The Family Meal

Since last Sunday evening's dinner with the guys, we have designated Thursday evenings to be "The Family Meal". We decided on Thursdays because the boys do not have school the next day, and the girls and I have minimal classes...plus, its Friday. Really, in our minds, the weekend has nearly just begun. This Thursday was extra special because we were celebrating Jake's 21st birthday (just a few days early).

Elizabeth and my Microbiology professor cancelled class for Friday and decided on his own that we would just have two hours of microbiology our very first class with him instead. I could not help but think this would NOT fly at Purdue. Students would have picked up and left, but the students in Ireland are so proper, polite, and conscientious of their professors (aside from the fact that they call their professors by their first names). Not one student said a word. No backpack zipping. No awkward movements. Only a few subtle rolling of the eyes. I have to admit, I was just about ready every five minutes after the first hour of teaching to just get up and leave. That last hour was spent asking, "Now, what would you say is a virus? ... A parasite? ... A bacteria?" Anybody? ... Anybody? .... Bueller? .... Bueller?" He seems to be pretty cool, it was just not conducive our schedules to spring on an extra hour of class this particular Thursday.

After that class, I ran to the grocery store with Elizabeth, and then home. On our way home, we spotted a little old lady jaywalking (very common here). We hear a SPLAT (she fell face down) in on-coming traffic. People on the sides of the street gasped, but just stood there. Elizabeth and I ran over to her to help her up. I felt like I was in the movie "Pleasantville". The lady was so cute repeating, "The old knee gave out. The old knee gave out. Bless you kindly. Bless you kindly." Luckily, the on-coming traffic swerved around her, so she was fine.

Finally, it was dinner time. The guys were just about due. Monica decided that it would be a good idea to take some of the roses from the backyard, place the petals on the floor, and create a trail of rose petals from the door to the dinner table. It was so romantic ... :)

The beautiful rose petals Monica trailed to the dinner table.

The beautifully decorated tables.

Jeanine made two amazing stews both made with Guinness. I have never tasted such flavorful stews before, one made with beef and the other with lamb. We decided to tell the boys they must try both. However, we omitted the fact that one pot had lamb in it. I was certain that the boys might be disgusted knowing they were eating lamb, but later told us that they all loved lamb. It was my first time eating it, and it was really good actually.

The two pots of stew. The pot on the left is the one made with lamb.

Irish soda bread! It was so delicious .... I could have eaten just that for my meal.

Derrick and Adam waiting for supper.

Jake and Joe waiting for supper.

Brian and I taking pictures of people waiting for supper:)

Now a photo without the blocking camera.

And Mealtime! We have been interrogating the boys since Thursday night as to what they will make us for our next "family meal". After we tallied up the amount of money spent on the meal, Elizabeth said to Adam, "You guys should make us steaks for our dinner!" We are very curious for Thursday ...

Elizabeth, Jeanine, and Joe probably starving at this point.

Brian, Derrick, and Jake (the birthday boy) also probably starving.

Monica, me, and Adam.

PLEASE NOTE: WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE/READ IS NOT MEANT FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH SENSITIVE STOMACHS. VIEWER/READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

A random bit of the my Friday for you. Upon waking to start a pot of hot water, I looked over to the stove only to see what looked like little hands soaking in a pot of water. My roommates and I believe that this is merely a part of Chinese culture. Now, we love our roommate Linda, and are learning more about the culture as each day transpires. However, I can honestly say I have NEVER seen nor heard of any meal that is made with what I assume to be chicken feet. Excuse me while I partake in a moment of indescribable culture shock.

It was just too unusual not to write about. More to come ...