Away Doldrums, Away...

I think it's very easy to get caught up in the stresses of day to day living.  Deadlines, paperwork, housework – all of them combine to form a smear of a day.  By the end of it, you're so exhausted, it's almost as if nothing happened at all.  Lately I've been feeling the Doldrums.  When this happens, I like to chase them away.  Of course, with the aid of my friends.

In an effort to stave off the slur of mundane stresses, we had a little get together.  Considering all the deadlines, it wasn't practical.  But I think that's why it made it all the more special.  So, we feasted!  A variety of cheeses were served, like goat gouda, brie, and goat cheese.  There were also strawberries with balsamic vinaigrette, mangoes in lime juice and chili peppers, pears tossed in a lemonade, chicken liver pate, caramelized onion and feta cheese filo puffs, figs, a roasted red pepper and artichoke tapenade, and stewed apricots served over goat cheese on a multigrain bread.  For dinner I made a curried chicken cooked with coconut milk, carrots, onions, and sweet peas, jasmine rice pilaf, and sauteed mushrooms.  Bukola and Carl brought over a delicious onion focaccia bread that was pillowy and soft (perfect for soaking up the curry broth).  Jen Tong brought over the cutest little beers that went nicely with the mango spears.  Gretta and Ope both brought over very tasty wines.  I also was reunited with my old roommate Kate and got to meet her significant other.  It was a really great night.  I wish I had taken more pictures.

It's important, I think, to take time, even if only a few hours, to remember friendship and celebrate life and living.