The party on Sunday was fun. The house was full of people, ranging in age from baby to senior, and that’s not even counting those here in spirit. It was heart-warming to have so many people come over to celebrate with us. We had people from various parts of our lives, and it was fun to see them all in the house at the same time.

Kimberly prepared three delicious chocolate treats, using recipes from Maida Hetter. Chocolate cookies, brownies and mousse. For some reason, there were no left-overs. Imagine that. (I guess people had missed lunch or something.)

Luckily, Kimberly had prepared a second batch of the cookies, which were waiting in the freezer so she could bake them for her writing class on Tuesday. This has enabled me to avoid withdrawal symptoms as the smell of chocolate has faded from the house.

We were both so busy visiting and hosting that I don’t think we took any pictures. I know I didn’t. Our friend Paul Bestock, who I think may never be without his camera, was taking shots. But he uses film, so I can’t just download them and post them. You’ll have to use your imagination if you weren’t here.

Picture a house with a couple dozen interesting and caring people of all ages, hepped up on chocolate and good conversations, with a gaggle of small children running around. It was quite festive and busy. No wonder Sergei the cat found himself such a good hiding space that for a while we were worried he’d gotten out of the house. Even the lure of his favorite catsitter Auntie Lynne, shaking his favorite rattling toy mouse, could not coax him into view. Lyra, on the other hand, was working the room, sponging petting whereever she could find it, and cheerfully sitting on the arm of the chair next to the cat-allergic Dave. (They can always tell.) Later, after Dave had left, she contented herself with letting children pet her, which is quite a step for the previously quite skittish Lyra.

It was really touching to see so many great people, and feel their affection and support. Several were a complete surprise, in that I didn’t know they were planning on coming. That was great. It was a nice boost to see so many people so happy to see me looking well. It was a good reminder that, even if I don’t yet feel as well as I would like, that I really am doing pretty well, and I’ve come a long way. The last time some of these people saw me I was in a hospital bed! Remembering those visits really brought home what a lot I’ve been through. And my eyes weren’t the only ones getting a little moist thinking about that.

So, thanks everybody for coming, either physically or via vibe-o-sphere. It was a good party, and much, much nicer than Feb. 27th last year.