Today we had a warmhearted get-together with Alan and Patience for lunch at #44. I am the "chef" this week, and, surprisingly, I actually took the time to prepare a meal for our guests, instead of picking up some ready-meals from the market. I must say that I enjoyed the preparation process, studying Cia's copy of The Joy of Cooking and doing things in a fairly careful, step-by-step sequence -- and I think my cooking was an overall success. We four had a fine time at the dinner table, talking and laughing and enjoying homemade club sandwiches and American potato salad. Of course, the big treat - for me - was Cia's plate of wonderful desserts, including her deeeeelicious lemon bars.

Later, young Alex came over to put the finishing touches on his small quilt, which he made under Cia's supervision. He seemed to be shining with pride as he showed me his quilt -- and it is a beauty. They're not sure what their next project will be, but I have a feeling they'll be getting started fairly soon. 

I finished reading Tara Brach's True Refuge today -- a brilliant and inspiring book about her therapeutic work with people dealing with suffering of many kinds, including severe trauma. She approaches her therapy from a Buddhist perspective, something that very much appeals to me, and she opened it up for me in many new ways. I may go back and re-read the entire book before long - it was that good for me.