Country Dining

When you say you're going to dinner, what time of day do most of your friends think you'll be eating?

When you call someone on the phone and he tells you he's eating supper, what time of day is it?

And what about lunch, brunch, and tea?

Hmmm....

Yesterday I enjoyed a wonderful birthday meal with an old friend and a new friend.  My old 91-year-old friend had found a new 31-year-old friend and they wanted me to fit in with their group, which I did nicely.  I not only fit in because we all enjoy the same things, I fit in numerically, because I'm 61.

31 ... 61 ... 91 ...  And we're all country women, we all enjoy living a successful country life, and we can all learn from each other.  It was a great meal and a great visit!  But I almost missed it.

The 31-year-old is new to country living; only been out here about 3 years.  And when she set up the meeting she said she would bring the main course for dinner.  To country folks, especially older generation country folks, dinner is served as the noon time meal.  

When the men come in from the fields and the work day is done (more or less), the family eats supper.

Since I had plans for the evening yesterday (the annual Sunday school bonfire, which is always a great time), I was thrilled that we would be having our birthday meal at noon time, so I could make both events.  

However, on Thursday my old friend called and said there had been a misunderstanding.  Our new friend had intended us to have an evening meal together, not a noon meal.  Could I make the evening meal?  I reminded her that I had a bonfire to attend, but they should have a great time without me, and maybe I could stop by on my way to or from the inferno?

My country women friends were so gracious, though, and re-planned the whole thing so we could have dinner (some might say lunch) together and it was terrific!  Our new friend made lasagna, brought a birthday cake, and two bottles of wine to enjoy with the pasta.  

I like her style!  Wine with pasta is always a treat, whether it's for dinner, lunch, supper, or somewhere in between.  And she's a refreshing, energetic young woman who brings a spark to our group.  And, just when I think I'm finally beginning to look my age, she tells me I have beautiful skin and she can't believe I'm 61!

I think we're all going to get along just fine ... especially now that we all know when we're going to eat.

Blessings,

Katrinka