Nothing Like It......

.....the friendship and support of women, that is.

Last evening was shared with a small group of lovely women.  We're all different ages, spanning almost twenty years.  Some of us are related.  There's a long-time friend and a brand new friend and a friend who was with us in spirit.  She was most definitely missed.

I love to prepare food for this great little group of ours and, bless their hearts, my friends are such good sports.  They're always willing to try new recipes, even the truly alternative kind.

It's really never about the food though.  Well, the food is nice, but this group of women is special.  They're genuine.  And they're supportive.  They listen and they share.  There's never any cattiness and always lots of laughter.

There's talk of children (mostly grown) and hobbies (knitting's a popular one), and the never-ending quest for good health.  We discuss our pets, our jobs, and the newest tips and ideas we've read.  And through it all there's a spirit of encouragement.  You know the kind I'm talking about, the honest-to-goodness I'm really happy for you and I'm going to cheer you on kind of encouragement.  There's really nothing like it.  The friendship and support of women, that is.

 The Menu

Curried Carrot Soup by Martha Stewart

(suggested on Soule Mama's kitchen post)

Baked Pita Chips

White Bean and Red Pepper Spread

(Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites Cookbook)

Visit their site for many free recipes.

Raw Carrot and Beet Salad

(courtesy of my sister)