A Year of Gratitude - Day One Hundred Ninety-two

Day 192 - Macaroni & Cheese

As for most Americans, Macaroni & Cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods.  I’m among the luckiest who has a mom who makes it from scratch every time.  I think she made a “Four Cheese” sauce long before it was popular, and I have yet to try a version I like better.

Growing up, Mom would fix Macaroni & Cheese whenever one of us had dental or orthodontic work done, and couldn’t chew comfortably, which added a different level of “comfort” to the food.  Of course, she would make it at other times, too, and it was always a treat.  I was glad she taught me how to make it for myself.

Mom and I had been talking about inviting “The Boys” - a circle of friends I had met in Palm Springs over a year ago - to dinner so she could meet my friends.  I tried to schedule something a couple times earlier this year, but that ship never seemed ready to leave the harbor.  This time it came together easily, and though not all of the Boys could be there, many of them not only came over, but brought wonderful side dishes to share.  Blaine brought dessert: the most adorable “polar bear” cupcakes I’ve ever seen.  It was a lovely evening.

I have talked about the importance of my friends and my mom in my life, and tonight was a wonderful reminder of how big a part they play in my happiness.  Thank you all for sharing this evening with Mom and me.