Lots of folks can live in a neighborhood and never know the people around them. Then there are those extraordinary ladies who no matter where they live can build connections and nourish relationships that make all our lives richer.
Our neighborhood "Luncheon Group" dates back to the seventies. The ladies usually numbering at least twelve meet eight or nine times a year from September through June. They take turns hosting the luncheons which are normally formal sit down affairs over two hours. They usually have three cooks to help the hostess and the rest of ladies get to enjoy their meal with finely polished silver and the best china. I'm not certain whether the meals are a reason for the china and silver or the china and silver create the need for the meals.
At one time I can remember that whenever we were scheduled for the luncheon group, there was some amount of getting the house ready. The flower beds had to be mulched, the door knobs polished, and everything else in a generally spotless condition.
Things are a little more relaxed these days, but smart husbands of the luncheon group ladies stay alert and follow instructions carefully in the days leading up to the event when you are fortunate enough to be the family hosting the event. I used to try to go out of town the day of the event, but I have found that being there for "unforeseen emergencies" can actually provide significant Brownie points. If you are lucky there can be leftovers which are always delicious and filling unless the ladies have decided to lunch on girlie chicken salad or something like that.
The ladies collect money for each meal, reimburse the cooks for their groceries, and manage to have a surplus each year that results in us having an exceptional end of the year feast with Fillet Mignon. Perhaps we should let them take over the US budget.
We're fortunate to live in a neighborhood with a fantastic group of ladies who keep us in line and in touch with each other, I hope the "luncheon group" ladies never stop "lunching."
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