Comfort

Potlucks are my very favourite way to enjoy fellowship.  The hostess doesn't have the stress of making a big meal.  The guests feel they are contributing in a meaningful way.  The meal is casual and relaxed.  Everyone can try new tastes or stick with comfort food.

This weekend we had a potluck with a group of friends.  The food and company were wonderful.  There was a new family there, which got everybody asking questions and sharing stories afresh.

The very best part of the gathering for the kids was the critters.  Our hosts have 5 dogs, 4 cats, and 3 fish.  Almost a zoo!  Heaven for the Sprouts.

Now you would think that a house with that many critter family members would be chaotic and a bit odorous.  Au contraire!

The fish are obviously very quiet and stay put in their tank.  They are very soothing to sit and watch while adults get all excited about the assorted food being brought in and moms swap recipes.

Only one of the cats deigned to grace us with his presence, and he thinks he is a dog.

The dogs started the evening outside and were brought in slowly on or two at a time to allow them to get used to all the guests and settle down.  By the time we had all been there for an hour they were sprawled out on the living room floor or cosy with kids.  When the hosts moved from one room to another all five dogs heads were up to see where everyone important was going.

We went home to greet our pup and I was absolutely convinced that she needs company.  Not a pack of four more, but one more for sure.

Moments Matter

On really good days, I am done my daily supply teaching job in time to get home, gather the dog and walk down to meet the Sprouts at the bus.  Today I was teaching at Sprout 2's school in the afternoon.  This meant he came down to the classroom where I was working and we drove home together.

We were early enough to get the kettle full, turn it on and gear up.  Well bundled against our ridiculous wind chill we took the Dog to meet Sprout 1 as she piled off the bus.

Sprout 2 was a trouper about the wind in his face, not to be confused with the much more enjoyable wind in your hair.  And the Dog is working on off-leash walking, so we were loaded up with treats (aka behaviour bribes).

We met Sprout 1 just as she was headed down the road.  The Dog was thrilled to see one of his pack ahead.  But since there were treats involved, she waited to be told to go greet her person.  I was so proud of her.

On the way home we took turns calling her to come back to us (she loves to scout ahead to be sure its safe for the whole pack).  She really like this game as food was involved.

I had a moment of pure joy.  My kids are together, no bickering.  My dog is listening, no running off after deer.  And my husband is on his way home to join us.

Can it get much better than this?