, and our children were suddenly no longer the same age. (We had become friends when our sons were babies, almost 19 years ago.)

My friend L had cancer several years ago; I had a difficult time being as supportive as I should have from so far away, while I was dealing with some life changes of my own at the time. There were some difficulties at the church where we first met; the pastor ended up leaving under awful circumstances. As a member and elder, I voiced my feelings over the conflict, and they weren't completely well received by our friends.

When I went to Presbytery to meet with the Committee that would certify me ready to receive a call, however, she drove me. She created two completely breathtaking stoles for me, one was my ordination stole and one is my communion stole made of grapevine print fabric and embroidered with wheat stalks in silk ribbon. She is the crafty-creative mom my daughter should have gotten, I think.

The husband, B, was my husband's dearest friend, who taught him how to make musical instruments by hand. They are both geek types, and have shared so many interests over the years.

I was so excited that they were coming over! When I found out that Archie's family needed to re-schedule the Saturday even appointment for Sunday so we could plan the memorial, I sprang into action, running to the store to buy ingredients for what would be the new and improved menu. Gone was the pizza idea and in its place was Chicken and Wild Mushroom Ragout, risotto, asparagus, and strawberry shortcake. I spent 30 minutes peeling and chopping shallots, happy as a clam. I love to cook for people I care about, and I don't get to do it very often these days.

I was still at the stove finishing the risotto (it takes exactly 23 minutes of constant stirring, y'know)when they came. Fortunately they called when they were 15 minutes late to tell us that they hadn't left home yet, or dinner would have been ruined. Oh, well, what's an hour late among friends, right?

But as soon as they came in, the girls started complaining about the food, and asking what else we were having. Gee, I didn't remember them letting their boys act like that, but I tried to take it in stride. Then the youngest didn't like our dog, so we had to lock it up. (It's a miniature poodle, not very menacing, but I was trying to be agreeable.)

During dinner, they wanted to tell us all about their new hobby, Medieval Camping. OEH kept asking them humorous questions such as, "So, if you drive your minivan to the camp sight, is it still considered Medieval?" They used to find that kind of thing funny. Not any more, I guess.

As it was Saturday night, I needed to bring my A game the next day, so when I began cleanup at about 9:00, they left. When I went in to clean off the dining room table, I found that the oldest daughter had placed all of the dinner items she didn't wish to consume on the seat of her chair while were talking. The white linen chair is now decorated with the remains of mushrooms, aspragus, and a few strawberries.

I think next time we'll meet somewhere loud for pizza.