Extended Table Nights
We had our first social dinner at home last night. Eight people. We even used the extension on our beloved ikea table. We were belatedly celebrating my mum's birthday (though i neglected to mention that) and sayig goodbye to my aunt Mary, visiting from England since last Monday. The house was clean. The kitchen didn't get that messy. The menu was a total hit. Conversation, as usual, was hearty and fun. I was encouraged by all parties to "please do this again soon".

I made gilthead bream (isn't that a funny name) in the oven on a layer of sliced potatos and cherry tomatoes, on olive oil and garlic. It's easy to prepare and you can combine the making with the following activities: put babs to nap / scrub bathroom entirely / dust house / put washing machine / hold two phone conversations / greet babs when he wakes up / have him follow you around thrilled with the noises coming out of the vacuum.

By the time all the guests arrived, including Pablo, Bruno was so excited he couldn't physichally finish his bottle. He was positively beaming, especially at my niece Marta and her friend Bea. He drummed on the table, pretended to run away from anyone who smiled at him, and cried with joy every six minutes or so. As Pablo said, in his perfect English, "he is full of beans".

By midnight everyone had gone home and we'd more or less cleaned up everything. I figure they're right, and we could do this again soon. Should you like to join our 'extended ikea table nights', please raise your hand at the comment area.