"Gloria P" > wrote in message
...
>
> With fear and trepidation I got ready to attend a neighbor's party last
> night. F&T because my husband received the phone call invitation a couple
> of months ago and neither of us knew if it was a large bash or a small
> dinner party. (He didn't ask any questions, of course.)
>
> The first quandry was what to wear. The second, a hostess gift, was
> easier--Bailey's Irish Cream since it's so close to St. Patrick's day.
>
> We arrived to find the cul-de-sac filled with cars and the house filled
> with half neighbors, half strangers, many of whom sported green in some
> form.
>
> Our host welcomed us and led us to the kitchen where a bartender offered
> us a wide variety of drinks and an hors d'oeuvre bar. We circulated among
> he guests for ah hour, at which time a dinner buffet was announced.
> Delicious BBQ brisket, sliced roast turkey, a multi-veg cole slaw, potato
> salad, cruditees, and BARB'S GRADUATION BEANS!!!! When I first read her
> recipe I wasn't captivated, but man,those were some delicious beans!
> Dessert was a variety of squares--lemon, caramel brownie, carrot cake,
> butter cookies, etc.
>
> The best surprise--after dinner everyone gathered in the living room and
> connected dining room where the host handed out bound songbooks. There was
> a hired combo and friends playing to guitars, drums, clarinet, harmonica,
> with the host on the grand piano. Holy moley, they were good! They
> played a wide variety from WWII songs, Irish standards, 60s folk songs,
> show tunes, etc. for three hours. People loved it--hardly any of the 50+
> guests, ages 8-80 something, left early. Some of my neighbors have great
> voices (solo) and terrific stage presence. One guy, a Vermonter who always
> seemed very reserved and quiet, absolutely bloomed. He has a wonderful
> voice and looked so relaxed and happy.
>
> Evidently this is an annual tradition. The thing that makes this party
> more special is that the hostess is a double amputee in a wheelchair and
> has MS in addition. She is a cheerful, delightful lady. He is an
> attorney and retired judge. And their house is right out of a magazine,
> absolutely gorgeous with a wheelchair-accessible kitchen to die for.
> Now to write an appropriate thank-you note.
>
> gloria p

What a great surprise.

Good for them and good for you!

Dimitri