Some Buddy's Been Sleeping in My Bed...

And he's still there!!!!

So I have a house guest again tonight. :) Buddy is spending the night and I get to babysit him all day tomorrow.  I'll see if Buddy will help me take down my Christmas decorations tomorrow, or maybe we'll have another movie day.  With this beautiful weather, maybe he'll even let me take him for a long walk.  Last time he chickened out after only 5 mins because of his cold toes.  

My dinner party went very well tonight.  Everything turned out fabulously and I was very happy with how everything tasted. All the food was ready on time and everyone seemed to enjoy it.  What great company I had tonight.  They really are a wonderful group of people.  Two of the three teachers I invited were able to make it.  The one teacher brought his wife and 2 month old son with him and the other brought her husband.  They are both such amazing couples, not only the teachers I work with but their spouses as well.  Just all around easy to get along with and very kind people.  When I found out the other teacher was not going to be able to make it I quickly called up Olena to see if she would like to join us.  I was so happy when she said she could.  She was my "date" for the night. :) Everyone got along really well and it was a great night of conversation.  It's always nice to spend some time with the teachers I work with outside of school.  

Olena was fabulous as well, as she helped me clean up, wash dishes and serve coffee, tea and dessert to everyone.  She is always so helpful.  Since she has Ukrainian Christmas tomorrow I offered to watch Buddy.  I love having him around. It kind of makes me want a dog in my house.  I miss having Kea around, but I know he's better off at my parent's place.  So for now I just have to get my fix of Kea and Buddy whenever I can.

Company's coming!

Table set... check

Tomorrow I am hosting my first ever dinner party.  I have had potlucks and larger gatherings in my home several times since I first moved in but this will be the first time I cook dinner for more than 3 people.  I have invited three fellow teachers from my school and their husbands/wives for dinner.  I am excited and nervous for it but feel I am prepared and hope everything goes smoothly.  I have created a plan for myself as to what time different things need to get done.  With one small oven in my kitchen I need to plan accordingly so everything can get done and be ready to serve at the same time.  I also have a list of things I need to get done tomorrow morning/afternoon as well.  Groceries have all been purchased, aside from walking over to Harvest Bakery in the morning to pick up some fresh buns and I have everything I need tomorrow organized and accounted for.  I will post tomorrow or the next day to let you know how everything turned out.

Here's what's on the menu