... and the lights came on!

I knew that something was up when I pulled up to Marie's house and saw bright orange extension cords snaking out the front door and across the street.

I then spied a neighbor, stealthily sneaking in a pan of baked tortilla shells.

The house was dark and quiet. Hmmmm. This is not like Marie's usual soiree's at all!

Well, she'd been patiently awaiting the power to come back on. But, no dice. No matter, we sat down in her comfortably cool dining room and started noshing on a shrimp ceviche that was sumptuous and lovely. The margaritas were strong and cold!

Mike shared wares from his new business - jewelry that we all eyed and of course wanted to put immediately around our necks. He also showed some original artwork that tempted - especially for those of us with some bare walls to fill!

Rachel and Jeannie had tales of woe as well regarding the power (or lack of ) at their house. But, they soldiered on through it like 250,000 other power customers out of luck. Gee, we do tend to take for granted those little things like the light coming on when we have to use the bathroom! And try checking your teeth for food particles in dim candlelight.

Alas! We just sat down at the beautifully set and candlelit dining room table when all of a sudden, we realized the power had come back on. We enjoyed some background music as we began. We were treated to Gazpacho to start out, and then Marie served those tortilla shells filled with a wonderful southwestern salad. After stuffing ourselves silly, Key Lime pie appeared magically on our plates. Man, what a nice refreshing dessert.

I got the biggest belly laugh of my life when somehow, we got on the topic of George W. Bush and the fact that he's an "artist". Jarby passed around pictures of his paintings and I couldn't help but guffaw at that. I'm still chuckling, in fact. Someone said ,"TMI!" And, yes, I have to agree.

It was interesting to try and talk about the book (Gulp, by Mary Roach) at certain moments. (Like when eating!) But, once you've read the book you become familiar with terms like "poop", mucosa, excrement, churning and acidic. Hah! The author was delightfully funny and also, I feel like I learned a few things I didn't know like what the heck is Fletchering? Well, now I know! I also feel a little more familiar with the cow's gut and I feel very endeared toward my own saliva.

Most of us were pleased to have read the book, although some fessed up to not having finished it. I wonder if they will "churn" through to the end?

Well, next time we return to a more standard format - and will be reading a fiction book chosen from a list Marie came across - "40 Books You Can't Put Down" or some such thing. We had read most of the top 10 until she read aloud "The Leftovers". It sounds interesting - a sort of Rapture occurs and the townspeople left have to cope. Tom Perrotta is the author. Jarby agreed to host the next gathering late July.

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon. Have a wonderful summer and I hope the power stays on!

Katie