It was getting down to the home stretch and so I had to do a few final aspects of my old job such as getting photographs of this paperweight that has been on my desk since Perry brought it back. But I also had a few tasks of the new job like meeting with Ravi Bhatt and Martha Himmelfarb before the celebrations could begin.

Michele arrived first and was quite impressed by the bar as Ken and Sandy appeared in time for the hors de ouveres served by our friendly waitress. Meanwhile, back at the bar, drinks were coming and Andrew was enjoying his martini as Ginnie and Gerry arrived in time for the vegetarian quesadilla that photographed slightly better with no flash. The skewered chicken was a big hit except that no one knew what to do with the empty skewers.

Melissa made herself a cosmo though there was some debate among those who watched about whether there was any alcohol in the drink.

As we were ready to sit down, someone took this picture of me and then we were ready to assemble for the first course as the conversation amused people on both sides of the table even as we admired the glassware set out. The shrimp cocktail made Ken think about asparagus as the salmon chicken and rice and ravioli were served. Dessert kept the conversation going as cheese and crackers (too light) and crackers (too dark) finished off the meal.

After the older generation left, Sarah's friends and her settled in to finish the food.