LUNCH ..... with old friends ..........

We went for lunch with friends that we have known for some thirty odd years. There were six of us. 

We had lasagne, we chatted, we touched on Brexit, knife crime and Shamima Begum, the Michael Jackson documentary ' Leaving Neverland ', the new Richard Gere series MotherFatherSon, our children, grandchildren, our homes and gardens, but mostly laughed about old times.

 I took my hostess a Muehlenbeckia ... my plant of the moment .... it should get bigger .....

..... like mine ! ..... in return, I received .....

..... a belated birthday present of two picture frames ! How lovely was that ?

We ooohhed and aahhhed over their kitchen and the rest of their beautiful home and then .....

.....  we drove home in the pouring rain !

XXXX

image 1: via flickr, image 2: via pinterest, image 3: via sarah raven, images 4, 5 & 6: via me, image 7: via international photo awards

BY INVITATION ..... UNITY ..........

This month, our By Invitation subject is Unity .....

For me, the first thought that came to mind was unifying around the table .....

I am lucky that our children and grandchildren live close enough for regular gatherings and, even though other members of my family are a little further afield, we do meet up and food is a major part of the proceedings !

Sitting around the table with the people you love the most has many physical and emotional benefits and, the added bonus is that it involves delicious food and drink !!

Unity around the table brings all ages together where we can share our news and emotions, catch up, relieve stress and keep our friendships strong. 

Sharing a meal is universal, allowing us to discuss how our day has been, sharing a bit of gossip over pasta and a glass of wine with friends ..... to break bread suggests communication and dialogue.

I admit that I am guilty of being lazy and not inviting our friends over enough so, let 2018 be the year of more dinner parties, get togethers and lunches with friends and family and to unite more with those closest to us.

Unity chez moi !!!

For more on our By Invitation January theme on Unity, pop over to Wolfie's blog Daily Plate of Crazy 

XXXX

image 1: via gottman, image 2: via jillcookshere, image 3: via bread and olives