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 IMG_0241 IMG_0242 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 IMG_0243 and Martha Himmelfarb IMG_0244 before the celebrations could begin.

Michele IMG_0245 arrived first and was quite impressed by the bar IMG_0246 as Ken and Sandy IMG_0247 appeared in time for the hors de ouveres IMG_0248 served by our friendly waitress. IMG_0249 Meanwhile, back at the bar, drinks were coming IMG_0250 and Andrew IMG_0251 was enjoying his martini as Ginnie and Gerry IMG_0252 arrived in time for the vegetarian quesadilla IMG_0253 that photographed slightly better IMG_0254 with no flash. The skewered chicken IMG_0255 was a big hit except that no one knew what to do with the empty skewers.

Melissa made herself a cosmo IMG_0256 though there was some debate among those who watched IMG_0257 IMG_0258 about whether there was any alcohol in the drink.

As we were ready to sit down, someone took this picture of me IMG_0259 and then we were ready to assemble IMG_0260 for the first course IMG_0261 as the conversation amused people IMG_0262 IMG_0263 on both sides of the table even as we admired the glassware IMG_0264 set out. The shrimp cocktail IMG_0265 made Ken IMG_0266 think about asparagus IMG_0267 as the salmon IMG_0268 IMG_0269 chicken and rice IMG_0270 and ravioli IMG_0271 were served. Dessert IMG_0272 kept the conversation going IMG_0273 as cheese IMG_0274 and crackers (too light) IMG_0275 and crackers (too dark) IMG_0276 finished off the meal.

After the older generation left, Sarah's friends IMG_0277 and her IMG_0278 settled in to finish the food.