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