Family Dinner Party

 

A last minute opportunity arose to host a small dinner party tomorrow night. As I was setting the table I had a funny thought about “Downton Abbey” . The thought was how I was about to set the

table improperly. I guess I could google what the line up for wine, champagne and water glasses should be and the placement of the silverware. Of course I’m joking. Just having fun doing my thing. Love to host a party!

 

 

 So the dinner party was wonderful last night. As I mentioned it was last minute. My late cousin Nancy's daughter Mariko texted me that she was going to be at an event on Saturday (yesterday) in Long Beach and asked would I be free to have dinner. It’s so rare that I get to see her and I responded immediately that I would love to get together but instead of going out I wanted her and her boyfriend Aaron to come to our house for dinner. This was a very special get together as I have not seen Mariko since her mother’s celebration of life earlier this year. I told Mike I wanted the menu to be comfort food and a meal that would remind Mariko of family. I served bbq’d chicken teriyaki, potato salad, broccoli with a sesame mayo dressing, honey mint carrots, picked ginger,takuan (pickled Japanese daikon radish), pickled spicy cucumbers made by my sister) and steamed rice. 

 

 

 My sister Jocelyn brought a delicious tres leches cake. 

 

 

 

 But more than the food it was so wonderful to be together with this spirited young couple. They are leaving next week for an adventure to explore southern Italy which will include Puglia,Basicata, and onto Sicily (Aaron’s maternal and paternal ancestors are from Sicily and Naples). Two years ago Mariko and Aaron went to Japan to see the land of her ancestors. Now they will experience Aaron’s family roots. This is his first trip to Italy. Something interesting happened before the dinner. Mariko said she looked down and saw a huge butterfly struggling so she gently picked it up and it stayed on her hand for a long while. The butterfly rested with her and then Mariko was able to set it free safely outside. She texted her friend a picture and her friend sent her a message that said some believe these butterflies represent transformation of souls who have passed on. 

 

 

 

Mariko told us this story at dinner and said “so I think Mom wanted to come along with us tonight to your house!” I believe that too because last night my cousin Pati in Vermont sent me a photo. Pati did not know I was hosting a dinner with Mariko but she said look what just popped up on my phone. It was a picture of Nancy and me.

 

 

 

 Indeed I think Nancy joined us for our dinner party last night!