Today, we hosted my sister-in-law, her daughter and her son-in-law for dinner. We haven't done much entertaining since cancer and COVID, so I had forgotten how special it feels to connect in person with people I care about—to update each other on what's happening in our respective lives, to swap stories, to share food prepared with love.

Entertaining is like cooking: the more you do it, the better you get at it. When Chris and I host family for a meal, we both participate in the preparations. Often, Chris will take charge of some elements of the menu while I focus on others. But once the guests arrive, Chris assumes responsibility for bringing the meal to fruition, getting it on the table, and cleaning up after each course. I get to chat with our guests. He gets to cook and serve. We make a good team.

This is a simple post to express gratitude for time spent in the company of loved ones and appreciation for family (especially husbands who cook and clean).