It has been a few months since we have been able to cook with our friends again, and it was great to catch up, and meet new people. Five months makes a difference - two new babies and one about to be. Ok, maybe that was all the difference, but some things are fine just the way they are, comfortable. 
Kristen decided on appetizers, and not just any old appetizers. No tired old chips & dip for this lady. Homemade rosemary flatbread (I will get the recipe and post it, promise!), hummus (in different flavors, no less), bruschetta, assorted cheeses, salad, and, of course, plenty of wine. Hey, what can I say, I have a tough time going anywhere now a days without a bottle of wine in my hands, and my friends feel the same way!
As if all this delicious food were not enough, we are surrounded by delightful women, and some new babies. It was definitely a great time. One of my favorite memories was suddenly becoming aware of the hum. Not a dull, depressing hum, but the vibrant, energetic hum of women talking, visiting, sharing themselves through food, laughter and love. As I looked around, all I saw was smiling, happy faces (I need to find that REM song, "Shiny, Happy People"). So, as I sipped a comforting Rioja (thank you Tessa, good choice), I drank in the moment, and my friends, and reminded myself how lucky I am.
