Food..a post of it's own.. plus

Pretty much my oldest friend, Ruthie, Ruth I guess is more grown up, who I went to Nursing school with is now a chef.  She was head of the test kitchen at Gourmet magazine until it closed several weeks ago.  Anyway, Ruth catered my party and I have to say there was probably enough to feed 200 people.  I must share the menu:  Dill Lox sandwiches on marble rye, Red Pepper, White Bean and Arugula (Vegan), Walnut Honey Cream Cheese on Raisin Bread, Pimento Olive Wraps, Turkey with Mustard Butter, Tuna and Pesto sandwiches, Curried Chicken Sandwiches.  Of course there were also cheeses,  fruit and pita chips, Baba Ganoosh, Hummus and Red Pepper Cheese Spread.    Did I forget to mention desserts like Texas Brownies (my personal favorite), Lemon Shortbread Bars, Ginger Chewies and Chockful Blondies.

I need to tell you that my friend Lin who I went to visit on my most extraordinary trip ever, to Kenya, in 1988, went above and beyond in having this party at her home.  Lin is dealing with a terrible tragedy in her life and yet opened her door through her love.

Vying to host were Lee and Lucy old friends who have been my support thru my own tragedies, never abandoning me and sharing this joy with totally open arms.  As I write this blog I am thinking, is this me who is so cared about?  How did this happen....

I'm leaving New York..

From 3 to 9pm about 60 people arrived to celebrate the fact that I am leaving New York and going off on an adventure.  It was quite wonderful.  Around 3:10 when no one had arrived I asked my friends who were making me the party if they ever gave a party that no one  came to.  I actually did once give a party with a roommate that no one came to but not this party.. they came, so many wonderful people who want to  share my excitement and joy at taking my life in a new direction, sharing it with many new people and having a chance to give whatever I can.  I felt so fortunate.  It's strange to me how many people think I'm brave or adventurous or other things.  I just feel I am doing what I always wanted to finally.  It was hard to kiss and hold my wonderful grandkids and say goodbye but sort of great to know of their genuine love for me.  I gave them all a small pendant of the peace sign which I wear too so we would be connected.  Tomorrow I'll be off to Boston for a 3 week transition before leaving on Dec. 5.