Dinner at the Wellingtons'

Saturday July 26

Jean and Donald invited us, Susan, and Mike over for a summer pool party. We had tried this last Fourth of July, and got rained out completely. But this time, despite threatening skies, we succeeded in walking to the pool, getting our swim in, coming back to the house, getting dried off, and settling in the parlor with wine and cheese, hummus, flatbreads, and vegetable chips. Then Jean walked out onto the balcony to start the grill, and the skies opened and drenched her. She was unfazed, however, and a savory dinner was soon served at her perfectly-appointed, red-white-and-blue bedecked table.

There were chicken sausages: spinach and asiago, and smoked portobello, cleverly served with grilled slices of fresh mango. Jean also continued the patriotic theme with little red, white, and blue potatoes. A corn, peppers, and black bean salsa added a touch of Mexican spice.

Finally, there were peach and triple-berry pies from the Bluebird Bakery, with vanilla ice cream to go on top, and of course the house favorite, frango mints. We were so glad we had gotten in some exercise beforehand, because we unabashedly stuffed ourselves. So thanks again, Jean and Donald, and happy (belated) Fourth of July!